Example Wedding Sermon

A 10–15 minute ceremony sermon.

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Type
Sermon
Topic
Family & Home, Holidays & Occasions
Books
Genesis, Matthew, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Titus
Written for
Adults
Notes
962 words

How you may use this

Use it as you wish. Adapt it, cut it, teach it. The personal stories are mine: either credit me for those or, better, tell your own. Most of the rest I gathered from other sources over the years, so I claim little original here. My one requirement — do not take this and teach it without further study.

The notes

Tyler & Karli

WEDDING CEREMONY

PROCESSIONAL

Be seated please. Who gives this woman in marrage?

George Eliot once wrote, “What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life - to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories.”

Dear friends and loved ones, we’ve come together on this day to witness the joining of Tyler and Karli in the holy bond of marraige.

A wedding is a truly joyous occasion, but it’s also a time for solemn refelction on the marraige relationship that was designed by God.

I. MARRAIGE IS FOR MUTUAL COMPANIONSHIP [Genesis 2.18-24]

  • God taught Adam that every creature must have its perfect companion
  • So when God made Eve, Adam perceived her as HIS perfect companion
  • Your marraige should exemplify this ideal - brother and sister in Christ, friends, and then Spouses
  • The two of you must let your companionship grow through the years

II. MARRAIGE IS FOR MUTUAL COMMITMENT [Matthew 19.4-6]

  • “Leave” - there must be a seperation from your own parents as you
  • “Cleave” - to one another. This word speaks of the cement or glue of permanence
  • “One flesh” - Two must become one. Unity is hard work.
  • The two of you must always remember your mutual commitment

III. MARRAIGE IS FOR MUTUAL PURITY [1 Corinthians 7.1-3, 14]

  • God designed marraige to help us maintain our moral purity
  • It also provides an honorable and stable enviroment for children
  • But remaining true for life, you will honor the Lord and one another
  • The two of you must remain true to one another for life

IV. MARRAIGE IS FOR MUTUAL LOVE [Ephesians 5.25 & Titus 2.4]

  • Two words used for ‘love’ in these verses: ‘agape’ and ‘phileo’
  • Agape suggests the placing the object of love above one’s self (sacrifce)
  • Phileo suggests an emotional affection and attachment (feeling)
  • The two of you must always show and feel true love

Before we recite your vows to one another, I would like to bring your attention to something. Look down at your hands. Look down at each of your hands intertwined in your partners.

KARLI, these are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of your life. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will wipe tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These hands will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear and grief overwhelm you. These are the hands that will gently prove to you his overwhelming love and desire for you.

TYLER, these are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young, and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, and console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encoruages you to chase down your dreams, together as a team, for the rest of your life.

And now, the vows.

Both of you must take very seriously the vows which you are about to make. God will hold you accountable for these vows and for the responsibilities which these vows place upon you.

Tyler, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?

THEN REPEAT AFTER ME:

TO TYLER:

“I, Tyler, take you, Karli, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, to comfort, honor, and keep you in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, remain true to you as long as we both shall live.”

TO KARLI:

“I, Karli, take you, Tyler, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, to comfort, respect, and keep you in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, remain true to you as long as we both shall live.”

THE RINGS: May I have the rings please? These rings are a visible symbol of the bond that God will form with you both today. Their circular shape should remind you of the unbroken circle of love that has no beginning and no end.

Tyler, place the ring on her finger and repeat after me: “Giving this ring as a token and pledge, I marry you, and promise you my love and faithfulness.”

Karli, place the ring on her finger and repeat after me: “Giving this ring as a token and pledge, I marry you, and promise you my love and faithfulness.”

PRAYER: Before our pronouncement, we will ask that ____ ____ come forward and lead a prayer asking God to bless their union and request to be joined today.

PRAYER

PRONOUNCEMENT: Since Tyler and Karli have consented together in marraige, and have committed themselves in the sight of God, then by the virtue and authority given to me by the laws of the great state of Tennessee, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Tyler, you may kiss your bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Cole!

RECESSIONAL

Near it on the shelf