Protestant Ceremonies

Most denominations of Protestantism vary in details, but the essence of the ceremony is the same. Check out the basic format for a Protestant wedding.

The only large difference in wedding ceremonies among Protestants lies in the Quaker, or Religious Society of Friends, ceremony. Check our guide for details of a Quaker Ceremony. If you're Baptist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Presbyterian, or Methodist, you can expect something along these lines in a wedding ceremony.

The Processional

Whether the groom waits at the altar for the wedding party to join him or he enters with his family, usually Protestant processionals are very traditional, with the wedding party followed by flower girls, followed by the bride and her father or other close relative.

Introduction/Welcome

Most services begin with some sort of call to worship. "We are gathered here to witness the marriage of (bride) and (groom) in holy matrimony" is a standard officient's opening. After prayer or a few words about marriage or the couple specifically, the minister usually asks, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?". Thankfully, many churches have updated this phrase by substituting the word "brings" for "gives", not to sound so much like the bride is a piece of land exchanging hands. In many churches, the minister may simply ask if both families approve of the marriage and pledge their support. Once the parents give their blessing, the bride and groom move on to the vows.

Vows/Exchange of Rings

Although many denominations now approve of writing your own vows, here are the traditional Protestant vows:

"I, (name), take you (bride/groom's name) to be my wedded wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."

The ring exchange is conducted after the minister blesses the rings. As rings go on fingers, couples use a variety of traditional phrases, including "With this ring, I thee wed,", or "This ring I give you in token of our abiding love."

Unity Candle Ceremony

A very popular addition to Protestant ceremonies, the Unity Candle Ceremony can be a symbol of commitment between bride and groom, usually accompanied by poetry or music to puncuate the lighting of one single candle from two separate ones.

Benediction/Exit

The minister will have a benediction prayer or say "The Lord's Prayer" along with the congregation. Next, the pronouncement of "I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined let no man put asunder.", which closes the ceremony. The couple kisses and exits down the aisle they walked down at the start of the ceremony.

Since each sect of Protestantism is slightly different, talk to your minister about the details they smile and frown at - especially if you are not familiar with the rules. Knowing these rules and regulations before you commit to an officiant will give you the "big picture" earlier if you don't belong to the church.

Wedding Gazette