Extended Order
_(An extended order in modern language with suitable options.) _ Music Entry of the Bridal Party Selected verses from Psalms 145-148 Hymn of praise Welcome Prayer Bible Readings: Genesis 2:4-7,18-24 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Mark 10:2-9
Minister: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and before this congregation to join together this man and this woman in Marriage.
Marriage was designed by God and given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Throughout the Scriptures marriage is an honoured relationship. The Lord Jesus Himself performed His first miracle – turning water into wine – at the celebration of a wedding in Cana of Galilee.
Marriage is presented to us in the Bible as the right and honourable way for a man and woman to share life and love and to serve each other. It is the primary human relationship through which we grow and learn, mature and prosper.
Marriage is therefore not to be entered upon lightly or with any reservation. We should approach it thoughtfully, reverently, and in respect for God, with due consideration of the reasons God has given it to us.
Marriage is designed for the life-long companionship, help, and comfort, which a husband and wife ought to give to and receive from each other.
Marriage is designed to provide security for family life, so that children, whom God’s entrusts to us, should be duly nurtured and guided in His ways.
Marriage is designed for the welfare of society, which can be strong and happy only where the marriage bond is held in honour.
The bond of marriage is seen in the Bible as a sign of the loyalty and the love that exists between Christ and his church.
If anyone can show any reason why this marriage would not be lawful, let them now declare it.
And I require and charge you both, knowing that you are answerable to God, that if either of you know any reason why your marriage would not be lawful, you declare it now.
Minister: [M …], will you have [F …] to be your wedded wife, to live together after God’s design in the unique bond of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, remain loyal to her, for as long as you both shall live? Groom: I will
Minister: [F …], will you have [M …] to be your wedded husband, to live together after God’s design in the unique bond of marriage? Will you love him, respect him, honour, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, remain loyal to him, for as long as you both shall live?
Bride: I will.
[The Minister addresses the parents, or substitutes.] Minister: Do you give your blessing to this marriage and welcome them into your family?
Parents or Substitutes: I/We do.
(Bride hands her flowers to chief bridesmaid. Couple join hands.)
Minister: [M ...] would you please repeat after me as you make your vow to [F ...].
I, [M ...], take you, [F ...], 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, to cherish, and to comfort, till death do us part, according to God’s Holy Word; and before Him and these people I promise always to be true and faithful to you.
Minister: [F...] would you please repeat after me as make your vow to [M...].
I, [F ...], take you, [M ...], 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, to cherish, and to respect, till death do us part, according to God’s Holy Word; and before Him and these people I promise always to be true and faithful to you.
(Minister receives rings from Best Man.)
Minister: As symbols of the covenant into which you have entered, these rings are given and received.
Minister: [M ...], would you please repeat after me.
This ring is a symbol of the binding promise I have freely made and with it I seal the pledge of my love to you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Minister: [F ...], would you please repeat after me.
This ring is a symbol of the binding promise I have freely made and with it I seal the pledge of my love to you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Now let us join together in praying for [M ...] and [F ...].
God our Father, in your great love for humanity you have given the gift of marriage. May you so bless [M ...] and [F ...] as they pledge their lives to each other, that their love may ever more grow to be the true reflection of your love for us all, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer may be said.
Minister: As [M ...] and [F ...] have promised themselves to each other in marriage, and have declared the same before God and this congregation, I now pronounce them to be husband and wife: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What God has joined together let no one separate.
[M ...], you may kiss your bride.
Hymn
Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:21-33 - Colossians 3:12-17
Sermon
Minister: The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace, both now and forevermore. Amen.
The peace of God, which passes all human understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you until that Day comes when our Lord Jesus returns. Amen.
The wedding party shall then proceed to sign the register.
Minister: Please stand! I have much pleasure in presenting to you today Mr. & Mrs. [M …].