Officiating a Christian Wedding

Need help officiating a wedding? Here is the outline of what I have done through the years. There is a wide variety of traditions. Hopefully this helps. 

Order of Wedding Service

Prelude

Seating Grandparents/Parents

Processional – (maids, etc, then bride) all stand at bride’s entrance

Welcome and Prayer – all be seated after prayer

Scripture Reading –

1 Cor. 13:4-8a

            Love is verb, something you do

·      Not fall into or out of – expressed through time, commitment, faithfulness, sacrifice

·      More than feeling – sometimes won’t feel like it, but commitment to God and each other

·      Will never fail – as seek to be fulfilled in Christ and serve one another then will find fulfillment

Gen 2:18; 23-24

Eph 5:22-25

·      Bride – you stand beside, not under or over; encourage; pray; support; submit (love’s response to love, just as Christ to God the Father)

·      Groom – love sacrificially; unselfishly; always initiate reconciliation

Sand or Unity Candle (Optional)

Vows – (now holding hands addressing one another face to face)

Rings – (go ahead and put on each other’s fingers)

·      “Repeat after me” – With this ring, I thee wed, and with all my love, I promise to cherish you all my days, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, til death do us part.”

Prayer

Pronouncement – “By the power vested to me by the great state of Texas and most importantly the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, I now pronounce to you Mr. and Mrs. Smith. You may kiss your bride.”

Recessional

Announce Reception