This is the preferred Order of Service with Variations / Options for a wedding at which Pastor Miller officiates / hosts. Alternatives may be arranged in consultation with Pastor & our church musicians. Pr. Christopher M. Miller

Bold, non-italic headings (below) are appropriate headings for your wedding bulletin. Omit a “The” before each item.

Prelude
This is about 15 minutes of music played by the organist prior to the service. You may select this music or request the musician to make such selections. Other instruments could be used here as well as recorded selections (cassette, CD, DVD) – especially any secular music with special meaning to the couple.
Consult with the organist & Pastor.

Grandparents are seated during the Prelude by an usher.
Groom’s parents & Bride’s mother seated at close of Prelude.

Mothers or Parents MAY light taper-candles by the Unity candle before being seated. They may be escorted in by an usher or the groom – they may light the tapers separately or simultaneously.

An Aisle Runner would be unrolled at this point by your ushers.

Processional {select music with the organist}
Entrances may take the following forms:
1) GROOM & attendants enter with pastor (down the side aisle or from the sacristy) and take places at the right front of the nave. The bridesmaids walk up the aisle individually & are met by the men and escorted to their positions.
2) Only groom enters with Pastor to their position in front of the nave. Groomsmen & bridesmaids enter up center aisle together.
3) All members of the bridal party enter from the rear – down the center aisle together – including bride & groom.
4) The groom may be escorted by parents to the front of the nave down center aisle, then they are seated in the front pew.
5) The BRIDE may enter alone OR escorted by her father, parents, other male, friend, groom.
6) For small weddings with few attendants, it is recommended all enter as couples up the center aisle after the Pastor enters first.
7) Other variations worked out in consultation with the pastor.

NOTE: Since marriage is a partnership entered into willingly by a man and woman, it is not recommended that the bride be “given away”. RATHER, the bride and groom, in essence, give themselves to each other. Parents may give their blessing later in the service – before the vows.

Invocation (all stand – if not already – as they are able)
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. AMEN.

Greeting & Remarks by Pastor (optional)

Opening Prayer
Let us pray. Eternal God, our creator and redeemer, as you gladdened the wedding at Cana in Galilee by the presence of your Son, so by his presence now bring your joy to this wedding. Look in favor upon ___ and ___ and grant that they, rejoicing in all your gifts, may a length celebrate with Christ the wedding feast which has no end. Amen.
OR
Gracious God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ into the world to reveal your love to all people. Enrich _____ and ______ with every good gift, that their life together may show forth Your love; and grant that at the last – we may all celebrate with Christ the marriage feast that has no end; in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OR
Eternal God, creator of us all, give your grace to _____ and _____. Grant that in the years ahead, they may be faithful to the vows they make this day, that in the strength of the Holy Spirit they may grow together in the love, joy and peace of Christ Jesus. Amen.

SOLO or HYMN (optional)

Lesson(s)
One or more Scripture lessons from the Bible shall be read.
If only one is chosen, it shall be a Gospel reading. See separate item for biblical selections – or others you request with pastor’s approval. Non-biblical & other readings may be selected with approval. You’re encouraged to ask a friend / family member or attendant to read the Scripture and / or other passages –
to express our participation in this worship.

Marriage Message – by the Pastor (or visiting clergy)

SOLO or HYMN (optional)

Request for Parent’s Blessing (OPTIONAL)
{ – parents may stand or remain seated }
Is it with your prayers and blessings that your son and daughter are to be married to each other and your family thereby extended to generations yet unborn? If so, answer: “We will with God’s help.”
OR
This marriage unites two individuals and creates a new union, a new identity and a new family. You have special interest in this union & family. ______ and _______ now seek your support and ask for your blessing. Is it your intention today and hereafter to support and encourage this marriage with your thoughts, words and deeds, with your prayers and love?
If so, answer: “We will with God’s help.”
{parents are then seated if they were standing}

Request for Blessing of Guests: (OPTIONAL) (parents included?)
______ and _______ request the prayers and blessings of you, their family and friends, who gather on this their wedding day. Is it with your prayers and blessings that your family is extended and your network of friends is expanded to include both ______ and ______ as husband and wife in the days and years to come?
If so, answer: “We will with God’s help.”
OR
Family and Friends of ___ and ___, will you promise to support and care for them in their new life together, to sustain and pray for them in times of trouble, to give thanks with them in times of joy, to honor the bonds of their covenant, and to affirm the love of God reflected in their lives? If so, answer: “We will with God’s help.”

