The changing role of religion in modern weddings
God is still part of contemporary weddings, but formal religion less so in Chicagoland. Nonetheless, wedding Bible verses are still a staple in wedding ceremonies whether the ceremony is in a church or elsewhere.
A majority of Millennials believe in God
Although a majority of Millennials believe in God, they are less likely to marry in a church than their predecessors. According to The Knot, 41% of weddings occurred in a church in 2009, but that number had dropped to 26% by 2016.
Many marriages involve couples with mixed religious beliefs. It can be challenging for them to agree on which church should host their ceremony: his or hers?
Many Millennials simply don’t have a church
Even more, only 27% of Millennials attend a religious service at least once a week, so many, even most couples, don’t have a church they call their own.
Churches don’t make it easy for couples to tie the knot in a church. Catholic churches in particular typically have a Saturday afternoon Mass which can throw a monkey wrench into wedding logistics.
But even though we’re seeing fewer church weddings, we’re still hearing God and the Bible invoked at most wedding ceremonies, whether vows are being exchanged at a winery, park, or at the beach.
Popular wedding Bible verses
Even couples who are not particularly religious respect the timeless wisdom of a verse such as this gem, which is perhaps the king of wedding Bible verses:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5:
St. Paul offers up another gem in another verse from 1 Corinthians:
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2:
Insights this deep on the mysteries of love will always have a place in wedding ceremonies, even with couples who are not particularly religious.
The most passionate book in the Bible
The Old Testament contains the most passionate book in the Bible, Song of Songs, also known as Song of Solomon. Wedding Bible verses don’t get more dramatic than this:
“Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.” Song of Solomon 8:7.
The Gospel of John offers one of the most searing wedding Bible verses from the lips of Jesus:
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12.
And how did Jesus love? Sacrificially. He died so others might live, says sacred scripture. Are you willing to die for the love of your life? Think about it. Even if you’re not very religious, you can see the power of Bible verses from these examples and why the Bible is a treasure trove for engaged couples planning their weddings.
Though fewer couples are getting married in churches, the timelessness of wedding Bible verses never grows old.
The Old Testament’s most beloved of all wedding Bible verses
Let me leave you with one more example, which is perhaps the most popular wedding Bible verse from the Old Testament:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24:
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. As your plans unfold, remember that Crestline Entertainment offers beautiful music for your wedding ceremony. Our equipment is state of the art, which is especially critical for outdoor ceremonies and non-church venues with inadequate audio capability.
Your guests will hear your vows and these great wedding Bible verses with crystal clarity in our hands, regardless of the location of your ceremony.
And when it comes time for your reception, watch out! We offer dance-floor packing DJ entertainment, beautiful decor lighting, and sensational photo booths. This is Chicagoland wedding entertainment at its finest!
