Grace Wedding Ceremony Planning Form

    ***This form cannot be saved and returned to at a later time.  Thus, we recommend printing it out first to have on hand in paper as you plan your service.  Then, when you are ready, submit it electronically or in paper form all at once. 

    Before you begin, you may find it helpful to review our general wedding policies and guidelines here.

    Bulletins/Programs

    Wedding Party - Partner #1 (if Applicable)

    Names of wedding party members:

    Wedding Party - Partner #2 (if Applicable)

    Names of wedding party members:

    Other Personnel

    ​IF COMMUNION:

    Opening Acclamation (Choose 1)
    ACCLAMATION A
    Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
    And blessed be God's kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
    ACCLAMATION B
    Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
    Glory to God for ever and ever.
    ACCLAMATION C (Easter Season Only)
    Alleluia. Christ is risen.
    ​The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

    Optional Opening Sentences
    Optional Sentences:
    Beloved, let us love one another,
    For love is of God.   
    Whoever does not love does not know God,
    For God is love.
    Since God so loves us,
    ​Let us love one another. 

    Greeting
    CONTEMPORARY
    Dear friends in Christ, we have gathered together today to witness N. N.     and N. N. publically committing themselves to one another and, in the name of the Church, to bless their union: a relationship of mutual delity and steadfast love, forsaking all others, holding one another in tenderness and respect, in strength and bravery, as long as they live. Therefore, in the name of Christ, let us pray that they may be strengthened for the promises they make this day, and that we will have the generosity to support them in what they undertake and the wisdom to see God at work in their life together. 

    TRADITIONAL
    Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.

    The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
    ​
    Into this holy union N.N.. and N.N.. now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.

    Collect/Prayer of the Day
    Prayer 1 / O gracious and everliving God, you have created us male and female in your image: Look mercifully upon this man and this woman who come to you seeking your blessing, and assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep the promises and vows they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    ​Prayer 2 / Gracious and everliving God: assist by your grace N. and N., whose lifelong commitment of love and delity we witness this day. Grant them your blessing, that with rm resolve they may honor and keep the covenant they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.​

    Prayer 3 / Almighty and everliving God: look tenderly upon N. and N., who stand before you in the company of your Church. Lift them up in joy in their life together. Grant them so to love sel essly and live humbly, that they may be to one another and to the world a witness and a sign of your never-failing care; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, to the ages of ages. Amen.

    Prayer 4 / O God, faithful and true, whose steadfast love endures for ever: we give you thanks for sustaining N. and N. in the life they share and for bringing them to this day. Nurture them and ll them with joy in their life together, continuing the good work you have begun in them; and grant us, with them, a dwelling place eternal in the heavens where all your people will share the joy of perfect love, and where you, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

    Prayer 5 / Holy Trinity, one God, three Persons perfect in unity and equal in majesty: Draw together with bonds of love and affection N. and N., who with their families seek to live in harmony and forbearance all their days, that their joining together will be to us a re ection of that perfect communion which is your very essence and life, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who live and reign in glory everlasting. Amen.

    Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures (Optional)

    Alternatively, a non-canonical reading or poem may be permissible at the discretion of the clergy. 
    1. Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24 (A man cleaves to his wife and they become one flesh)
    2.  Song of Solomon 2:10-13; 8:6-7 (Many waters cannot quench love)
    3. Tobit 8:5b-8 (That she and I may grow old together)
    4. Ruth 1:16-17 (Ruth and Naomi)
    5. 1 Samuel 18:1-4 or 1 Samuel 18:1b, 3, 20:16-17, 42a (David and Jonathan)
    6. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (Value of a Friend)
    7. Micah 4:1-4 (Peace and security)

    Psalm (Optional)

    The Psalms may be found beginning on page 585 in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), or online here.
    Alternatively, a non-canonical reading or poem may be permissible at the discretion of the clergy. 

    Reading from the New Testament Letters (Optional)

    Alternatively, a non-canonical reading or poem may be permissible at the discretion of the clergy. 

    1. Romans 12:9-18 (Let love be genuine)
    2. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (Love is patient, love is kind)
    3. Corinthians 5:17-20 (If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation)
    4. Galatians 5:14, 22-26 (Fruit of the Spirit)
    5. Ephesians 3:14-19 (Rooted and grounded in love)
    6. Colossians 3:12-17 ((Love which binds everything together in harmony) 1 John 3:18-24 (Little children let us love)
    7. 1 John 4:7-16 (God is love)

    Gospel Passage (Required if Communion)

    1. Matthew 5:1-10 (The Beatitudes)
    2. Matthew 5:13-16 (You are the light...Let your light so shine) 
    3. Matthew 5:1-16 (Beatitudes + Salt and Light)
    4. Matthew 7:21,24-29 (Like a wise man who built his house upon the rock) 
    5. Mark 10:6-9,13-16 (They are no longer two but one)
    6. Mark 12:28-34 (The First Commandment)
    7. Luke 6:32-38 (Be merciful as your Father is merciful)
    8. John 2:1-12 (Wedding at Cana)
    9. John 15:9-12 (Love one another as I have loved you)

    Response to the Readings

    Presentation

    Note:  In some instances, the same presenter(s) may present both members of the couple at the same time, prompted by these or similar words:  "Who presents this woman and this man to be married to each other?" Response:  "I/We do."

    Vows
    ELIZABETHAN
    I, N., take thee, N., to 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, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I (plight) (give) thee my troth.

