May 17, 2025
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.
Josh and Elainna would like to thank you for joining them in this very special day.
Let’s 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 Joshua and Elainna 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
Joshua and Elainna, 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 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 want only; 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, the support, and the nurture which have been extended to Joshua and Elainna 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
Joshua: 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 her, honor her, and protect her through sunshine and shadow alike; keeping yourself unto her alone until death shall separate you? If so, answer “I Do”?
Elainna: 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
Joshua, repeat after me:
I Joshua William Ellison, take you Elainna Michelle Linhart, 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.
Elainna, repeat after me:
I Elainna Michelle Linhart take you Joshua William Ellison 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.
Josh, You have the privilege of placing this ring on Elainna’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.
Elainna,You have the privilege of placing this ring on Josh’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.
Today, we will have the small candles lit from each family. We are going to use Josh and Elaina’s brothers. Then, Josh and Elainna will light the middle candle symbolizing the their new unity and unity of their two families.
GOD’S KNOT / CORD OF THREE STRANDS CEREMONY & MEANING
You have stood before God and your loved ones and exchange your vowels, it is a beautiful moment to celebrate the love and unity you have found in each other. Love is a powerful force that binds us together and today you are publicly declaring your commitment to one another.
OFFICIANT THE RECEPTION
Josh and Elainna will now perform the Cord of Three Strands Ceremony, a ritual to symbolize the joining of man, woman, and God in lasting marriage.
Why three strands? As Ecclesiastes tells us, two are stronger than one, and stronger still with Christ’s love:
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
- THE COUPLE BEGINS TO TIE THE BRAID
OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE
Josh and Elainna you’ve made your vows and promises to each other.
As you bind these strands,
remember to lift each other up,
support each other, and keep God at the center of your marriage.
Let His Love be the example that unites you each day, as you learn to be good and true with each other.
Ephesians Chapter 4 asks of us, “I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
This braid symbolizes that bond. Your love is stronger when you love God first. Keep this cord in your home to remind you of the foundation God brings to your lives, first as individuals, and now united as husband and wife.
And Josh love Elainna with a gentle heart. Let him lead your family well as he strives to walk closely with Christ.
Pronouncement
Inasmuch as Josh and Elainna 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.
May…,
“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. Ellison.
