Religious Wedding Ceremony Scripts
If the bride and groom are of the same faith, or of different faiths but want to honor their beliefs with a religious ceremony, they will follow the customs of those faiths. Each faith has different traditions and those guidelines will help the couple incorporate them into the ceremony.
Catholic Wedding Ceremony Script
Marriage is considered a sacrament in the Catholic Church so the ceremony traditionally includes a full Mass and communion and can last about an hour. Most Catholic weddings take place in a church, but if you want to hold a Catholic ceremony in another location you must then write to the bishop for permission. While a Catholic ceremony follows many of the same rituals of any wedding, it includes scripture readings and a sermon by the priest. You can personalize the ceremony by asking family members or friends to perform the readings or participate in other aspects of the service. Entrance rite Everyone present rises as the entrance song come on. The ministers, priests, and servers go in first, followed by the wedding party. The processional can be in two folds. The vested priests and servers may choose to greet the bridal party at the door, then they all proceed. Or the presiding officiates will go in first, but the priest always leads the procession. Greeting The priest will greet the assembly and the audience will respond. Opening prayer The priest beckons the audience to pray. He offers prayers for the couple, after which they all sit for the liturgy of the word. Liturgy of the word The lector proclaims the first reading which is always from the Old Testament. And when the reading is over, the lector will say… “The Word of the Lord,” and the assembly responds, “Thanks be to God.” The lector again proclaims the second reading which is from the new testaments this time. And at the end of it, the lector repeats… “The Word of the Lord,” and the assembly responds, “Thanks be to God.” Homily Everyone sits and the priest or deacon offers a homily taken from the scripture reading. Using the text, the priest talks about the sacredness of Christian marriage and the dignity of conjugal love. He reminds everyone of the grace of sacraments and the responsibilities of married people. Celebration of matrimony The couple flanked by witnesses come to the altar. Then the priest talks to the couple in similar words… " Dearly beloved, you have come together into the house of the Church so that in the presence of the Church’s minister and the community your intention to enter into Marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal. If both parties are Christian: Christ abundantly blesses the love that binds you. Through a special Sacrament, he enriches and strengthens those he has already consecrated by Holy Baptism, that you may be enriched with his blessing you, so that you may have the strength to be faithful to each other forever and assume all the responsibilities of married life. And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions." "(Name) and (Name), have you come here to enter into Marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly? The groom and bride each say: I have." "Are you prepared, as you follow the path of Marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live? The groom and bride each say: I am." I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my wife. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life. The bride says: , (Name), take you, (Name), to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life. Blessing and giving of rings The priest blesses the wedding bands by praying and sprinkling holy water. The groom places the ring on the bride’s finger first and she goes next. Both of them will say this vow… I, (Name), take you, (Name), for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. he prayer The priest and the audience sing or say the Lord’s Prayer in unison. Nuptial blessing The priest asks the couple to kneel as he prays over them and also says a solemn blessing all that gathered. Dismissal At this point, the priest will dismiss the audience with words like “go in peace to glorify the Lord with your life.” Everyone present will respond with the words “thanks be to God.” Recessional The ceremony is at an end. The couple, bridal party, officiates and the priest will proceed out of the church. This is accompanied by music.
