Christian Wedding Script with Cord of Three Strands Ceremony

wedding PROCESSIONal

• GUESTS ARE SEATED FOLLOWED BY THE ENTRANCE OF THE WEDDING PARTY.

wedding INVOCATION & Prayer

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses, to join together [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in holy matrimony. This is a truly joyous occasion! 

Marriage is an institution ordained by God himself, a sacred covenant that is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently and with careful thought and intention. It is the true expression of love for each other, and gratitude for God’s great works, for love is a gift directly from God, put into our hearts.

Corinthians, Chapter 13, Verses 4 and 5 remind us that, 

“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."

Today, we celebrate [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]’s promise to honor and celebrate this most holy gift of love as they walk side by side through life, as husband and wife. 

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], as you stand here today, do you promise to love each other in this very way, as the Bible reveals it, and commit yourselves to each other as man and wife? If so, please say, “I do.”

THE COUPLE (IN UNISON)

I do.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Let the Lord strengthen your love! Father, bless these two as they walk with You, amen! 

exchange of vows (hand written wedding vows)

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A [GROOM]

[PARTNER A], you’ve written something special for [PARTNER B] to share what’s in your heart with her. Would you like to read that now?

• PARTNER A reads his written wedding vows, marriage promises, or love letter.  

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B [BRIDE]

[PARTNER B], you’ve also written something from the heart for [PARTNER A]. Would you like to read that now?

• PARTNER B reads her written wedding vows, marriage promises, or love letter.  

WEDDING RING EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

[PARTNER A] please take the ring you’ve selected for [PARTNER B]. As you place it on her finger, repeat after me:

With this ring, I thee wed.

• PARTNER A REPEATS THE PHRASE 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 his finger, repeat after me:

With this ring, I thee wed.

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

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Thank you. 

CORD OF THREE STRANDS CEREMONY & meaning

OFFICIANT THE RECEPTION

[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will now perform the Cord of Three Strands Ceremony, a ritual to symbolize the joining of man, woman, and God in lasting marriage. 

Why three strands? As Ecclesiastes tells us, two are stronger than one, and stronger still with Christ’s love: 

“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”

• The couple begins to tie the braid

Officiant to the Couple

[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], you’ve made your vows and promises to each other. As you bind these strands, remember to lift each other up, support each other, and keep God at the center of your marriage. Let His Love be the example that unites you each day, as you learn to be good and true with each other. 

Ephesians Chapter 4 asks of us, “I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

This braid symbolizes that bond. Your love is stronger when you love God first. Keep this cord in your home to remind you of the foundation God brings to your lives, first as individuals, and now united as husband and wife.

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” as the Bible commands.  [PARTNER A / GROOM], love [PARTNER B] just as Christ loved the church. Ephesians tells us that Christ gave himself up for her, for the Church, to make her holy. Give yourself up to [PARTNER B] and your marriage fully, honor her, and honor this covenant. 

And [PARTNER A], love [PARTNER B] with a gentle heart. Let him lead your family well as he strives to walk closely with Christ.

QUIET MOMENT OF PRAYER

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

Now, let’s all take a moment to pray, in celebration of the joy and love that God has put into these two hearts, and for the happy life that lies ahead of them. 

PRONOUNCEMENT of marriage

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

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

[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], you have consented together in holy wedlock, vowing to keep each other safe and loved in each other’s care, standing here before God and your loving and supportive friends and family. And so it’s my great joy to pronounce you married!

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

You may kiss! 

• THE COUPLE KISSES.

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce [COUPLE'S MARRIED NAME]!

wedding RECESSIONAL

• END OF WEDDING CEREMONY