Sample Ceremony

This is the most common ceremony I perform, it's fairly short and can be lengthened with additional readings if the couple desires. The couple is more than welcome to change anything they would like about the ceremony.

(Groom and Best Man stand with Minister. Bride and Bridesmaids enter. Service begins with gathering words.)

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnessed, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God. It is, therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God.

Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined. If anyone can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let them now speak, or else hereafter, forever hold their peace.

Let us pray.

We do not seek your presence, but rather acknowledge it, God. You have declared in Jesus that you are present when we gather together. We affirm that you are among us. Help us to be conscious of your activity as we worship. Let your special blessing be upon (Groom) and (Bride) as they renew their covenant with one another.

(Blessing for a Marriage)

(Charge to Couple)

I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with God's word, you do now confess it.

(Presentation of the Bride)

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

(Father, or person representing the Bride, steps forward. The person answers "I do," or "Her mother and I".

(Exchange of Vows)

I, Groom, take thee, Bride, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto, I pledge thee my faith.

I, Bride, take thee, Groom, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto, I pledge thee my faith.

(Blessing and Presentation of the rings)

Let us pray.

Bless, O Lord, the giving of these rings that they who wear them may live in your peace and continue in your favor all the days of their lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Whoever has the rings, give them to the Groom and Bride.)

(Groom)-This ring I give you in token of my faithfulness and love and as a pledge to honor you with my whole being and to share with you my worldly goods. (Place ring on Bride's finger.)

Woman repeats the same.

Now that Groom and Bride have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with joining of hands and the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder. Amen.

You may kiss your Bride!