Order of service at a religious marriage ceremony

The order of service, of sequence of events, at a religious marriage ceremony is usually longer than a civil service.  The timing and sequence of events will depend on the house of worship you’ve decided upon for your wedding, but usually includes the following elements:

• Opening words: the officiant welcomes the guests, introduces the couple and states the purpose of the gathering.
• Opening prayer: the officiant sets the religious tone of the ceremony.
• Charge to the couple: the bride and groom are reminded that they are taking a solemn vow before God and all the witnesses gathered before them.
• Declaration of consent: the bride and groom confirm that they are entering freely into the marriage contract.
• Presentation of the bride: the father (or a close relative) usually gives the bride to her husband-to-be.
• Religious readings: readings will vary depending on the institution.  Check with your officiant for an endorsed list of readings.
• Exchange of vows: the couple express the covenant between two people.
• Blessing and ring presentation: the bride and groom exchange rings.  The officiant blesses the couple and the commitment they have made.
• Declaration of marriage: the celebrant announces that the couple is officially married, and the bride and groom may kiss.
• Wedding prayers: after the couple have exchanged vows, they ask for God’s blessing.
• Signing of the register: the happy couple sign the register and the officiant presents the couple with the certificate that precedes their receipt of their formal marriage certificate.