Christian Feet Washing Wedding Ceremony Script with Bible Reading

PROCESSIONAL

• Beginning of the Wedding Ceremony.
• GUESTS ARE SEATED FOLLOWED BY THE ENTRANCE OF THE BRIDAL PARTY.

welcome & INVOCATIOn

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments.

We are here to give recognition to the beauty of love that is shared between [PARTNER B] and [PARTNER A] as they complete their family in holy matrimony.

Marriage is a contract not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities. 

If any one can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

OPENING PRAYER

OFFICIANT 

Heavenly Father, as we begin, we humbly bow before you today praising You, Lord, and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we ask for your blessings upon [PARTNER B] and [PARTNER A] as we celebrate this momentous occasion in their lives. Grant them happiness and contentment, as their two lives become one, as they begin their new family under your protection and unending love.

Bless their families and friends and the relationships, which have supported, strengthened and sustained them throughout their lives. Bless their home as a place of love and of peace.

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen."

• Reception answers, "Amen."

Officiant to the Couple

[PARTNER A] & [PARTNER B] , if it is your desire to take the vows which will legally unite you at this time, please respond, 'It is.'

COUPLE TO THE OFFICIANT

It is.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

Do you, [PARTNER A], take [PARTNER B] to be your lawfully wedded (wife / husband / spouse)? From this day forward, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"

PARTNER A TO PARTNER B

I do.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

Do you, [PARTNER B], take [PARTNER A] to be your lawfully wedded (husband / wife / spouse)? From this day forward, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?

PARTNER B TO PARTNER A

I do.

RINGS EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE & RECEPTION

As a symbol of this promise, the couple will exchange rings. Each ring is a circle, a unbroken band with no beginning or end. Let these rings remind you each day to honor your love, which has no beginning or end, and to uphold the vows of marriage.

May we have the rings?

• Ring holder presents the rings.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

[PARTNER A], please take the ring you have selected for [PARTNER B]. As you place it on PARTNER B's finger, repeat after me:

'With this ring, I thee wed.'

• PARTNER A REPEATS THE WORDS AS THEY PLACE THE RING ON PARTNER B'S FINGER.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

[PARTNER B], please take the ring you have selected for [PARTNER A]. As you place it on [PARTNER A]'s finger, repeat after me:

'With this ring, I thee wed.'

• PARTNER b REPEATS THE WORDS AS THEY PLACE THE RING ON PARTNER a'S FINGER.

Washing the Feet Unity Ceremony & bible reading

• This biblical scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition of The Holy Bible (NRSVUE Bible)

Officiant to the reception

[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will now demonstrate their devotion and commitment to each other through a simple act of service – washing each other’s feet. For those of you who don’t know, this tradition has been performed for thousands of years as a symbol of true Christian love. 

In John 13, we’re told that Jesus knelt down before his Disciples and washed their feet so that they would be clean. The King of Kings! The Bible says he washed their feet and he said to them, 

“‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.’”

Through this simple act of service, Jesus shows us how to live a life of humility, how to walk a path of selfless and unconditional love each day, and in union with each other. 

In marriage, you vow to help each other as equals, giving of yourself without pride or expectation of return. Giving only with love. Living in faith, Bathed in God’s love. 

In marriage, you vow to serve your spouse, to care for them, to sit with them, to eat with them, to kneel before them, to speak to them with humility. 

You vow never to back away pridefully from the work of marriage, or deny help to each other when it’s needed. In marriage we are never too good to serve each other, to love each other. In weakness, in struggle, you vow to live in Jesus’s name and by His example, with compassion, patience, love, and faith.

Officiant to partner A

[PARTNER A], please be seated. [PARTNER B], please kneel beside your love.

• [PARTNER A] sits and removes their socks and shoes, and PARTNER B] kneels.
• [PARTNER B] then lifts [PARTNER A]’s feet into the bowl, pours a small amount of water over them, and washes them gently.
• After a few moments, the Officiant continues.

Officiant to partner B

[PARTNER B], let this simple act of service be an example for the years to come. As Jesus says, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” As time passes, may you grow to understand the power of loving service in marriage. Please dry [PARTNER A]’s feet.

• [PARTNER B] dries [PARTNER A]’s feet.
• [PARTNER A] puts their shoes and socks back on, stands, and trades places with PARTNER B]. 

Officiant to Partner B

[PARTNER B], please be seated. [PARTNER A], please kneel.

• PARTNER B] sits and removes their socks and shoes, and [PARTNER A] kneels.
• [PARTNER A] then lifts PARTNER B]’s feet into the bowl, pours a small amount of water over them, and washes them gently. 

Officiant to Partner A

[PARTNER A], let this simple act of service be an example for the years to come. As Jesus says, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” As time passes, may you grow to understand the power of loving service in marriage. Please dry PARTNER B]’s feet.

• [PARTNER A] dries PARTNER B]’s feet.
• PARTNER B] puts their shoes and socks back on, stands, and the ceremony continues.

PRONOUNCEMENT & INTRODUCTION OF THE NEWLYWEDS

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

[PARTNER B] and [PARTNER A], you have pledged your faith and commitment to each other in the company of your family, friends, and God. As you leave here today, take the memory this day and its promises with you. I wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey. Remember to treat each other with compassion, to laugh and learn together, and love will never be far behind.

By the authority vested in me by the State of [WEDDING STATE], I now pronounce you husband and wife [married, Partners for life], etc.). 

You may kiss!

• THE NEWLYWEDS KISS.

Family and friends, I am proud to present for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. [COUPLE'S MARRIED NAME / HOWEVER THE COUPLE WANTS TO BE INTRODUCED].

RECESSIONAL

• End of the Wedding Ceremony.