Pentecostal Wedding Traditions And Customs

Planning a Pentecostal wedding? There are some unique aspects to consider. While there are slight variations from church to church, there are some customs that remain consistent. For example, it's typical for individuals to get married at a church where they are recognised members, and for the couple to meet with the pastor who will be officiating the ceremony to formalise the date and time. It's also customary for the prayers and hymns used in the ceremony to be related to love and marriage, and for the bride and groom to wear traditional attire.

Meet with the pastor to formalise the date, time and other details

Meeting with the pastor to finalise the date, time and other details is a crucial step in planning a Pentecostal wedding. Here are some key considerations for this meeting:

Finalising the Date and Time

It is important to have a date in mind when planning a Pentecostal wedding. The date will determine the availability of the wedding venue, pastor, and other vendors. It is advisable to select a few potential dates, especially if there are multiple events planned at the desired ceremony and reception venues. Picking a date that holds personal significance for the couple, such as the anniversary of when they met, can make the day even more special.

Choosing the Wedding Location

Pentecostal weddings typically take place in a church where the couple regularly attends services and are recognised as members. However, if the couple chooses to marry at a different location, they should find out if there are any membership requirements or other details that could impact their ceremony.

Understanding Marriage Requirements

The couple should be clear on any marriage requirements of the church. This includes any information or documentation needed, especially if one partner is not a member of the Pentecostal faith or if either partner has been previously married and divorced.

Pre-Marital Counselling

Pentecostal churches require pre-marital counselling for all couples. It is important to sign up for these sessions as soon as possible to ensure they are completed before the wedding date.

Selecting Prayers, Hymns, and Songs

The couple should choose appropriate prayers, hymns, or songs for the ceremony, ensuring they are related to love and marriage and conducive to maintaining a prayerful and dignified atmosphere.

Wedding Attire

The bride and groom should select attire that is appropriate for the occasion. Traditional Pentecostal wedding attire includes a modest white wedding dress for the bride and a tuxedo or suit for the groom.

Obtaining a Marriage License

The couple will need to obtain a marriage license from the local authorities before the wedding ceremony. Depending on church rules, the license may need to be provided to the pastor anywhere from one week to one day before the wedding.

Finalising the Guest List

Finalising the guest list is another important task. The number of guests will impact the choice of venue and reception details, so it is crucial to have a clear idea of the expected number of attendees.

Meeting with the pastor to discuss these details will help ensure that the wedding plans are in line with the church's practices and regulations, setting the stage for a meaningful and memorable Pentecostal wedding ceremony.

Attend premarital counselling

Premarital counselling is a requirement for couples intending to marry in the Pentecostal church. Here are some steps to follow to ensure you are prepared for premarital counselling:

Sign up for counselling as soon as possible

As premarital counselling is mandatory, it is important to sign up as soon as possible to ensure you have plenty of time to complete the process before your wedding date.

Complete a questionnaire

Most pastors will require couples to fill out a questionnaire before the counselling process begins. This will help the pastor to understand the couple's background and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed during counselling.

Be prepared for multiple sessions

Most pastors prefer to have more than one counselling session to allow the process to work effectively and give the couple time to ask questions.

Explore topics such as communication, financial management, conflict resolution, and more

Premarital counselling will cover a range of topics to help couples prepare for married life. These may include communication skills, financial management, conflict resolution, parenting, and short and long-term goals.

Develop a stronger understanding of your values and foundation for future success

The purpose of premarital counselling is to help couples work through any issues in their relationship and to strengthen their understanding of their values and foundation for a successful future together.

Be open and honest

It is important to be open and honest with the professionals guiding you through premarital counselling. This will ensure you get the most out of the process and help you build a strong foundation for your marriage.

Continue couples therapy after the wedding if needed

Remember that couples therapy is an option even after you are married. If issues arise or you need further support, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

Select hymns, songs and prayers

Music and songs are an integral part of a Pentecostal wedding ceremony, marking a couple's commitment to one another before God. It is customary for the prayers and hymns used in a Pentecostal wedding to be related to love and marriage, and the atmosphere should be prayerful and dignified.

Hymns:

• "All Things Bright and Beautiful" is a joyful and uplifting hymn that your guests are likely to know.
• "Give Me Joy in My Heart" is a popular wedding hymn that speaks of the joy in one's heart, perfect for the occasion.
• "Morning Has Broken" is a nostalgic hymn that evokes memories of childhood and school assemblies. It is ideal for spring weddings.
• "Abide with Me" is inspired by Luke 24:29, where the disciples asked Jesus to abide with them. The biblical meaning of 'abide' is said to mean 'remain' or 'stay', making it a fitting choice for a wedding ceremony.
• "Lord of All Hopefulness" is a hymn that petitions God's abiding presence in every moment, which couples may find reassuring as they start their married life.
• "One More Step Along the World I Go" is a lovely way to express the new journey the newlyweds are about to embark on.
• "As Man and Woman We Were Made" is filled with references to celebration, joy, and friendship, making it ideal for a wedding day.
• "At Cana's Wedding Long Ago" recalls how Jesus turned water into wine, underlining the resemblance between the wedding vows and God's covenant with worshippers.
• "Be Still for the Presence of the Lord" is a contemporary hymn written by British composer David Evans and voted one of the top hymns in 2019.
• "Come to a Wedding" is a joyful hymn that refers to a "day when happiness sings," making it a perfect choice for couples seeking a happy and upbeat song.

