...The Protestant wedding differs from that of other religions in that it is a worship service through which the will of God is served and the Lordship of Jesus is proclaimed. The wedding guests are participants in the service by sharing in hymns, scriptural readings and responses to the couple's exchange of vows.

Wedding ceremonies usually last between 20 and 30 minutes, which is ample time to cover the basics (words of welcome, a few readings, your vows, the ring exchange, and the final pronouncement).

Protestant Wedding Traditions

There is a wide range of religious practices under the Protestant religious groups. The differences in theology and practice are reflected in their wedding services. Protestants are Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians and others. The relationship of Christ to the church is considered similar to the relationship between a husband and wife.The Protestant wedding differs from that of other religions in that it is a worship service through which the will of God is served and the Lordship of Jesus is proclaimed. The wedding guests are participants in the service by sharing in hymns, scriptural readings and responses to the couple's exchange of vows.Sometimes the couple shares in communion during their wedding.

Please feel free to contact us with your comments, and any other traditions which you would like us to include.

Requirements

There are few restrictions regarding the time and place of marriage ceremonies except during major religious holidays. Protestants who have been previously married and divorced are permitted to marry again. Some denominations may require dispensation from Church officials for the marriage to be held.

Episcopal Church Requirements

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. It is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of the Church.The Episcopal canon requires that notice be given at least 30 days before the scheduled service. An Episcopal priest must obtain consent of the Bishop to solemnize the marriage of a divorced person.

The First Step

It is important that the bride or groom arrange to talk with the Rector about the wedding before any other plans are finalized. It is well to contact the priest as far in advance as possible to avoid conflicts in scheduling. Advance notice of several months is the rule rather than the exception.

Pre-Marital Counseling

Consistent with the understanding of marriage as a serious and deliberate act, it is required in the Episcopal Church that all couples receive counseling as a part of the preparation of marriage.

Officiates at the wedding

A priest or a bishop normally presides at the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, because such ministers alone have the function of pronouncing the nuptial blessing, and of celebrating the Holy Eucharist.When both a bishop and a priest are present and officiating, the bishop should pronounce the blessing and preside at the Eucharist. A deacon, or an assisting priest, may deliver the charge, ask for the Declaration of Consent, read the Gospel, and perform other assisting functions at the Eucharist.

The Episcopal Celebration and Blessing of the Marriage

The Processional

The Processional begins after all guests have entered and assembled in the Church. Mothers of the Bride and Groom are escorted to their seats on each side of the aisle. Special music may signify the arrival of the Bride and her attendants. Upon hearing the Bride's music, all guests stand.The Processional may be very elaborate with flower girls, a ring bearer, and several bridesmaids. The Bridesmaids follow the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer, if any. They may be escorted by Groomsmen. The Bride follows. She may be escorted by her Father, Mother, or other significant person, or she may walk alone. The Groom waits for the Bride just before the Altar.

The Bride and Groom stand together before the Altar. The Officiant welcomes the Bride and Groom, and all witnesses of the marriage.

They loose their hands.

The Priest may ask God's blessing on a ring or rings as follows:

"Bless, O Lord, this ring to be a sign of the vows by which this Man and this Woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

The giver places the ring on the ring-finger of the other's hand and says:

"______________, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Then the Celebrant joins the right hands of husband and wife and says:

"Now that ________ and ________ have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

"Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder."

All standing, the Celebrant says: "Let us pray together in the words our Savior taught us:"

The Lord's Prayer is recited by the People and the Celebrant. If communion is to follow, the Lord's Prayer may be said later in the service.

The Deacon or other person appointed reads several prayers, to which the People respond, saying, "Amen."

One of the prayers:

"Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, and especially upon this man and this woman whom you make one flesh in Holy Matrimony." "Amen."

The Blessing of the Marriage

The people remain standing. The husband and wife kneel, and the Priest says this or other prayers:"O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."

"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen."

The Celebrant may say to the people: "The peace of the Lord be always with you."

The People respond: "And also with you."

The newly married couple then greet each other, after which greetings may be exchanged throughout the congregation.

When Communion is not to follow, the wedding party leaves the church. A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.

If the liturgy continues with the Offertory, the newly married couple may present the offerings of bread and wine. At the Communion, it is appropriate that the newly married couple receive Communion first, after the ministers.

This post communion prayer is said:

"O God, the giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious: We give you thanks for binding us together in these holy mysteries of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that by your Holy Spirit, ________ and ________, now joined in Holy Matrimony, may become one in heart and soul, live in fidelity and peace, and obtain those eternal joys prepared for all who love you; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."