    ​TRADITIONAL
    In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my husband/wife, 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, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

    CONTEMPORARY
    In the name of God, I, N., give myself to you, N. I will support and care for you by the grace of God: enduring all things, bearing all things. I will hold and cherish you in the love of Christ: in times of plenty, in times of want. I will honor and love you with the Spirit’s help: forsaking all others, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow. 

    Prayers of the People

    TRADITIONAL
    ​    Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, and especially upon this man and this woman whom you make one flesh in Holy Matrimony. Amen.

    Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy. Amen.

    Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will, and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may grow in loveand peace with you and one another all the days of their life. Amen.

    Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other's forgiveness 
    and yours. Amen.

    Make their life together a sign of Christ's love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, 
    forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair. Amen.

    Bestow on them, if it is your will, the gift and heritage of children, and the grace to bring them up to know you, to love you,
    and to serve you. Amen.

    Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection that they may reach out in love and concern for others. Amen.

    ​Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed. Amen.

    Grant that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all your children are united one to another, and the living to the dead, may be so transformed by your grace, that your will may  be done on earth as it is in heaven; where, O Father, with your Son, and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign in perfect unity, now and for ever. Amen.
    ​CONTEMPORARY
    For N. and N., seeking your blessing and the blessing of your holy people; Lord, in your mercy (or Lord, in your goodness)
    ​    Hear our prayer.

    For a spirit of loving-kindness to shelter them all their days;
    Lord, in your mercy (or Lord, in your goodness)
    Hear our prayer.

    For friends to support them and communities to enfold them;
    Lord, in your mercy (or Lord, in your goodness) 
    Hear our prayer.

    For peace in their home and love in their family;
    Lord, in your mercy (or Lord, in your goodness) 
    Hear our prayer.

    For the grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other’s forgiveness and yours;Lord, in your mercy (or Lord, in your goodness) 
    Hear our prayer.

    For the outpouring of your love through their work and witness;
    Lord, in your mercy (or Lord, in your goodness) 
    Hear our prayer.

    For the wisdom to care for the children you may entrust (have entrusted) to them; Lord, in your mercy (or Lord, in your goodness) 
    Hear our prayer.

    For the growth of their children from strength to strength;
    Lord, in your mercy (or Lord, in your goodness) 
    Hear our prayer.

    For the strength to keep our vows and commitments;
    ​    Lord, in your mercy (or Lord, in your goodness) 
    Hear our prayer.
    ADDITIONAL/OPTIONAL CONTEMPORARY BIDDINGS:
    ​NAMES OF ANY DECEASED FAMILY MEMBERS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE COMMEMORATED IN THE PRAYERS:

    The Solemn Blessing

    TRADITIONAL A
    Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your tender love     in sending Jesus Christ to come among us, to be born of a human mother, and to make the way of the cross to be the way of life. We thank you, also, for consecrating the union of man and woman in his Name. By the power of your Holy Spirit, pour out the abundance of your blessing upon this man and this woman. Defend them from every enemy. Lead  them into all peace. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads. Bless them in their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their life and in their death. Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that table where your saints feast for ever in your heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    TRADITIONAL B
    O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

    CONTEMPORARY A
    Most gracious God, we praise you for the tender mercy and unfailing care revealed to us in Jesus the Christ and for the great joy and comfort bestowed upon us in the gift of human love. We give you thanks for N. and N., and the covenant of faithfulness they have made. Pour out the abundance of your Holy Spirit upon them. Keep them in your steadfast love; protect them from all danger; fill them with your wisdom and peace; lead them in holy service to each other and the world.  God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you, and mercifully grant you rich and boundless grace, that you may please God in body and soul.  God make you a sign of the loving-kindness and steadfast delity manifest in the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior, and bring you at last to the delight of the heavenly banquet, where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. 

    CONTEMPORARY B
    Most gracious God, we praise you for the tender mercy and unfailing care revealed to us in Jesus the Christ and for the great joy and comfort bestowed upon us in the gift of human love. We give you thanks for N. and N., and the covenant of faithfulness they have made. Pour out the abundance of your Holy Spirit upon them. Keep them in your steadfast love; protect them from all danger; fill them with your wisdom and peace; lead them in holy service to each other and the world.  God, the holy and undivided Trinity, bless, preserve, and keep you, and mercifully grant you rich and boundless grace, that you may please God in body and soul. God make you a sign of the loving-kindness and steadfast delity manifest in the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior, and bring you at last to the delight of the heavenly banquet, where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. 

    Eucharistic Prayer (If Communion)

    BCP Rite I Prayer I (starts on p. 333)
    BCP Rite I Prayer II (starts on p.340)
    BCP Rite II Prayer A (starts on p. 361)
    BCP Rite II Prayer B
    BCP Rite II Prayer C
    BCP Rite II Prayer D
    EOW Prayer 1 (p. 57-59)
    EOW Prayer 2 (p. 60-62)
    EOW Prayer 3 (p. 62-65)
    Ad lib by the Officiant
    Other

    If Music...

    As you begin your planning, you may wish to consult these lists of commonly suggested hymns and music for Episcopal weddings:
    All Saints Atlanta
    St. David's, Wayne, PA
    PRE-CEREMONY MUSIC
    ​PROCESSION(S) - May be instrumental, solos, or hymns
    Below, please indicate how many processions (if more than one) and what music is to be played or sung.​

    Additional Information or Requests