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Typical Order of a Religious Ceremony

The Order of Service below is for a standard religious ceremony but remember - it can be completely customized to meet your needs and we can even remove all religious references if you'd prefer. It's YOUR ceremony!

  1. Prelude
    Music played while everyone is being seated
  2. Processional
    Music played while wedding party moves up the aisle to the altar
  3. Wedding March
    Special song played as bride moves up the aisle to the altar
  4. Call to Worship
    Minister welcomes everyone and invites all to take part in the ceremony of Holy Matrimony.
  5. Opening Prayer (Invocation)
    The minister asks God to be present for the ceremony and to give His blessing on the union
  6. Giving the Bride Away
    Father (or other important person) gives the bride to the groom
  7. Music Selection
    A hymn may be sung by the congregation or a soloist may sing the first song, giving the wedding party the opportunity to "take their places".
  8. The Charge to the Bride & Groom
    The minister addresses the bride and groom directly,
  9. Betrothal (The Pledge)
    The minister asks if the bride & groom are present of their own free will and ready to be married.
  10. Readings (Optional)
    One or two scriptural passages read by selected friends or family members
  11. Message to the Bride & Groom
    The minister provides a short sermon on what it means to be married.
  12. Vows
    This is the central focal point of the ceremony. It is at this time that the Bride & Groom make their promises to each other.
  13. Exchange of the Rings
    Rings are the visible sign of an invisible bond between husband and wife. They are given to each other so that all may see that their heart and soul have been pledged to each other.
  14. Unity Ceremony
    This symbolizes the joining of two separate lives into one.
  15. Pronouncement
    "I now pronounce you..." The official declaration by the minister that the bride and groom are married
  16. The Lord's Prayer (Optional)
    The minister asks the congregation and wedding party to join in the Lord's Prayer
  17. Closing Prayer/Benediction
    The final statement from the minister asking God to bless the bride and groom.
  18. Presentation
    The minister introduces the newly-wed couple
  19. Recessional
    Music played while the Bride, Groom, and the rest of the wedding party leave the church.