Weddings at First Saint Paul’s

 Your Marriage Ceremony

Service Template

The Pastor will work closely with you on the Rite of Marriage; the musician/ organist on musical selections.

The following is a suggested order of service:

Pre-Service Music ~ Usually includes the seating of parents and grandparents.

Processional ~ Sometimes a different piece of music for the bridal party and the bride. A processional hymn may also be used.

Invocation and Opening Words                          

Giving of the Bride/ Parental Blessing ~ optional. “Who gives this woman…”

Scripture Readings ~ 1-3 readings; a Psalm may sung or said between readings

Hymn

Homily

Hymn ~ additional hymn is optional (see below)

Sacred Declaration ~ “I, ____, take you, ___”

Vows ~ Do you/ Will You?  I do/ I will!

Exchange of Rings

Pronouncement of Marriage

Unity Candle ~ Optional. Instrumental music, solo, or a hymn may be sung

Hymn ~ additional hymn is optional (see above)

Prayer 

Lord’s Prayer

Blessing

Presentation of the Couple ~ John and Jane Doe; or Mr. and Mrs. Joe. Kiss here if you want!

Recessional ~ Or a recessional hymn may be used

Post-Service Music

Scripture Readings for Marriage

Because worship is a community event, we encourage participation among those gathered for worship. Consider the possibility of including family members or friends who read with confidence to serve as lectors/ readers for the service. In the course of pre-marriage counseling, the Pastor will discuss with you Scripture readings and other liturgical texts that might be used. The list below is not exhaustive but serves to help your consideration. Select one to three for use during the ceremony. A Psalm may be spoken, chanted or sung using a musical setting.

  • From the Old Testament

    Genesis 1:26 - 31 The creation of man and woman

    Genesis 2:18 - 25 The gift of companionship

    Song of Songs 2:10-13 My beloved is mine and I am his

    Song of Songs 8:6-7 Place me as a seal over your heart

    Isaiah 61:10-11 Bridegroom adorns his head… a bride adorns herself with jewels

    Isaiah 63:7 -9 He lifted them up and carried them

    Ecclesiastes 4:9 - 12 Two are better than one; a chord of three strands is not easily broken

    Hosea 2:18-23 I will betroth you to me forever

    Ruth 1:16 Your God will be my God, your people my people

  • From the Psalms

    Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd

    Psalm 33 Let Your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us

    Psalm 45 They are led with joy and gladness

    Psalm 67 May God be gracious to us and bless us

    Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord

    Psalm 117 Great is His love towards us

    Psalm 127 Unless the Lord builds the house

    Psalm 128 Happy is everyone who fears the Lord

    Psalm 136 O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good

    Psalm 150 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord

  • From the Epistles

    Romans 8:31 - 39 Nothing can separate us from God’s love

    Romans 12:1-2 Offer yourselves as living sacrifices

    Romans 12:9- 13 Let love be genuine

    1 Corinthians 12:31—13:1-13 Love never ends

    Ephesians 5:1-2; 21 - 33 The mystery of marriage

    Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always

    Philippians 4:8-9 The God of peace will be with you

    Colossians 3:12-17 (12-19) Clothe yourselves with love

    Hebrews 13:1-8 Marriage should be honored by all

    1 John 4:7 God is love

    1 John 4:16b-19 We love because He first loved us

  • From the Gospels

    Matthew 19:4-6 They are no longer two, but one

    Mark 10:1-9 What God has joined together, let no one separate

    John 2:1-10 Marriage feast of Cana

    John 15:9-12 Remain in My love

Hymnody

Congregational singing is encouraged by not required during the ceremony. The musician/ organist will work with you on your musical selections. Consider one to three of the following hymns from the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) or With One Voice blue hymnal (WOV):

Wedding/ Family

         LSB 858 “O Father, All Creating”

LSB 859 “Lord, When You Came as Welcome Guest”

LSB 860 “Gracious Savior, Grant Your Blessing”

LSB 861 “Christ Be My Leader”

LSB 862 “Oh, Blest the House”

LSB 863 “Our Father, By Whose Name”

Trust

         LSB 727 “On Eagles’ Wings”

LSB 738 “Lord of All Hopefulness”

Charity

         LSB 845 “Where Charity and Love Prevail”

Vocation

         LSB 854 “Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go”

LSB 861 “Christ Be My Leader”

LSB 869 “With the Lord Begin Your Task”

WOV 776 “Be Thou My Vision”

Praise and Adoration

         LSB 790 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”

Thanksgiving

         LSB 895 “Now Thank We All Our God”

Suggested Organ Music for Weddings

For information on wedding policies as You Plan Your Special Day