TRADITIONAL WEDDING

This is the traditional Episcopal Wedding Service used by many Protestant churches over the years. 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.]


Our Father, look down on what we do here this day as we join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. We ask you to bless them and make them a blessing to others.

Reading: Ephesians 5:20-33.


Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union that is between Christ and His church: which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with His presence and first miracle that He wrought at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, and is commended by the Apostle Paul to be honorable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. If any man can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.

I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, you do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that if any persons are joined together otherwise than as God’s Word doth allow, their marriage is not lawful.

George William Bodkins wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?

Melissa Ann Wagner Brown wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, as long as ye both shall live?

WHO GIVETH THIS WOMAN TO BE MARRIED TO THIS MAN?

I,George William Bodkins take thee Melissa Ann Wagner Brown to 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, Melissa Ann Wagner Brown take thee, George William Bodkins to 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

Repeat after me: With this ring I thee wed; in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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

UNITY CANDLE -

When you light this unity candle, it will symbolize the unity of your family. George William Bodkins, Melissa Ann Wagner Brown - We now celebrate your family. You will walk the roads of life together in unity and love. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Prayer following the lighting: 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 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 George & Melissa 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."

Prayer Join with me in 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 Bride and Groom Forasmuch as George William Bodkins and Melissa Ann Wagner Brown 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 George William Bodkins.

You may now kiss the bride.