Christian Wedding Ceremony Script
With many different denominations of the Christain faith practices in the United States, there are many variations in the traditions of the marriage ceremony. At Christain wedding guests sit for the duration of the ceremony, only standing when the bride enters and when the officiant announces that the couple is married. There are many places where a couple can make the ceremony more personal, they can suggest specific biblical readings as well as secular poems and have friends and family read the selected passages. Welcome and introduction This is very similar to a Traditional wedding script but, for the most part, is worded a little more lightly: Marriage is a gift from God, given to us so that we might experience the joys of unconditional love with a lifelong partner. God designed marriage to be an intimate relationship between a man and a woman. Reading A reading from the Bible is also quite prominent in the Christian wedding ceremony. A passage from Corinthians isn’t mandatory. But, due to poetic and inspiring nature, it’s a wildly popular choice: 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. – 1 Corinthians: 13 Declaration of intent Again, the is similar to the traditional declaration of intent wedding script, but has the addition of including the father and/or mother of the bride as the ones who are willingly passing the union of the family on to the new husband: "Who gives (Name) to be married to (Name)?" Sharing Of Vows Wedding vows have been updated over the past few centuries. Back then, a wedding ceremony was a legal process that transferred ownership of a woman from her family to her new husband. The vows had a fairly pronounced emphasis on the “obey” side of “love and obey”. Today wedding vows have a focus on love and commitment. "I, (Name), take thee, (Name), / to be my wedded 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, / till death do us part. / This is my solemn vow." Ring Exchange Historically any exchange of an item of value was an acceptable part of the wedding ceremony. Over time, a ring became an overwhelming item of choice. Why? Because a ring has no beginning and has no end; just like a healthy the love you have for your future husband or wife. "May I have the token of Groom’s/Bride’s love for (Name)? This ring I give in token and pledge / as a sign of my love and devotion. / With this ring, I thee wed." Prayers and Blessings Another distinction with the Christian wedding ceremony is blessing the union. Since marriage is the strongest sacrament of the faith it’s customary to ask God to protect it: "Lord, You guided them to each other, now guide them in this new journey as husband and wife. As they walk down this path, light their way so they may keep their eyes focused on Your will, their hands holding fast to Your truth, their feet firmly planted in Your Word, and their hearts bound together by Your love. This we pray in Your name. Amen." Pronouncement and kiss The officiant will quickly review the steps you’ve taken, and ask you to seal your contract with a kiss: "Name) and (Name), since you have consented together in holy matrimony, and have pledged yourselves to each other by your solemn vows and by the giving of rings, and have declared your commitment of love before God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God hath joined together, let no man separate. (Name), you may kiss your Bride."
Jewish Wedding Ceremony Samples
Most Jewish weddings feature a ketubah, which is a marriage contract signed by the couple and two witnesses. There is also a chuppah, a wedding canopy which the couple and the family stand under during the service and finally the breaking of a glass. To personalize the service you can select an honored guest to be called up individually to recite one of the seven blessings. This is considered a special honor. The Tish The husband’s resolve is tested as he attempts to recite a lecture based on this week’s Torah section and his male friends and family members attempt to distract him. Modern (conservative and reform) couples are including the bride and female guests at “the table”. The Ketubah Signing The groom signs the marriage contract in front of the Rabbi and at least 2 male witnesses. At first glance, this seems as though the husband is ‘acquiring’ the bride, but it’s quite the opposite! Once the contract is signed it remains in the bride’s possession indefinitely. The B’deken The is the ‘veiling of the bride’ in which the groom sees the bride for the first time and proceeds to cover her face indicating that he is purely interested in her inner beauty. Legend states that this is the result of Jacob being tricked into marrying his true bride’s sister. After a moment of verification that she is indeed his one-and-only, the ceremony proceeds. The Huppah The ‘canopy’ has evolved over the years, but it remains the place where the marriage is officially consecrated once the couple has been left alone for a short while. Historically the canopy was adorned with rich colors and plush furniture. This is your best opportunity to customize the wedding and make it uniquely ‘you’. Circling When the couple first enters the huppah, the bride circles the groom seven times, representing the seven wedding blessings and seven days of creation, and demonstrating that the groom is the center of her world. Conservative and reform couples repeat this process so that the bride is the center of the groom’s world as well. Kiddushin The betrothal ceremony begins with greetings, a blessing over the wine, and a sip taken by the bride and groom. Aramaic is the language of law according to the Jewish faith, and this is what’s used to recite the biblical Song of Songs as the groom – and quite often repeated by the bride in some form – places the wedding ring on the bride’s right index finger. Sheva B’rachot Seven blessings are recited including praise to God and a prayer for peace in Jerusalem. This is a great opportunity to allow the guests to participate by asking select friends or family to take their turn reciting. The Breaking of the Glass Almost everyone is familiar with this portion of the Jewish wedding ceremony, but even the devout have trouble pinpointing the exact symbolism here. Is it: a symbol of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem? a representation of the fragility of human relationships? a reminder that marriage changes the lives of individuals forever? Regardless of your opinion, one thing’s for sure, it’s time to shout “Mazel Tov!” The Yihud After the whirlwind day, the couple is whisked off to their ‘tent of seclusion’. For 15 minutes the newlyweds enjoy their first moments of intimacy, their first meal together, or maybe just some peace and quiet and husband and wife before the big party start.