Request for Our Children’s Blessing: [ OPTIONAL ]
To you, ___, ___ & ___, this wedding unites your mother / father and ___ in marriage. It also creates a new union & family-unit of which you are very much a part. You have special interest in this wedding & new family. Your mother / father and ____ now seek your support and ask for your blessing. Will you encourage this marriage with your thoughts, words & deeds; with your prayers & your love? If so, answer, “I will with God’s help.”

Declaration of Intent (Pastor to couple)
_______ and _______, you have presented yourselves before this community of family & friends {and children}, before these witnesses, before the Church’s minister, and before this altar SO THAT God’s Love, signified in Baptism, may mark and seal the Covenant you are about to make to each other. Therefore, in these presence, and with our prayers, now Declare your INTENT:

Is it your intention to share with each other your laughter and your tears & all that the years will bring… being faithful to your marriage covenant? If so, answer: “I will with God’s help” OR “I do”
OR
Is it your intent to make your Covenant before God and in union with Christ, committing yourselves in marriage to each other and your common goals? Will you place your marital relationship above more personal pursuits, accepting responsibility for each other’s integrity and well-being? And do you pledge fidelity to each other and your marriage?
If so, answer: “I will with God’s help” OR “I do”

Then, come to the chancel and Christ’s Altar, and with your promises, bind yourselves to each other as husband and wife.

{BRIDAL PARTY MAY KNEEL to not obstruct view of parents / family in front pews}

Exchange of Vows
( bride & groom stand, face each other, join hands; the groom begins – you select or write vows – repeat after Pastor prompts – phrase by phrase. )

Blessing of the Rings (Optional – Pastor prays:)
Bless these rings, O God; may they who wear them – be reminded to live faithfully. May these rings be precious symbols of love all the days of their lives, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. OR
Gracious God, by your blessing – let these rings be to ___ and ___ a symbol of their unending love and faithfulness, a sign to them & others of the covenant they make this day, in Jesus name. Amen.
OR
God of grace, bless these rings – that they may be symbols of the enduring commitment _____ and ______ have made to each other at your altar in Jesus’ name. Amen OR
Lord, bless these rings – symbols of love & signs of commitment, be for ________ & ________ a seal to announce their vows and to strengthen their hearts. Amen.

Exchange of Rings:
I give you this ring / as a sign of my love / and faithfulness.

Announcement of Marriage
______ and _____, by their promises before God – in the presence of this congregation – have bound themselves to one another as husband and wife. Blessed be the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Those whom God has joined together, let no one separate. Amen.
OR

____ & ____ have covenanted in holy marriage and have declared the same before God and in the presence of this assembly. I therefore pronounce you husband and wife: in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What God has joined together – let no one tempt or tear asunder. Amen.

Unity Candle Lighting
{ may be spoken or omitted or included in bulletin }
The lighting of the marriage candle is based on Genesis 2:24 ‘thus it is that a man leave his father & mother and clings to his wife and they become one flesh.’
The two flanking candles represent the heritage & uniqueness of each individual. [ The other # smaller candles represent the children already present that are part of this union & family.] The center candle is a symbol of the marital union, both in the physical and in the spiritual sense.
{after lighting – Couple kneels at altar – through to benediction}

SOLO or HYMN (optional)
{ best place for a sacred / prayerful “blessing” selection }

