A Timeless Wedding

One of the highlights of my ministry has been officiating at weddings. Somehow God has always given me and others a blessing; I’m sure most preachers could say the same.  Ceremonies run the gamut, from the sublime, to the ridiculous...everything from a classic dip to a “lip lock” at the end of the service which gives you a preview of the honeymoon.
Back when “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” was a popular TV program, the groom’s father asked me to follow up the “I dos” in a very formal wedding by asking his son, “Is that your final answer”? I agreed; it was fun, but a challenge to recover.
Recently, I did a wedding for an elderly couple. The groom had a keen sense of humor. He had typed out for me what he wanted me to say at the close of the ceremony... “Jay and Elsie want to profusely thank all of you for coming to be a part of their special day. And also, they appreciate all of the goodies that you helped to prepare for the reception. They would like for you to know that if there is anything that you would like to eat that you don’t see, just let them know, and they will tell you how you can get along without it.”
Turning to more serious thoughts, the absolute first consideration should be, "Are these two people believers?" Try to put them at ease with "small talk," but under the surface, remember you are considering entering into a four-way covenant --the two of them, you, and the Lord. If the Lord is left out, or if one of the three people is pretending, it will all result in disappointment at the least, and usually wrecked lives and heartbreak.
Early on, ask for their individual salvation experiences, testimonies, and church involvement. If you have any doubts about either of their spiritual condition, see this as a wonderful opportunity to witness.
As a Southern Baptist, I would require that they be baptized before the ceremony. Also, they would have to demonstrate some kind of consistent pattern of attendance at Bible study and worship. "You will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16a
Another important question relates to how they view the marriage commitment. The only biblical reasons to dissolve the marriage would be death, or unfaithfulness (and even this can be overcome with God’s grace).
After discussing possible date, time, place, then counseling sessions should be set. I meet with them about four times. Much material is available. I attended a one-day certification seminar for "Prepare/Enrich" which I adapted for my needs. The couples individually take a 100 question inventory, which is sent off to be tabulated and compared. Then, we sit down together and evaluate strength and growth areas in the relationship. This has always proved to be a valuable tool and spring board for discussing key issues. A series of video sessions can also be very effective.
Following is the general format for the ceremony.  

WEDDING
Date, Location, and time