Interfaith Weddings

How to have an interfaith wedding ceremony that is respectful of both faiths

See also unusual wedding vows and nondenominational wedding vows

These days, it is more common than ever for couples from different backgrounds and religions to become engaged and want to get married.  While this in itself is a celebration of love through diversity and a positive step for all humanity, some religions are extremely strict and do not allow interfaith marriages.  However, as these unions become more prevalent, many religions do take a flexible stance on marrying two people of different faiths.

Planning this type of wedding can be daunting, but take heart and remember that you want to marry your fiancé because you love who they are.  The fact that you both come from different backgrounds only makes your bond stronger through acceptance and the appreciation of your individuality.

Often, the best way to have an interfaith wedding is to pull together elements of both religions in a new and unique wedding ceremony.  This can be done by using two celebrants (one representing each faith) to preside over the wedding, or it can happen using one flexible officiate who will incorporate both sides into the ceremony.

If you're planning an interfaith wedding, first think about what type of ceremony you'd like to have.  Then find an officiate who will accept your terms and will be happy to preside over your wedding.  If you need help figuring out how it all might work, don't worry.  To help you with the wedding ceremony details, below we go over one type of interfaith wedding. 

 

Jewish and Christian Interfaith Weddings

Marriages between Jews and Christians are quite common these days.  Many Christian ministers will perform interfaith ceremonies and though it is sometimes difficult to find a rabbi who will officiate, there are some rabbis who will.  It helps that part of the foundation of the Christian wedding ceremony is based on the ancient Jewish ceremony.  You can include readings from the Old Testament and there are several hymns that are religious while being respectful of both faiths.  Jewish traditions such as being married under a chupah or crushing the glass can easily be incorporated into the ceremony.

Here is an example of wedding vows that can be used in a Jewish/Christian wedding ceremony:

I promise, name, before family and friends,

to commit my love to you;

to respect your individuality;

to be with you through life’s changes,

and to nurture and strengthen the love between us,

as long as we both shall live.

Also make sure that there is no further paperwork that you need to do in order to get married.  In the Catholic church, you will most likely need to file dispensations in order for your marriage to be binding in the eyes of the church.

How can you incorporate both religions into an interfaith wedding?

Think of how you can take pieces of your religious tradition and combine it with those of our future spouse.  Ask yourself:  How does my love enrich my religious faith?  What difficulties have we overcome as a couple and what have we learned from them?  What do we share in common that helps us see past our differences?  These questions will help you form your own unique wedding ceremony that respects the religious beliefs of everyone involved.