Protestant Wedding Script And Vows
Bless, O Lord, these rings as a symbol of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Bride and Groom place the rings on each other’s fingers and say: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The Celebrant joins the right hands of the bride and groom and says: Now that (Name) and (Name) have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit And finally: Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder. Amen Concluding Prayers The congregation is directed to stand and recite the Lord’s Prayer, which is something committed to memory by most Protestant churchgoers: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom comes, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. In many cases, the couple is directed to kneel while further blessings, prayers, and songs are offered. To end the ceremony the Celebrant recited one final script: (Name) and (Name), having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my joy to present you to all gathered here as husband and wife. You may kiss the bride
Baptist Wedding Ceremony Script
When planning the wedding ceremony, incorporate the most important Baptist elements. Although there are many established traditions in a Baptist ceremony; you can still personalize the service. Add your own words and thoughts into the vows and including family and friends. With this ring I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, ’til death do us part. If your unsure as to what the defining difference is, Baptists believe in salvation in God alone – as opposed to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Baptists also do not follow the Holy sacraments as the way to salvation. Since marriage is one of the Holiest sacraments, there will be a fairly significant difference here.
Pagan Wedding Ceremony Script
Pagan is a legally recognized faith with three main religions. There are many traditions that fall under the Pagan title. Wicca: This is a nature-oriented faith which uses the seasons as the focus of their beliefs. Druidry: Based on the Celtic heritage of storytelling and poetry. Asatru: Based on Northern European beliefs drawing on the virtues of the Vikings, three of which are courage, truth, and honor. Be aware before you proceed, that the day your paths crossed in life, you formed a tie. As you prepare to join in matrimony, endeavor to uphold all the ideals that make this ceremony and the institution of marriage sacred. Be notified that, within this circle, you declare your intent to willingly take a hand-fast before your guests and your creative higher powers. All the promises you make here and the hand-fast will greatly strengthen your marriage. They will grow with your soul through the years. Do you still intend to go ahead into matrimony? The couple will say they do. Be aware before you proceed, that the day your paths crossed in life, you formed a tie. As you prepare to join in matrimony, endeavor to uphold all the ideals that make this ceremony and the institution of marriage sacred. Be notified that, within this circle, you declare your intent to willingly take a hand-fast before your guests and your creative higher powers. All the promises you make here and the hand-fast will greatly strengthen your marriage. They will grow with your soul through the years. Do you still intend to go ahead into matrimony? The couple will say they do.
Handfasting Wedding Ceremony Wording
Handfastings celebrates the coming together of two people in a formal and equal partnership. Handfastings can have many variations, but it is based on an ancient Celtic ritual in which the couple’s hands are tied together to symbolize the binding of their two lives. It is often a part of Wiccan or Pagan ceremonies; but it is also becoming popular in more mainstream ceremonies. Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real, the ideals that give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage. With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be handfasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul’s growth. Do you still seek to enter this ceremony? Bride and Groom say, “Yes, We Seek to Enter.”
Pastor Wedding Ceremony Script
As a pastor performing a wedding ceremony you will include all the traditional and religious elements of your church. The biblical readings and music will reflect the religious nature of the ceremony as well as the commitment by the couple surrounding their marriage. A pastor or church leader will often take the opportunity to meet with the couple ahead of time; so that the words in the ceremony are ones they choose together. Invocation: I welcome you all and I’m thankful that you are here to witness and celebrate the love of Paul and Melisa. Prayer: We pray… Father in heaven, we give you thanks for binding these two persons in love. We pray that you uphold their love. Make their love practical and give them hearts of patience and forgiveness. Today, we hand this marriage over to you. Declaration and vows: Who gives this bride to be Wed… Will you have this woman as your legal wife? To love and cherish, protect and keep? In good and bad, until death takes you? Pronouncement: With the power vested in me by the state of Georgia, I pronounce you man and wife.
