Christian Ceremony Script With A Bible Reading And Prayer

PROCESSIONAL

• Guests are seated followed by the entrance of the Bridal Party.

INVOCATION

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; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, since the first man and the first woman walked on the earth.

Therefore; it is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

READING

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

"A reading from the Apostle Paul,

The first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13, verses 4 through 7:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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. Let us pray for this man and woman as they make their marriage vows.Father, as [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] pledge themselves to each other, help them and bless them that their love may be pure, and their vows may be true. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], you have come together this day so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of this minister of His word and this community of family and friends and so, in the presence of this gathering, I ask you to state your intentions:

Have you both come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? If so, answer by saying 'I have'."

• THE COUPLE RESPONDS IN UNISON WITH 'I DO'.

RINGS EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

"[PARTNER A] please take the ring you have 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.

PRAYER

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"May Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, always be at the center of the new lives you are now starting to build together, that you may know the ways of true love and kindness. May the Lord bless you both all the days of your lives and fill you with His joy. Amen."

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

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

In so much as [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, having given and pledged their faith, each to the other, and having declared same by the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that you are husband and wife.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

I ask you now to seal the promises you have made with each other this day with a kiss."

• THE COUPLE KISSES.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. & Mrs. [COUPLE'S MARRIED NAME]!"

RECESSIONAL

End of the Wedding Ceremony.