CONTEMPORARY WEDDING

This is the Contemporary Wedding Service used by many Protestant churches. The preacher must respect the wishes of the people and ask them what they want to do. Since this isn't a worship service, different rules apply. The preacher should make sure to comply with the laws of the state respecting marriage. Usually a valid marriage license proves the legality. [The names are used ficticiously.]




CONTEMPORARY WEDDING

Reading: Ephesians 5:20-33.

INVOCATION:

Our Father, look down upon us as we gather here today. We call upon You to witness this wedding. We bring ourselves to Your throne of Grace. Touch each one of us with Your great love and mercy. We pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


GREETING:

"Dearly beloved friends and family. We are gathered here, in the sight of God, to join this man and this woman in the holy bond of marriage. God created Adam & Eve, and made them the first husband and wife, the very first family. Marriage is from God, who looked upon Adam in his loneliness and presented Eve to him as his companion-counterpart. Jesus blessed marriage with His first miracle at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. The Apostle Paul declared marriage to be pure and holy before God. This is a lifelong commitment, to be taken in full knowledge, and in full faith and honesty. Travis and Margo come before us now to be joined together. May God bless what we are about to do here this day.

DECLARATION OF INTENTION

Travis Davis, will you have this woman to be your wife, to live together as God intends for His people to live, in love and understanding? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep only unto her, so long as you both shall live?

Margo Link, will you have this man to be your husband, to live together as God intends for His people to live, in love and understanding? Will you love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep only unto him, as long as you both shall live?


WHO PRESENTS THIS WOMAN TO BE MARRIED TO THIS MAN?


Prayer
Join with me in prayer. "Almighty God, look down from heaven to see us. Bless what we do here today, as we join this man and this woman in the holy bonds of matrimony in Your name. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

EXCHANGING OF VOWS:

I, Travis Davis take you, Margo Link to be my wedded wife, 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, according to God's holy ordinance; and this is my solemn vow.

I, Margo Link, take you, Travis Davis 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, according to God's holy ordinance; and this is my solemn vow.

WE WILL NOW GIVE AND RECEIVE THE MARRIAGE RING

[each one repeat] This ring is a symbol of my love for you; in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Bless these rings, O Father, each who gives it and each who wears it, symbols of undying love; may they remain in Your peace and favor, faithful to life's end, through Christ our Lord, Amen.

PRAYER:
Join with me in prayer: "O Lord, look down and accept this man and this woman who are joining their lives in holiness and purity. We praise You, heavenly Father, for the many blessings of life. We thank You for marriage with all that it means to our human family. May the love of Travis and Margo be a blessing to them and make them a blessing to others. May they do good to everyone, bring great happiness to themselves, and bring glory to You our Father. Through Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen."

LIGHTING OF THE UNITY CANDLE

Prayer: Bless this candle of unity, O Father, and may the flame here lighted be a symbol of the loving family celebrated this day. May they join lives and hearts to the end of their days. We pray through Christ, Amen.

PRAYER:

"O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, send Your blessings upon these Your servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in Your name. We call upon You our God to bless them and fill them with all spiritual blessings and grace; and may they so live together in this life, that in the world to come they may have salvation and eternal life. We pray through the mighty name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.

PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM

Forasmuch as Travis Davis and Margo Link have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God in this company, and have given and pledged their vows each to the other, and have given and received a ring - by the laws of West Virginia and the higher law of God Almighty, we pronounce that they are husband and wife. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ladies & Gentlemen, let me be the first to present to you Mr & Mrs Travis Davis.
You may now kiss the bride.