Planning a Christ-Centered Wedding Ceremony
As a wedding photographer, I witness a lot of wedding ceremonies.
As a Christian, I am especially touched by the couples that make Christ the center of the wedding ceremony and day.
I so very much enjoy photographing couples who are not only madly in love with each other but are also very dedicated to the Lord individually and as a couple.
Christians believe that marriage was created by God and is an incredible gift!
A Christian marriage is built on the foundation of Christ.
Focusing on God is a powerful way to start your marriage on a firm foundation.
There are lots of ways to incorporate your faith into your wedding day.
8 ideas for planning your Christ centered wedding ceremony:
Choose Christ-centered music:
Select hymns or Christian songs that reflect your faith and will help set the tone for a worshipful ceremony. Choose meaningful songs, that represent your favorite musical style, and have a special meaning to you.
Include Scripture readings:
Incorporate Bible verses that are significant to you and your fiancé. You can ask friends or family to do the Bible readings. This does two things- incorporates scripture and includes loved ones in your wedding ceremony.
Choose to be married by a pastor or minister:
Having a pastor or minister officiate your wedding can ensure that the ceremony stays Christ-centered. Pastors are usually thrilled when couples share that they want their wedding to share the love of Christ.
Write Christ-centered vows:
In addition to using traditional vows, you can write your own personal vows that reflect your commitment to each other and Christ. You can make these very special by incorporating your favorite scripture verses.
Pray together:
Set aside time during the ceremony for a time of prayer. There are lots of ways prayer can be included in the wedding ceremony. Prayer can be given by the pastor, a family member, or the bride and groom themselves. Parents can pray over their son/daughter, grandparents could pray, the congregation could read a prayer together, and many other ways.
Communion:
Consider including the Lord’s Supper or communion as a part of the ceremony. The wedding couple could take communion just the two of them or all the guests could be included. Communion is a sacred service that is very special when shared during the wedding ceremony.
Unity candle:
Lighting a unity candle symbolizes joining two lives together as one in Christ. The candle can also represent the light of Christ shining through marriage.
Reception:
Use the reception as an opportunity to share your faith with your guests. In addition to traditional toasts, you could ask the best man/maid of honor to also give a short prayer. Choosing faith-filled music to be played during dinner is another way to keep the focus on Christ.
By intentionally planning a Christ-centered wedding ceremony you will create a meaningful and worshipful experience that reflects both your commitment to each other and to God.
Heather Corbin is a Lafayette Indiana wedding and family photographer. As a devoted Christian, she loves photographing couples that are not only madly in love with each other but who are also devoted to Christ.
