As a follower of Jesus, your wedding day is not just a celebration of love between two people, but also an opportunity to honor the Father in one of the most significant moments of your lives. Integrating you and your future spouse’s faith into your wedding day can add a profound sense of purpose and intimacy to your ceremony—not to mention, inviting Jesus to join you as you make promises of faith and love in His name will set you both up for success in the marriage that follows.
Here are eleven ways you can invite Jesus into your wedding day:
1. Start the Day with Prayer
If you’re anything like me, you’ve prayed for this day for a long, long time—I’m talking countless hours, days, months, years praying for your future spouse long before you even knew them (or knew if they indeed did exist).
Start your wedding day off by spending focused time in prayer. This can be alone or with your very-soon-to-be spouse, family, or friends. Thank God and pray over all of the day’s details is a key way to include Him in your day (and relieve any last minute stress!). Be sure to carve out this time to center yourselves, reflect on the sanctity of the vows you’re about to take, and invite Jesus to be present throughout your day. Ask for His blessings and guidance as you embark on this lifelong journey together.
- Nervous about a certain family member saying or doing something they shouldn’t? Pray about it.
- Stressed that the band will miss a cue and fumble your first dance? Pray about it.
- Anxious that you’ll trip while walking down the aisle? Pray about it.
You get the gist.
You can also start the ceremony with a group prayer. Have your pastor or officiant have everyone join hands and bow their heads as someone special speaks life and love over you and your partner’s union and the beginning of your lives together.
2. Include Scripture in Your Ceremony
Choose scriptures that mean a lot to you and your future spouse and reflect the commitment and love you are pledging to each other. Meeting with your pastor beforehand to help you choose these can be really helpful. He or she can also help guide you in choosing scriptures that fit you and your partner’s relationships and walk with God.
Check out these verses for inspo:
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
- Ephesians 5:25-33
- Hebrews 12
- Psalm 103
- Psalm 127 or 128
- Psalm 100
Don’t be afraid to choose some that are outside of the box. These don’t have to be strictly wedding or marriage related. If you have verses that are meaningful to you and your partner, include them!
Invite friends, family members, members of the bridal party (they’re already up there with you!) to do the readings during the ceremony, making the moment even more personal and meaningful.
3. Worship Music
Select hymns or worship songs that hold special meaning to you as a couple. Music has a powerful way of stirring hearts and focusing attention on Jesus. Whether you choose a traditional hymn or a modern worship song, let the music echo your commitment to a Christ-centered marriage.
We had an acoustic guitar play during our ceremony and walked down the aisle to Goodness of God by Bethel Worship, it was beautiful!
Consider these songs:
- Oceans by Hillsong Worship
- How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin
- The Blessing by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship
- The Goodness of God by Bethel Worship
- So Will I by Hillsong United
4. Involve a Spiritual Mentor in Your Ceremony
If there is someone who has significantly impacted your spiritual journey, consider involving them in your ceremony. They could offer a prayer, share a brief message, or provide pre-marital counseling leading up to the wedding and beyond.
This acknowledgment can honor the role they have played in your lives and underscore the importance of community and mentorship in your marriage. Plus, it never hurts to have someone in your corner who can help ground you when things get tough.
5. Cross Arbor
Instead of a tradition arbor as a ceremony backdrop, consider a wooden cross.
My now father-in-law (who’s an amazing DIYer/woodworker) built one for our ceremony and we absolutely loved it. You can drape fabric that match your wedding colors, decorate with flowers, or just leave it as is. We left ours plain and let it speak for itself!
6. Foot Washing Ceremony
A foot washing ceremony, mirroring Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, can be a deeply moving addition to your wedding. It symbolizes humility, service, and unconditional love—foundational qualities for a strong, Christ-centered marriage.
7. Offer Communion
You don’t need to be getting married in a church to do this one! If you have a pastor officiating your wedding, talk to them about the possibility of offering communion during your wedding ceremony.
Sharing communion during your ceremony can be a beautiful and meaning expression of your mutual faith and commitment to live as followers of Christ. It’s a sacred moment to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and the foundation of your marriage in His love and grace.
8. A Cord of Three Strands
Incorporate a “Cord of Three Strands” ceremony to symbolize the intertwining of your lives with Christ. This powerful ceremony is based on Ecclesiastes 4:12, which says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” During this part of the ceremony, you and your partner braid three strands together — one representing each of you, and the third representing Jesus.
This act can serve as a beautiful, visual representation of your commitment to a marriage with Jesus at the center. The braiding of these three strands can be done while a reading explains the symbolism of each strand and the importance of inviting Jesus to be an integral part of your marriage. This tangible symbol can later be displayed in your home as a lasting reminder of your wedding day and the commitment to keep Jesus woven through every aspect of your lives together.
9. Blessings + Prayers
Invite your officiant or a close spiritual mentor to bless your marriage. Having someone pray over your union and ask for God’s guidance and wisdom can be a powerful moment in your ceremony. The prayers don’t (and shouldn’t!) have to stop at the ceremony!
A lot of the time people think that once the reception starts, it’s time to party (this is true, don’t you fret!) But the prayers and blessings can also continue into the reception. Consider a dinner prayer or even a prayer of blessing over you and your now spouse right before you begin your first dance. This is a great way to have an intimate moment, and invites Jesus’ presence into the remainder of your day.
10. Personal Vows
When writing your vows, consider including promises that reflect your commitment to maintaining a Christ-centered relationship. Expressing your intention to uphold Christian values and support each other’s spiritual growth can be incredibly meaningful.
These don’t have to be said in front of everyone, either! It’s totally okay to exchange private vows with your soon-to-be spouse, before or after the ceremony.
11. Scripture-Based Decor
Incorporate your favorite Bible verses into your wedding decor!
Some ideas could include
- Verses written on banners
- Incorporated into centerpieces or written on ribbons wrapped around their vases
- Written on small cards placed at each guest’s seat
- Written on each table number
- Included on each wedding favor
Include scriptures visually in your day as well not only personalizes your wedding but keeps the word of God visibly central throughout your celebration.
12. Send Off Prayer
End your ceremony with a group prayer or blessing, inviting all your guests to join in. This communal moment can leave a lasting impression, uniting everyone in support of your marriage and its foundation in Christ.
Incorporating Jesus into your wedding day reminds you and your guests of the sacred commitment you’re making and sets a solid foundation for your marriage. Remember, the most important thing is that your wedding reflects the love and respect you have for each other and for God. May your union be a beautiful testament to His grace and love.