Songs:

• "The Wedding March" is a classic tune often used in weddings and recognised by many, even those who are musically inclined.
• "This Little Light of Mine" is technically a gospel song, but it is a beloved and celebratory choice that will get everyone in the festive spirit.

Prayers:

• "God in the Planning and Purpose of Life" is a hymn specifically written for wedding ceremonies, wishing the couple the fulfilment of hopes and love.
• "Lord and Lover of Creation" is a timeless wedding prayer that acknowledges the blessing of marriage: "sign of lives no longer separate, sealed by symbol, bound by vow."
• "Praise My Soul the King of Heaven" is one of the most popular hymns in the English-speaking world and was played at Queen Elizabeth II's wedding in 1947.

Choose wedding attire

When it comes to choosing wedding attire for a Pentecostal wedding, it's important to consider the specific denomination and its guidelines around attire and modesty. While there may be some variation between churches, here are some general guidelines to follow:

Understand the Denomination's Beliefs

Firstly, understand the specific denomination of Pentecostalism that the wedding is being held in. The two main branches are Classical Pentecostalism and Apostolic Pentecostalism, and they differ in their expectations of attire. Classical Pentecostal denominations, such as the Assemblies of God, the Church of God, and the Pentecostal Church of God, generally do not have strict dress codes. They encourage modesty but leave the interpretation of this up to the individual. On the other hand, Apostolic Pentecostal denominations, such as the United Pentecostal Church International, adhere to stricter "holiness standards" that dictate specific guidelines for women's attire.

Dress Modestly

Regardless of the denomination, modesty is an important consideration for Pentecostal wedding attire. For the bride, this typically means choosing a wedding dress that is not overly revealing. A traditional Pentecostal wedding dress is modest and white. As for the groom, a tuxedo or suit is customary.

Consider the Church's Dress Code

Different Pentecostal churches may have their own dress requirements or codes, so it is essential to communicate with the pastor or wedding officiant to understand any specific guidelines. Some Apostolic Pentecostal churches, for example, may require women to wear skirts or dresses that fall below the knee and forbid the wearing of pants.

Avoid Excessive Ornamentation

Apostolic Pentecostal churches, in particular, discourage or prohibit wearing makeup, jewellery, or other forms of personal ornamentation. If this is the case for the church where the wedding is being held, the bride and female attendees should refrain from wearing decorative jewellery and limit or forgo makeup.

Be Mindful of Hair and Head Coverings

Apostolic Pentecostal churches often have specific guidelines for hair length and styles. Women are generally expected to have long hair, while men are expected to keep their hair noticeably short. In some Pentecostal denominations, women may also be expected to wear head coverings, such as a veil or a hat, during the wedding ceremony.

Incorporate Personal Preferences

While adhering to the church's guidelines and traditions, don't forget to incorporate personal preferences and touches into your wedding attire. Discuss your choices with the pastor or wedding coordinator to ensure they align with the church's expectations and your own vision for the special day.

Obtain a marriage license

To marry in a Pentecostal church, you must first obtain a marriage license from your local authorities. The requirements for securing a marriage license vary from state to state, so it is important to research the specific requirements of your state. Here is a general guide to help you obtain your marriage license:

Step One: Establish a Date and Location for Your Wedding

Before applying for a marriage license, you need to know where and when you will be getting married. This is because you typically have to file your marriage license application in the county where the wedding will take place. Marriage licenses also have an expiry date, so knowing your wedding date is crucial to staying within the license's deadline. It is recommended that you file for your marriage license no later than one week before your wedding and no earlier than 90 days beforehand.

Step Two: Visit the County Clerk and Bring All Documents

The county clerk's office is the easiest place to go for your marriage license. Both parties must usually be present at the time of the application and should bring all the necessary documents. These typically include proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport, and sometimes a birth certificate. If either party was previously married, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse is also required. If either party is under 18, parental consent or a court order may also be needed. Additionally, both parties must provide documentation of their Social Security number or a second form of ID.

Step Three: Pay the Fee

There is a fee for applying for a marriage license, which typically ranges from $35 to $150, depending on your state and county. Be sure to check what forms of payment are accepted, as many offices do not take credit cards.

Step Four: Get Signatures

Once you have your marriage license, gather the necessary signatures. This usually includes signatures from the couple, the officiant, and at least two witnesses. The witnesses must be physically present, watch the couple sign the license, and be over the age of 18.

Step Five: Return the Completed Marriage License to the County

After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for returning the signed marriage license to the county clerk, either by mail or in person, within a specified timeframe. Following this, the couple will receive a certified copy of their marriage certificate.

Frequently asked questions