Standard Christian Ceremony by Reverend Greg
Christopherson
I.
Convocation
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to join
this man and woman GROOM and BRIDE in holy matrimony.
BRIDE
and GROOM, we are privileged and honored to be witness to your vows and to
celebrate this day with you.
Who
gives this woman to be married to this man?
Everyone please be seated
[May insert special
remembrances]
II Invocation
Let
us pray: God, our Father in heaven, the
source of all love, please be present today during this sacred ceremony. We
especially ask your blessing on this couple, who stands before us, and for all
of us who share their joy. Look with
favor upon us this day, oh Lord, as we witness the marriage of BRIDE and GROOM . In Jesus name
Amen.
[May insert reading or
musical selection]
III.
Consecration
Marriage has been revered
through the ages as the most profound and tender of human relationships. It is
not a commitment to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly.
Each of us knows that a marriage is not
created by law or a ceremony; but rather it occurs in the hearts of two human
beings. It grows out of loving, caring
and sharing ourselves with each other.
And so it is that you have
connected your hearts and souls to one another.
In participating in this ceremony today, we are observing only an
outward sign of an inward union.
You have come here today to
publicly affirm your love, and to promise to continue to nurture each other,
your children, and this union.
From this time on, you are
committed to each other. You will be
required to make personal sacrifices for the good of your life together, make
them generously. Self-sacrifice can be
difficult. Generous love makes it
easy.
You will share everything,
doubling your joys and dividing your sorrows.
IV.
Expression of
Intent
BRIDE, do you understand and
accept this responsibility and do you promise to love,
honor and cherish GROOM in all your days together?
Bride:
I do.
GROOM , do you understand and accept this responsibility and
do you promise to love, honor and cherish BRIDE in all your days together?
Groom:
I do
V.
Vows
BRIDE/GROOM repeat after me: I, _____,
take you ________
to be my
husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for
richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall
live.
VI.
Ring Exchange
These circles of precious
metal are symbols of your love. Without
beginning or end, they are symbols of eternity.
They are material tokens that represent your spiritual union. Today,
they become seals of your pure and unending love, mutually pledged.
BRIDE/GROOM,,
Place the ring on _______’s finger and
repeat after me:
GROOM/BRIDE
with this ring, I thee wed. I give you
this ring, as a symbol of my love, and a consecration of my vow. With all that I am, and all that I have, I
honor you.
VII.
Benediction
Let
us Pray. Our
heavenly father, bless this marriage.
May it be filled with happiness and love. Please walk beside BRIDE and GROOM and shine
your light upon them for all of their days together. May their home be a place of peace and harmony. In Jesus
name we pray, Amen
“This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
VIII.
Kiss and Pronouncement
You have come together for
this holy celebration: to exchange your vows before God and these witnesses. By your presence here, you affirm your belief in the
bond that has grown between you, and express your intent to fulfill your love
and strengthen your union with the deepest commitment.
Therefore, with the blessing of
our loving creator and by the authority of the State of
GROOM, you may kiss your bride.
ALL
RISE PLEASE
Ladies &
Gentlemen:
I
present to you Mr. and Mrs. GROOM and BRIDE _______________