Will the CONGREGATION please rise (only once the Bride is ready to enter the auditorium.  The Wedding March begins).
(The Bride is to walk slowly down the aisle with her right hand hooked into her father's left arm).
(The Groom is to go three paces up the aisle to meet the Bride, while the father lifts the veil, kisses her farewell, and replaces the veil).
(The Bride is to stand on the left hand side of the Groom, in the presence of at least Two Witnesses).

1.  The Opening PRAYER of Blessing.
Let us Pray.  (Pray from the heart by the leading of the Holy Spirit, inviting Christ as the unseen guest of honor).
The CONGREGATION may be seated.

2.  The Declaration of PURPOSE.
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the presence of God, and in the sight of this company, to witness the marriage of A.B. ..............................................., and C.D. ............................................., and to support them with our prayers, and to share their joy.
Marriage is given by God.  It is not to be entered into selfishly or thought of lightly; but responsibly, with true affection and dependence upon God.
Marriage was confirmed by Christ's solemn word, and adorned and blessed by His presence at the wedding feast in Cana of  Galilee.
According to the teaching of Christ, marriage is the life-long union of spirit, soul and body, between one man and one woman.  It is His will that in marriage the love of man and woman should be fulfilled in the wholeness of their life together, in mutual companionship, helpfulness and care.  By the help of God this love grows and deepens with the years.  Such marriage is the foundation of true family life, and when blessed with the gift of children, and when blessed with the gift of children is God's chosen way for the continuance of mankind and the bringing up of children in security and trust.
It is set forth in the New Testament as signifying the mystical union between Christ and His Church.  It is a sacrament of grace (ceremony whereby they are divinely joined together) to all who enter into it under the blessing of God, and it will remain to them a bond of happiness and peace so long as His presence is kept in their hearts to sanctify the love between them.
Thus marriage will be to you, if you have it in your hearts to beautify and enrich it by your constant devotions, your mindfulness in little things, your patience, and sacrifice of self to each other, all of which I charge you here in God's sight to remember and to do.

Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined and to seek God's blessing for their married life.  If therefore, anyone can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak or else whereafter forever hold his peace.

3.  The GIVING of the Bride.
Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
The FATHER or Friend stands and answers:
Her mother and father do (or "I do" in case of a friend). (He sits down).
(A hymn or chorus many be sung).

4.  The Legal DECLARATIONS.
i)  The MINISTER says to the Couple:
I require and charge you both in the presence of God and of this congregation that if either of you knows anything to prevent you from being lawfully married you do now confess it.
ii)  The MAN says after the Minister:
I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, A.B. ......................................... may not be joined in matrimony to C.D. .................................... (A.B. and C.D. in bold type signifies that by law their full names must be used here and later.  You are not bound by {South African} law to use their full names anywhere else).
iii)  The WOMAN says after the Minister:
I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I C.D. .............................. may not be joined in matrimony to A.B. ..........................................

5.   The Ministry of the WORD.
Read Eph 5:22-33 and/or any of the following guideline scriptures:- 1 Pet 3:1-7; Gen 2:18-25; Matt 19:4-6; 1 Cor 13:4-13; Eccl 4:9-12; Prov 31:10-31; Col 3:12-16a; 17-19; Eph 3:14-19; Eph 4:26-27.
(The MINISTER'S sermon follows here).
(Relate to the congregation that the couple are joined to Christ as one, which is a parallel truth to the husband and wife becoming one - Eph 5:31-32.  This is a good place to bring in a Gospel message, using Rom 10:9, explaining the necessity of being one with Christ).
(A song item or hymn may be sung).

6.  The Profession of VOWS.
i)  The MINISTER says to the Couple:
Answer by saying, "I will".
ii)  The MINISTER says to the Man:
A.B. ......................................, will you have this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together after
God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony?
Will you love her, comfort her, honor her and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you
both shall live?
The MAN answers:
I will.
iii)  The MINISTER says to the Woman:
C.D. ..........................................., will you have this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together after
God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony?
Will you love him, comfort him, honor him and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, so long as you
both shall live?
The WOMAN answers:
I will.
iv)  The MINISTER says to the Couple:
Join your right hands please.
6.  The Profession of VOWS - CONT.