[TLC6:16]

My husband and I got married in a civil ceremony due to a military deployment. We now want to have a formal ceremony and reception 1 year later close to our anniversary. We want to do this for a couple reasons. One, we want our marriage to be blessed by a pastor. Two, we want to be able to celebrate our marriage with our family and friends. Three, I want to be able to share that moment with my family that I have dreamed about. I am currently trying to figure out some wording for our invitations. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[the_admin]

Glad to hear your husband has arrived back home safely.

If you'd like to have you marriage blessed in the church, please see our page on The Marriage Blessing which outlines the basics on planning that service with your pastor. You can host a party afterwards which would cover the celebrating you want to do with family and friends. However, since you're already married and already exchanged vows, you really can't share that moment with your family - it already happened. The moment a couple exchanges vows and becomes husband and wife is a precious moment and really cannot be recreated.

So, if you'd like to have your marriage blessed in your church, please consult with your pastor as each church has their own ways of doing things.

The wording for a marriage blessing invitation can be very informal:

Mr. and Mrs. YourLastName
Invite you to witness the blessing of their marriage
Sunday, January 30, 2014
Our Church
1122 Church Lane
AnyState, NY
3 O'clock PM
Reception Immediately Following
Place/Address

You can buy pre-printed invitations and fill in the details or have them printed if you like.

Thank you and your husband for your service and sacrifices for our freedom. And happy anniversary!

[Father Ken]

Its always a good idea to have GOD be an active part of your marriage. Like Donna said, your marriage has already taken place, but it is a wonderful idea to have your family be a part of your marriage blessing; so we can tackle TWO of the three reasons listed.

Most ministers have no objections to formally blessing your marriage in the site of GOD and your friends and family. Using a church is a formal way to go, but blessing the marriage at home gives more of an intimate and personal feel.

The example Donna gave is very nice. I would caution you not to call it a "wedding", as some of your guests might feel a little confused, and perhaps misinformed if they think they are coming for a wedding, and find that you are already married.

Peace be with you.

[the_admin]

I know a Catholic Priest can't perform any services at home or anywhere but the church, but I guess that's not the same for other Christian denominations? How can a marriage be blessed in the home? What are the steps to take, father Ken?

[Father Ken]

the_admin, on 23 January 2012 - 09:09 PM, said:

I know a Catholic Priest can't perform any services at home or anywhere but the church, but I guess that's not the same for other Christian denominations? How can a marriage be blessed in the home? What are the steps to take, father Ken?

Yes, you are correct as applies to a Catholic priest, however most ministers have no objections to home or park settings. We also do quite a number of home-Christenings and Baptisms for people who can't,or choose not to get out.
Most ministers are very open minded to bestowing blessings. Contact your favorite officiant where you live, and I think you may be surprised to find them quite receptive.

The main thing (In my opinion) is to keep GOD a part of your celebration.

[the_admin]

Amen.