Presbyterian Ceremony

OPENING REMARKS

Marriage is a natural form of relationship. The concept of marriage was established by God in creation. and our Lord commanded this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding. The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy, and for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity.

Marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly. It is meant to begin as you are doing now; with preparation. thoughtfulness and reverence. all in accord with the purposes for which it was instituted.

Marriage is a reflection of how God wants us to join ourselves to Him. Marriage is at its best when we love and marry our best friend; when motivated by love, we seek the truth in each event and act on that truth; when we grow in understanding and acceptance of ourselves and our partner; and when God is included as a Companion in our relationship.

THE READINGS

The Scripture declares: Love is patient and kind; it is not selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way, it is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges. Love is never glad about injustices; it delights when truth wins out. Therefore, let love be your first and greatest aim in life.

(Groom) and (Bride), may these values and this form of love be yours the rest of your lives

A PRAYER

Eternal Father, Divine Mother, Beloved Friend, we ask for your blessing on the marriage of (Bride) and (Groom) who come to You seeking Your blessing. Make them rich with your peace whereby they may enjoy the comforts, and share in the experiences, insights and lessons of life. May they grow individually and as a supportive and loving couple. May they experience your presence, love and guidance every day. Amen.

QUESTION TO PARENTS

Do you (Father & Mother) give your blessing to your daughter in her marriage to (Groom) and do you now welcome him into your family?

Do you (Father & Mother), give your blessing to your son in his marriage to (Bride) and do you now welcome her into your family?

QUESTION TO THE GUESTS

During the wedding ceremony it appears that one individual is marrying another individual. And there is, of course, a way in which that is so. However, the truth is that we marry into one another’s families and into each other’s extended families. We need people with us not only on days like this when a once-in-a-lifetime celebration is taking place but also when tragedy and difficulty arise. We need friends who will not abandon us under any circumstances or in any way. You are those friends for (Bride & Groom). Therefore, will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?

THE DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT

(Groom), at this time do you commit yourself to (Bride). and, before God and these friends, declare your intention to be her husband, to share your life openly with her, to speak the truth to her in love. to treat her with respect and encourage her own fulfillment through all the circumstances that life may bring?

(Bride), at this time do you commit yourself to (Groom), and, before God and these friends. declare your intention to be his wife, to share your life openly with him, to speak the truth to him in love. to treat him with respect and encourage his own fulfillment, through all circumstances that life may bring?

THE VOWS

In the Name of God, I, (Groom), take you. (Bride), to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

In the Name of God, I, (Bride), take you, (Groom), 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, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS

(Groom) and (Bride) will exchange rings as a symbol of their vows. The ring is an ancient symbol of such vows, as the circle is considered to be the most perfect form of all forms in nature. As the years pass your rings will gain in value for they are the constant symbol of your lifetime together.

(Groom/Bride) With this ring I give to you my promise that from this day forward you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home. May God bless you always. May we walk together through all things. May you feel deeply loved, for indeed you are. With this ring I give you my heart for I have no greater gift to give. I feel honored to call you husband/wife. I thank God for you. Amen.

THE PRAYER

Lord God, our heavenly Father, we give thanks for the moment that brings (Groom) and (Bride) together in marriage. We recognize with thanksgiving the journeys that have brought them to this time, and we celebrate with them the hopes they hold for their life together. We ask your blessing upon them to sustain them through the difficult and uncertain times that come to every relationship. We pray that they may continue to find in each other the resources that will nurture their marriage. May they continue to grow together and may their love for each other deepen with the passing years.

We give thanks for the nurture and support of family and friends. Let us, who share the circle of celebration today, be renewed in our commitments to one another, that we may participate in a kinder and ever improving society.

All this we ask in the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE DECLARATION

Now that (Groom) and (Bride) have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

THE BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace, both today and forever. Amen

THE KISS

When this ceremony began you, (Groom), were a groom, and you, (Bride) were a bride. Now. (Groom), you are a husband and you, (Bride), are a wife. (Groom), you may kiss your wife.

THE INTRODUCTION

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. (Name).