The following contains samples of various aspects of a wedding service. This includes prayers, readings, blessings, vows, ring ceremonies, etc; each under their own headings. Follow the links in the "Outline of A Wedding" for the various components of the service. Also included in this site are helps for "The Renewal of Wedding Vows".

This document is not meant to be comprehensive, nor is it meant to define your choices. A great variety of things can be done, and done in ways different from the samples given below. The order of things can also vary, and music or songs can (for example) be slotted into different spots - such as during candle lighting and following the Wedding Address, etc. You can choose from our selections and/or write your own material (which can be a very rewarding thing to do).

In all of the following the language of "church" and "sanctuary" is employed. However in marriages that take place in homes, gardens, or other venues, the same principles are involved.

• Further elements of planning a wedding (not related to the actual wedding service) can be found at Rich Reinwald's Planning Your Wedding This includes such things as Toasts To Bride, Planning Forms and Music Selection. A useful site with tips about planning various kinds of weddings. (May 01)
• THE Renewal Of Wedding Vows Some sample addresses and principles of renewing vows
• Smart Marriages: From 'The Coalition for Marriage, Family, and Couples Education L.C.C.', this page provides some useful material related to both marriage and to wedding preparation. (Jun 02)




The Outline of A Wedding Service

Follow the links for the details of the various parts of the service. The order suggested here is only one way of organizing things.

THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE
uniting
- Name - and - Name -
At
Church or Place, City, Province
month, day, year

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MUSICAL PRELUDE

WEDDING PROCESSIONAL - THE ENTRANCE

OPENING WORDS AND PRAYER OF INVOCATION

CANDLE LIGHTING

SCRIPTURE AND OTHER READINGS

WEDDING ADDRESS

DECLARATION OF INTENT

BLESSING OF FAMILY

EXCHANGE OF VOWS

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

DECLARATION AND BLESSING OF MARRIAGE

LIGHTING THE MARRIAGE CANDLE

PRESENTATION OF FLOWER OR SPECIAL GIFT

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND THE LORD'S PRAYER

SIGNING OF REGISTER

INTRODUCTION OF COUPLE AND RECESSIONAL

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THE RENEWAL OF WEDDING VOWS

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The following resources were taken from "ecumenical" wedding booklets used by ministers and priests in performing marriages, others have been created by this author from scratch, and still others, like the various vows that are presented - have been written by couples working with us to prepare their own unique wedding services. Unfortunately over the years the sources for some of these components have been lost. If you, the reader, recognize some of these resources and can provide us with the "source" we will add the appropriate acknowledgements. Further information on this ministry and the history of "Sermons & Sermon - Lectionary Resources" can be found at our Site FAQ

Further information on this ministry and the history of "Sermons & Sermon - Lectionary Resources" can be found at our Site FAQ.  This site is now associated with christianglobe.com Spirit Networks 1045 King Crescent Golden, British Columbia V0A 1H2