Mainline Protestant wedding as a guest

01 Before the day

"Mainline Protestant" covers the historic Protestant denominations: the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the Global Methodist Church (GMC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), the Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA) and the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), and others including American Baptist Churches USA and the Disciples of Christ. Each denomination has its own service book governing weddings, and within each denomination practice varies by congregation.

Mainline Protestant weddings tend toward formal. The invitation or wedding website indicates the expected formality; in most US Mainline weddings, a suit and tie for men and a formal dress or suit for women are appropriate.

02 Arrival and seating

Guests typically arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the start time. Seating is normally open for non-family guests; the family of the bride is by widespread convention seated on the left as one faces the altar, the family of the groom on the right.

Late arrivals during the processional are inconvenient; guests arriving after the bride's entrance are typically asked to wait at the back of the sanctuary until an appropriate moment.

03 At the ceremony

The shape of a Mainline Protestant wedding service is broadly similar across the denominations: a gathering and opening prayer, scripture readings, a homily or message on Christian marriage, the declaration of intent, the exchange of vows and rings, a pronouncement, and a benediction.

The wording of the vows, the declaration, and the pronouncement follows the denomination's service book. Methodist weddings use the UMC Book of Worship (or the Global Methodist equivalent). Lutheran weddings use Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELCA) or the Lutheran Service Book (LCMS). Presbyterian weddings use the Book of Common Worship (PCUSA) or the order in the Book of Church Order (PCA).

Whether the service includes Holy Communion varies. Lutheran weddings often include Communion when one or both spouses are Lutheran. Methodist and Presbyterian weddings less often do.

04 Communion and other ceremonial moments

Most Mainline Protestant traditions practice open communion, inviting all baptized Christians to the table regardless of denominational background. The pastor extends the invitation explicitly just before Communion. LCMS practice is typically closer to closed communion (members in good standing of the LCMS or of a sister synod); the LCMS pastor will indicate the scope of the invitation.

Non-Christian guests, and guests who prefer not to receive, are welcome to remain in their seats. There is generally no come-forward-for-a-blessing alternative in Mainline practice, as there is in some Catholic and Anglican parishes; remaining seated is the customary choice.

05 The reception

The reception that follows is set by the couple. Typical US Mainline Protestant wedding receptions include a cocktail hour, a sit-down meal, toasts, and dancing.

Gifts are by widespread US convention. The couple's registry, a monetary gift, or a charitable contribution in the couple's name is the typical pattern.

06 Common questions