Ceremonies
Ceremony:
Actual Wedding Ceremony Language -Traditional-
We have come today at the invitation of ______________ and ______________ to share in the joy of their wedding. This outward celebration is an expression of the inner love and devotion they have in their hearts for each other.
Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
Wedding vows are not only a declaration of present love — they are a mutually binding promise of future love. Today, we share in the celebrated anticipation of your life together as husband and wife.
Scripture has some beautiful descriptives of love that, when molded into our lives, create a quality of relationship that has perfection written all over it. Because the Bible tells us, that God himself is love, think of the personality behind true love when described like this in Scripture:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Learning to love each other and to live together in harmony is one of the greatest challenges of married life. Marriage is not to be entered into lightly, and we are to hold it in high honor at all times.
_____________ and _____________, I charge you both as you stand in the presence of God and these witnesses, to remember that love, trust, and loyalty are the foundation of a happy and enduring marriage. No vows are more sacred than those you are about to make. If these vows are kept unbroken, and as you endeavor to do the will of the Heavenly Father, your lives together will be full of joy and love.
Ring Ceremony
May I have the rings please?
These rings are symbols of eternity and the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and has no end. Today you have chosen to exchange rings as a sign of your love for each other, and as a seal of the promises you make this day. We ask that God bless these rings and the union of your souls.
____________, as you place this ring on ____________’s finger repeat after me:
Just as this ring/ encircles your finger/ so does my love/ encircle your heart/ May this ring/ forever be a symbol/ of my love/ that will never depart. With this ring/ I thee wed.
____________, as you place this ring on ____________’s finger repeat after me:
Just as this ring/ encircles your finger/ so does my love/ encircle your heart/ May this ring/ forever be a symbol/ of my love/ that will never depart. With this ring/ I thee wed.
Traditional Wedding Ceremony Remarks
Your marriage and life together is for loving, learning, smiling, caring, laughing, hugging, helping, and healing. Add it all together and you have created, sharing.
Quite possibly the most important active ingredient of love is sharing. As you share the deepest most intimate parts of yourself and your hearts with each other, you will continue to grow as each other’s best friend. Always Remember: Love is content with the present, it hopes for the future, and does not brood over the past.
Challenge to the Bride and Groom:
___________ and ___________, may your love never fade. May you never take each other for granted. And as you walk through the years, may you be found hand in hand, still thanking God for each other. Never forget to treat each other with tenderness, kindness, and respect. And remind yourselves often of what drew you together in the first place.
Pronouncement:
____________ and ____________, you have consented together in holy matrimony before God and these witnesses, have pledged your vows to each other, and have exchanged rings as tokens of your love and commitment to each other. In accordance with the laws of the State of California, and with the authority of God’s Word, it is with great joy I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Now Bow Your Heads and Receive Your Blessing:
The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face to shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
May the Lord’s Blessings be upon you and your household always—Amen.
YOU MAY SEAL YOUR VOWS WITH A KISS!
Traditional Ceremony - Intro
Contemporary I - Intro
Contemporary II - Intro
A wedding is the celebration of the miracle of love. ________ and ________, today, in the presence of God, we celebrate this miracle in your lives.
Here are some wonderful words that define the true meaning of love.
Love is patient and kind; Love is not jealous or boastful;
Love is not arrogant or rude; Love does not insist on its own way; Love does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices with the right.