Nuptial Blessing { after any music, while you are kneeling }
The Lord God, who created our first parents and established them in marriage, establish and sustain you, that you may delight in each other and grow in holy love until your life’s end. Amen.
OR
Lord, by the power of your Holy Spirit, pour out your abundant blessing upon __ & __. Defend them from every evil, lead them into all peace, let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts – a cover upon their shoulders – and a crown upon their heads. Amen
OR
Gracious God, bless __ & __ in their work and their companionship; in their sleeping and waking, in their joys and their sorrows. In your mercy, bring them to the Lord’s Table where your saints feast forever at Your heavenly banquet. Amen.
OR
Loving Father, from your great store of grace: grant ____ & _____ patience, affection & understanding; make them gentle & courageous in love, ready to trust each other – and willing to give and receive forgiveness from You and each other. Amen.
OR
May you dwell in God’s presence forever, may God preserve you in true and constant love; in accordance with His Will, grant you the gift & heritage of children, and make your home be a haven of peace for all children, family and friends. Amen.
OR

Good God, Creator of all humankind, you are the well-spring of all life: bestow upon this couple, if it be your Will, the gift of children, and grant that they may see their children brought up and nurtured in the Christian faith to honor your Holy Name. Amen.

[ congregation stands for Prayers - bridal party also stands ]

The Prayers and Lord’s Prayer: { SOLO / Sung OR Spoken ? }
Let us pray:
Almighty and merciful God, you have united this man & this woman in the holy estate of marriage. Grant _____ & _____ grace to live according to your Will & Word; strengthen them in constant faithful-ness and true affection toward each other; keep them safe from all that would tear them asunder; help them to pass through this life in faith toward you, in communion with your Church, and in loving ser-vice to one another, that they may enjoy all your good gifts. Made in your image & given to one another’s care, hear our prayers – that unity may overcome division, hope vanquish despair, & joy conquer sorrow, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray…
OR
Lord God, constant in mercy, great in faithfulness: we bless you for the joy which ____ and ____ have found in each other; pour your grace upon them – that they may fulfill the vows they have made this day to each other before you. Use us to support their life toget-her that they may continue in mutual growth according to your will. Enrich all husbands & wives, parents & children, men and women, with your grace, that…strengthening & supporting each other, they may be a sign of the fulfillment of your perfect kingdom, through your Son, Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray…

Benediction: (couple still kneeling)
May God unite your hearts in the never-ending bond of pure
and holy love;
May the Peace of Christ live always in your hearts and home;
{ optional petition to follow: }
May children bring you happiness & return your generous love;
May true friends stand by you and may you return true compassion;
May daily problems and cares not cause you undue anxiety;
Nor may earthly possessions dominate your lives; BUT,
may you enjoy the rewards of a good life joined with Christ Jesus,
Until God may welcome you into His eternal Kingdom above;
in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
OR:

May the Almighty send you Christ’s Light and Truth to keep you.
May God’s Hand guide you and cause His Grace to be upon you.
May God’s Holy Angel accompany you all the days of your life. Amen.
OR
The blessed & holy Trinity: make you {& us} strong in faith and love, defend you {& us} on every side, & guide you {& us} in truth and peace forever; in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Amen.
OR
Father, Son & Holy Spirit, keep you in His Light & Truth & Love now & forever. Amen.

Presentation of the Couple
[Couple stands, “short / holy” kiss, then : ]
“ ______ & ________ ___________, your family and friends rejoice with you – the newest married couple around.
Receive them as they congratulate you.”
OR
“I present to you: Mr. and Mrs. ____ & ____ ___________.”
OR
Other… =

Recessional
+++++++++

ALTERNATE VOWS – need not be memorized:

_________, I take you to be my wedded wife / husband.
I dedicate myself to you / as your life-long companion,
to be honest and steadfast / in times better or for worse.
I will love and cherish / the gift of your uniqueness,
I will work with you / to give mutual respect, / open honesty,
and growing intimacy / with all my strength and being.
This I pledge you, / my solemn vow before God.

I take you _______ to be my wife / husband,
I promise to give you / the best of myself,
to respect your interests, / desires and needs.
I promise to be faithful to you / to love and cherish you
in good times and bad / with all I have / and with all I am.
To fulfill God’s Will for us, / in lives united with Christ,
I pledge you my love, / until death parts us.

I take you _______ to be my wife / husband / from this day on,
to join with you / and share with you / all that is to come,
and I promise to be faithful to you / until death do us part.

I take you _______ to be my wife / husband,
I promise before God and these friends,
to be your loving and faithful husband / wife,
to share with you / in wealth and in poverty,
in joy and in sorrow, / in sickness and in health,
as long as we both shall live.

