Planning a wedding rooted in your Christian faith is about more than just saying "I do"—it’s about creating a ceremony that reflects your commitment to God, your relationship, and the covenant of marriage. Here are 15 meaningful ideas for a Christian wedding that will highlight your faith and keep Christ at the center of your day.
1. Start with Prayer
Begin your wedding day with prayer. You can have a pastor, family member, or close friend lead the prayer for the two of you at the beginning individually or together. It sets the tone and invites the Holy Spirit into your marriage from the very first moment.
2. Include a Scripture Reading
Bible readings can be a powerful part of the ceremony. Choose verses that reflect your journey as a couple and the meaning of Christian marriage.
Popular scriptures for weddings include:
- 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (Love is patient, love is kind…)
- Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (Two are better than one…)
- Ephesians 5:21–33 (Mutual love and respect in marriage)
- Song of Solomon 3:4 (“I have found the one whom my soul loves.”)
3. Have a Christ-Centered Message
Ask your officiant or pastor to give a short message or sermon that focuses on the gospel of Christ and the biblical purpose of marriage. This is a chance to reflect on God’s design for love, commitment, and unity—and to remind everyone that your marriage is built on more than romance. It’s built on a covenant.
4. Worship During Your Ceremony
Include one or two worship songs during the ceremony. Whether it's live or played through speakers, worshipping during your ceremony will build each other up and can also help non-believers experience the presence of God. Consider inviting your church worship team or a soloist to lead the music.
Song ideas to consider:
- “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin
- “Firm Foundation” by Cody Carnes
- “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman
- “How Great Thou Art” (traditional hymn)
5. Do a Unity Ceremony with Spiritual Meaning
Symbolize your union before God with a unity ceremony. Popular Christian options include:
- Unity candle – Two flames becoming one
- Braided cord (Ecclesiastes 4:12) – "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken"
- Communion – Taking the Lord’s Supper together as your first act as husband and wife
- Foot washing – A beautiful act of humility and service, just as Jesus modeled. Read all about how to do a foot washing ceremony here.
6. Have a Bible Guest Book
Instead of a traditional guest book, have guests highlight their favorite Bible verse and sign their name beside it in a keepsake Bible. It’s a powerful way to fill your home and marriage with scripture and encouragement from your loved ones.
7. Use Scripture in Your Décor
Decorate your ceremony or reception space with verses that reflect your faith. Scripture signs, aisle runners, or embroidered handkerchiefs are thoughtful touches that keep Christ at the center.
8. Exchange Vows that Reflect Your Faith
You can use traditional vows, write your own, or find pre-written Christian vows that reference your commitment before God. Many couples add a line like, “I promise to honor Christ in our marriage” or “I vow to love you as Christ loves the church.”
9. Pray Together Before the Ceremony
Have a private moment with your fiancé before the ceremony to pray together. If you’re waiting to see each other until the aisle, you can stand on opposite sides of a door or around a corner and pray without breaking the “first look.”
10. Have Prayer Over Your Marriage During the Ceremony
At some point during the ceremony, plan to invite your pastor, parents, or small group up to pray over you as a couple.
11. Host a Christ-Centered Reception Toast
Take a moment during your reception to thank God publicly for bringing you together. Whether it’s during the welcome speech, blessing over the meal, or a special toast, use that time to glorify God and point your guests toward the source of your joy.
12. Display a Marriage Prayer at the Ceremony or Reception
Framing and displaying a marriage prayer is a beautiful way to invite your guests into the spiritual heart of your day. This could be a prayer you write together or a well-known Christian marriage prayer asking for God's guidance, strength, and blessing over your union. You can place it near the entrance, at the altar, or on the welcome table.
13. Use Your Wedding Program as a Tool for Testimony
Your printed wedding program doesn’t just have to list the order of events—it can be a space to share your testimony as a couple. Include a short story about how God brought you together or your favorite verse as a couple to remind your guests that this day is about more than love.
14. Gift Bibles to Your Wedding Party
As a meaningful thank-you gift, consider giving each bridesmaid or groomsman a personalized Bible or devotional book. You can even highlight your favorite verse inside or include a handwritten note of encouragement. It’s a gift that goes beyond the wedding and into their walk with Christ.
15. Start Premarital Counseling with a Pastor
This isn't part of the ceremony—but it's one of the most important things you can do to prepare. Premarital counseling with a pastor or Christian counselor helps you build a strong foundation, navigate challenges, and root your marriage in biblical truth. Mentioning this in your wedding website or program can even encourage others to do the same.
A Christian wedding doesn’t have to be traditional or formal—it just needs to be intentional. These intentional moments on your wedding day should initiate a lifelong focus of Christ at the center of your marriage.