Christian marriage is a public commitment before God to a lifelong relationship between a man and a woman.

 

We love weddings here at Scampton church. The 'wedding' in the photo above was taken during a lesson with Scampton Church School about what marriage means.

 

Scampton church is in a beautiful, rural and historical setting which is perfect for a traditional wedding.

You have probably already spent many hours planning your wedding. There are so many things to think about - the dress, the cake, whom to invite, the honeymoon. All of these are important, but the wedding is just one day, while marriage should last for the rest of your lives.
Alongside the wedding preparations it is also important to spend time as a couple talking through your expectations of marriage.

For us, the vows are all important. Here at Scampton we offer marriage preparation meetings to help couples think through the rich meaning of the vows and help you plan your service.

If you are thinking about getting married, or maybe renewing your wedding vows at Scampton Church, the first step is to contact Sue, and you should do this before choosing a date or making any other arrangements.

 

Stuck for finding a reading from the bible? Try some of these.

Love, actually! The number 1 most popular reading for weddings is (1 Corinthians Chapter 13)

God creates women and men to look after the earth (Genesis, Chapter 1, verses 26-28)

A love poem between two lovers (Song of Solomon, Chapter 2, verses 10-13; Chapter 8, verses 6&7)

Jesus teaches how to live a life that brings true happiness (Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 1-10)

Jesus teaches about marriage, and welcomes children (Mark, Chapter 10, verses 6-9 and 13-16 )

What happens when Jesus attends a wedding reception (John, Chapter 2, verses 1 – 11)

Committing to each other (Ephesians Chapter 5, verses 21-33)

Seeing the good side… (Philippians Chapter 4, verses 4 – 9)

Getting the perfect relationship (Colossians Chapter 3, verses 12 – 17)

Being a good lover! (1 John Chapter 4 verses 7 – 12)

 

...and here is a short passage sometimes read at weddings at Scampton Church:

 

'Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each others best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener and critic. There may come times when one partner is heart broken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent or child.

Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly, but passes away more quickly.

Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life.

When two people pledge their love and care for each other in Christian marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which, through Christ binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Christian marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other in a way that pleases God. It is a walk with Gods Son Jesus Christ which takes a lifetime to complete.'

 

(Adapted from a passage by Edmund O'Neil)