Wedding Ceremony Outline

There comes a time in every engagement when the bride and groom get to sit down and figure out the order and content of their wedding ceremony. Although there are many ceremony structures available today, Christian weddings can include certain elements that non-Christian weddings might not include. Here is a simple worksheet to help you outline the order of your special occasion. Take from it what is useful, ignore what isn't, and glorify God on your day!

REMINDERS

1. The Christian wedding is a worship celebration
2. The man and woman commit themselves to God as well as to each other (Rom. 12:1).
3. Christ saw weddings as occasions of great joy.
4. Relax and enjoy the time.

WEDDING CEREMONY PLANNING SHEET

PRELUDE

Time prelude begins: _____________

Time candles are to be lit: ____________

SOLO/SPECIAL MUSIC (optional)

Who? _________________________

What? _________________________

SEAT MOTHERS

AISLE RUNNER (optional)

PROCESSIONAL

PRESENTATION OF BRIDE

WELCOME/CALL TO WORSHIP

CHARGE to couple (Also one to friends and family, all the witnesses):

CONGREGATION SEATED

DECLARATION OF INTENT

To Groom, “____, will you take…?”

To Bride, “____, will you take …?”

PRAYER

ASCEND PLATFORM

HYMN or SPECIAL MUSIC (may go before ascending platform)

SCRIPTURES

Message (7–10 minutes)

VOWS

To GROOM, _____________, please repeat after me:….

To BRIDE, _____________, please repeat after me:…

RING

To GROOM/BRIDE, “________, what token do you give of your love?”

“A ring.”        “____, with this ring I thee wed, and with all my being I thee endow; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

PRAYER

DECLARATION

Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Forasmuch as ____ and ____ have consented together in holy wedlock….

LIGHTING OF CHRIST OR UNITY CANDLE (optional; alternative—Sand Ceremony)

VOWS OF THE CHRISTIAN HOME (optional): Depending upon God for strength and wisdom, we pledge ourselves to the establishment of a Christian home. Together we will constantly seek God’s will and honor Christ in our marriage.

PRAYER (kneeling)

SOLO OR SPECIAL MUSIC (optional)

KISS

PRESENTATION & RECESSIONAL

INVITATION to RECEPTION or other directions

OTHER POSSIBILITIES:

Communion

Thanks/flowers to parents

Special blessing—2^nd pastor

PowerPoint/video—of man & woman growing up

If you're still looking for resources, check out this Wedding Ceremony Planner (aff link). If you need Scripture ideas for your ceremony, check out Scripture Blessings and Benedictions or Wedding Ceremony Bible Verses on Love. Thank you to the staff at MVBF for providing this outline!

Photo By: Gorriti