Table of Contents
Preface 11
Part 1 Traditional Wedding Ceremonies
1 Baptist 17
American Baptist 17
Southern Baptist 22
2 Christian and Missionary Alliance 28
3 Christian Church 35
4 Episcopal 44
5 Evangelical 54
Evangelical Covenant Church 54
Evangelical Free Church of America 61
6 Lutheran 69
7 Methodist 74
The Free Methodist Church of North America 74
The Wesleyan Church 79
8 Nondenominational 84
9 Presbyterian 92
Presbyterian Church in America 92
10 Reformed 97
Christian Reformed Church 97
Reformed Church in America 103
Part 2 Alternate Wedding Ceremonies
11 Contemporary Weddings 119
Option One 119
Option Two 125
12 Service of Recognition of a Civil Marriage 131
13 A Brief Wedding Ceremony 134
14 Ceremony for Individuals with Children from Previous Relationships 138
15 An Ecumenical Ceremony from the Consultation on Common Tests 145
16 Service of Renewal of Wedding Vows 151
Part 3 Resources for Wedding Ceremonies
17 Wedding Meditations 157
Marriage Is Wonderful D. Stuart Briscoe 157
O-Rings and Wedding Rings Bryan Chapell 162
Closer to God, Closer to Each Other John Guest 170
Wedding Gifts David W. Wiersbe 174
18 Lighting of a Unity Candle 178
19 Unity Sand Ceremony 180
20 The Lord's Supper at a Wedding 183
21 Alternate Wedding Vows 187
22 Suggested Scripture Readings for Weddings 192
23 Wedding Prayers 194
24 Wedding Music 198
25 Planning Charts 204
Request for a Wedding 204
Minister's Wedding Ceremony Planning Sheet 210
Processional and Recessional Diagram 216