Greeting and Prayer
We have come together in the presence of God to witness the joining together of this man and this woman in the bond of marriage.
The sacred relationship of marriage was established by God in creation, and it is commanded in the Scripture to be held in honor by all people. It is at once one of man’s greatest blessings and also one of his most awesome responsibilities. Marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but soberly and deliberately and in reverent fear of God. Tim and Leslie would like to thank you for joining them and sharing in this very special day.
Let commit this time to the Lord in prayer.
Invocation (Prayer)
Lord, we invite you to take the place of honor at this wedding. We are grateful that you would come. To think that the God who is robed in unapproachable light would bring his glory to this service, that the King who reigns over all the universe from his sapphire throne would bring his dignity and grandeur to this ceremony, that the Savior who blessed little children and the Creator of roses would bring his tenderness and beauty to this celebration leaves us in awe. Loving Father, thank you for being here with us. May Tim and Leslie have a special sense and appreciation of the privilege of your presence. We know that this warm favor is only ours through the graces of Jesus Christ so it is in his name we pray this. Amen.
Statements on Marriage
Tim and Leslie, marriage is an honorable estate whose bond and covenant was instituted by God in creation. Our Lord Jesus Christ adorned and beautified this holy estate by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Marriage signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his church. And Scripture commands that marriage be honored among all people. Therefore, no one should enter this state of life unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained. If you agree to this statement say “we do!”
Giving away
Who is giving this woman to be married to this man?
Family Blessings
A marriage is not only the joining together of two individuals, it is also a joining together of two families. The care, support, and nurture which have been extended to Timmy and Leslie by their families is as important now as it has ever been. In fact, it needs to be extended now to include another person. Both families need to be committed to support both partners in this marriage.
PLEASE JOIN HANDS
Timothy: Do you intend to take this woman whose hand you hold to be your lawful wedded wife; and do you pledge before God and man to love, honor, and protect her through sunshine and shadow alike; keeping yourself unto her alone until death shall separate you? If so, answer “I Do”?
Leslie: Do you intend to take this man, whose hand you hold, to be your lawful wedded husband; and do you pledge before God and man to be to him a loving and true wife, through sunshine and shadow alike, keeping yourself unto him alone, until death shall separate you? If so, answer “I Do”
Vows
Timothy, repeat after me:
I Timothy Edward Walker take you Lesley Ann Gray, to be my wife,
to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, excluding all others,
as long as we both shall live.
With God as my witness,
I give you my pledge.
Leslie, repeat after me:
I Lesley Ann Gray take you Timothy Edward Walker to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, excluding all others,
as long as we both shall live.
With God as my witness,
I give you my pledge.
Rings
You have chosen to seal you vows by the giving and receiving of rings. The ring forms a perfect circle, without a beginning or an end, and is thereby a symbol of eternity and signifies the duration of the commitment you are making. The gold of which the rings are made signify the purity and value of the relationship into which you enter. Let us now exchange these rings.
Timothy, You have the privilege of placing this ring on Leslie’s finger in virtue of the exclusive covenant relationship into which you now enter. Repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and with all that I have, I will honor you.
Leslie,You have the privilege of placing this ring on Timothy‘s finger in virtue of the exclusive covenant relationship into which you now enter. Repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and with all that I have, I will honor you.
Unity Candle
Lighting of the unity candle. This lighting of the candle symbolizes the joining of their families, the merging of two individuals, the creation of a blended family. The one remaining candle symbolizes the new unity and commitment of this marriage.
Pronouncement
Inasmuch as Timothy and Leslie have consented together to marriage, and have made their vows before God and these witness, and have symbolized their vows by giving and receiving rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife. Those whom God has joined, let no one separate.
And now, by the authority invested in me as a minister of the Gospel, and in accordance with the laws of the State of West Virginia I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.
Introduction
“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
It is my pleasure to introduce to you, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. [Walker].
