Introductory Remarks

Dearly Beloved, we are assembled here in the presence of God to join this man and this woman in holy marriage. Marriage is one of the oldest and most sacred institutions of God. It was established in the garden of Eden, graced by the personal presence of Christ at Cana of Galilee, likened by the Apostle Paul to the mystical union which exists between Christ and the Church, and is declared in Holy Scripture to be honorable before all men.

Our Savior has declared that a man shall forsake his father and mother and cleave unto his wife. By His eternal Word, He has instructed those who enter into this relation to cherish a mutual esteem and love; to bear with each other's infirmities and weaknesses; to comfort each other in sickness, trouble, and sorrow; in honesty and industry to provide for each other in the things which pertain to God; and, to live together as the heirs of the grace of life.

Giving away of Bride

Pastor -- Who giveth this woman in marriage?

The one giving away the bride replies

Ceremony

Listen to the words of Holy Scripture as recorded in Ephesians chapter five, verse twenty-two through thirty- three.

Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. ²⁴ But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; ²⁶ that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷ that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless. ²⁸ So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; ²⁹ for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, ³⁰ because we are members of His body. ³¹ For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. ³² This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. ³³ Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband. (NASB)

Forasmuch as these two persons have come hither to be made one in this holy estate, if there be any here present who knows any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined in marriage, I require him now to make it known or ever after hold his peace.

I charge both of you, before God, the Searcher of all hearts, and before the Lord Jesus Christ, who shed His precious blood to redeem you from all sin, that if either of you know any impediment why you may not lawfully be joined together in marriage, you do now confess it. For, be well assured that, if any persons are joined together otherwise than as God's Word allows, their union is not blessed by Him.

Prayer

Wedding Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, do you take ___________ whom you hold by the hand to be your lawfully wedded wife, and do you covenant to be true to her, to love, cherish, and protect her, in sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, until death do you part?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, do you take ___________ whom you hold by the hand to be your lawfully wedded husband, covenanting to be true to him, to love, cherish, and honor him, in sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, until death do you part?

Bride -- I do.

Ring Vows

Pastor: What token do you give in pledge that you will faithfully perform these vows?

(Ring silently passed to the officiating minister.)

Pastor -- May this ring henceforth be the chaste and changeless symbol of your evermore pure and unending affection.

(Officiating minister passes the ring to the groom who places it on the finger of the bride.)

Pronouncement

Pastor -- As a minister of the gospel, and by the authority invested in me by the State of __________, I pronounce you to be to each other, husband and wife. Whom therefore God hath joined together, let no man put assunder.

Prayer of Commitment and Benediction

Embrace

Introduction of Bride and Groom

May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. __________.

Recessional