_______, I take you to be my wife / husband
from this day forward, / to join with you / and share with you
all that is to come / to give and to receive / to speak and to listen,
to inspire and to respond, / and in all our circumstances together,
to be loyal to you / with my whole life.

I take you ________, to be my wife / husband,
I promise before God and these witnesses
to be your faithful husband / wife,
I promise to forgive and strengthen you
so that, in all our circumstances, / we may serve God and others
as long as we both shall live.

________, I take you to be my wife / husband,
these things I promise you: / to be faithful to you,
and honest with you, / I will respect, trust and care for you,
I will share my whole life with you,
I will forgive you / as we have been forgiven,
through the best and the worst
of what is to come, / as long as we both shall live.

I take you________ above all others / to be my wife / husband,
to share with you / in times of joy & sorrow / in wealth & poverty,
I promise to love, honor and cherish you
according to God’s gracious Will. / I commit to you my love
and I accept your love / in sacred trust / until death parts us.

I _____ take you ______ for my lawful wife / husband
forsaking all others / from this day forward / for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer / in sickness and health / until death parts us.

_____, I promise to be your loving husband / wife.
I will respect and trust, / help and care for you.
I will try with you / to better understand ourselves,
the world and God / through the best and worst / of what is to come as long as we both live. / To this vow / I promise to be faithful.

_______, I love you. I want to share my whole life with you.
I promise to care for you, / to comfort your sorrows,
to share your happiness / and encourage your growth.
I pledge to love and honor you / according to God’s Will,
so that we may share / in His Truth / Beauty & Happiness,
as long as we both shall live.

I____, take you ____, above all others / to be my wife / husband.
Before God, / and in the love of Christ,
I offer you my strength, / my support and my hope,
I pledge my loyalty / and faithfulness,
I will trust, respect and encourage you.
I give you my love / in all the circumstances
of our life together, / until death parts us.

I, ___, give myself to you, ___ .
By the grace of God, / I promise to support and care for you.
In the love of Christ, / I promise to love and cherish you.
With the Spirit’s help, / I promise to be faithful to you,
as long as we both shall live.

Notes on Vows:
a) you do not have to memorize your vows.

b) you may write your own vows (use these to inspire
Christian thoughts and wording), “your vows” shall be
seen & approved by the pastor prior to the rehearsal.

c) you may each share ‘different’ vows if the promises are for
as long as you both live.

d) you may combine various promises from the
above selections to make your “own” vows.

HOLY COMMUNION in the Wedding Service

Theology: Marriage & the Eucharist are both Covenants,
characterized by self-giving love.
Marriage reveals & requires self-giving love; it is at the heart of a relationship between a man & a woman joined as one.
Communion makes present the self-giving love of Jesus Christ in his Body & Blood through this Sacrament.
The assembly, gathered around the couple and their union as one flesh, now gathers around the love of God and union of the human and divine nature IN Jesus Christ.
When marriage is celebrated within the liturgy of Word and Meal,
it is celebrated after the Vows & Blessings – before the Prayers.

Communion is OFFERED to ALL baptized persons – who are repentant & believe Christ is present to forgive & strengthen… that receiving we are in God’s love and apart of His Mission.

PROPER PREFACE for Marriage
It is indeed right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise, O Lord, almighty & ever-living God.
You made us in your image; male and female you created us.
You give us the gift of marriage and call us to reflect your faithfulness as we serve one another in the bond of covenant love.
And so, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn…
a Sanctus { Holy, Holy, Holy } is sung

Eucharistic Prayer for a Wedding service
Words of Institution & Lord’s Prayer (spoken or sung)

Distribution is continuous – Hymns may be sung during

Post-Communion Prayer
Loving God, we thank you that you have fed us in this holy meal,
united us with Christ, & given us a foretaste of
the marriage feast which has no end..
So strengthen us in your service that our daily lives may show our
thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Service concludes with the Prayers & Benediction & Kiss

THE WEDDING SERVICE:

Options & Variations

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
Loganville, WI

Rev. Christopher Miller
608-727-2260 - home
cdmiller@jvlnet.com
608-574-6633 - cell