Church Ceremony Considerations

A PROTESTANT CEREMONY

There are as many variations as there are protestant churches, but the ceremony tends to be short in length. It usually includes a welcome to guests, reading of Scripture passages, a statement of intent to marry, an exchange of vows and rings and a blessing. It may also include the Lord's Prayer and Holy Communion. Check with your minister or marriage coordinator for all the details specific to your church.

There may be a baptismal requirement, church membership requirement and some extra paperwork if one or both of you have been married before. Interfaith marriages are acceptable.

A ROMAN CATHOLIC CEREMONY

There are two possibilities for marriage within the catholic church. The first, and most common is a nuptial mass which is about an hour long liturgical service involving the community. The second is a  prayer service which is sometimes used for second marriages or for validation of civil marriages. Both services include Scripture readings, an exchange of rings and vows and a blessing. A Mass includes gathering and penitential rites, Liturgy of the Word (Scripture readings), the marriage rite (statement of intent, exchange of vows and rings), preparation of gifts, Eucharistic prayer, the Lord's Prayer, nuptial blessing and recessional. Ask your priest or marriage coordinator for more information.

Baptismal certificates and other prenuptial paperwork will be needed. There will also need to be arrangements made if one of you is non-catholic or if either or both of you have been married previously and divorced. Inter-faith marriages are acceptable.

AN EASTERN ORTHODOX CEREMONY

An Eastern Orthodox ceremony takes place during a Mass. There are many similarities between Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholic Marriages. There are a number of rituals which are part of the ceremony including the office of the crowning, where the priest crowns each of you and you walk together three times around a table, candles are held during the ceremony and a cup of wine is shared by the couple. Many of the rites in the Orthodox Church are repeated three times in honor of Trinity. For specifics, contact your priest.

At least one of you and one of the witnesses must be baptized in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Interfaith and second marriages are permitted if church requirements are satisfied.

A JEWISH CEREMONY

Jewish ceremonies are filled with symbolism. There are blessings and ceremonies which take place prior to the ceremony. Traditionally each of you comes down the aisle with both of your parents. The rite of circling the groom may be included. Scripture is read. Wedding rings and vows are exchanged. Wine is shared and the wine glass is crushed by the groom. The ceremony may take place under a canopy (Chuppah). There will be differences between Orthodox and Conservative or Reform ceremonies. Get in touch with your Rabbi for details.

Depending on whether you are Orthodox, Conservative or Reform Jewish, conversion of a non-Jewish partner may or may not be required for marriage in a synagogue. Interfaith marriages are possible in some situations. Paperwork may be required if there has been a previous marriage.

A MORMON CEREMONY

(Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)
There are two types of wedding ceremonies in the Mormon Church, a temple ceremony and a civil ceremony. There are strict requirements for the temple ceremony which is considered a marriage for all eternity. Requirements include baptism, membership in good standing, counseling, and special attire. There are no special requirements for a civil ceremony. The temple ceremony, held in the Sealing Room of the Temple, can only be attended by family members or close friends who have temple recognition. It has a number of special rites which include an exchange of rings advice on marriage. The civil ceremony is very simple including holding hands, and an exchange of vows and rings. These marriages take place outside the temple building.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH WEDDING

These ceremonies are similar to protestant marriage ceremonies, but do not have the requirements that go along with most church weddings. The Unitarian Church offers non-denominational services and there are many ministers who are willing to perform those weddings as well. (Check Yellow pages or local bridal source books for names.) These can be performed within a church or anywhere else you choose as long as the minister is willing. You have more flexibility in a non-denominational wedding with regard to writing your own vows or designing your own special ceremony.

BUDDHIST CEREMONY

Depending on the denomination there will be different rites for the marriage ceremony. The Buddhist member of the couple is expected to be participating in services regularly. A non Buddhist member of the couple is not required to convert. The wedding may or may not take place in the temple. Rites may include ringing of bells, use of incense and chanting as well as the exchange of rings and vows.

MUSLIM CEREMONY

Requirements are strict for women, they may marry only a  Muslim man. Men may marry non-Muslim women. The ceremony consists of an opening prayer, statement of intent and exchange of pledges followed by prayer.

WEDDING CHAPELS/CHURCH OR CIVIL CEREMONIES

Wedding chapels are businesses. Some ministers will perform weddings there, or you may have a civil ceremony performed in a wedding chapel. There are no requirements with regard to membership, baptism, or previous marriages. All you need is a marriage license. The ceremony itself can include any rites or wording that you choose. Wedding chapels are popular in Nevada but are available in most cities.

MILITARY CHAPEL WEDDING

Any "military wedding" would go according to the particular religion in which you are being married. The only factors making it a military wedding are the fact that it may be performed at a base chapel, uniforms may be worn and the ceremony is followed by marching under sabers (army) or swords (navy) as you leave the church. Your reception may also be held at a club on base. Use of uniforms for groom, groomsmen and officiant is optional, except for those groomsmen who form the arch. The wedding cake us usually cur with a sword or saber.

 

 
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