The cord of three strands ceremony (often called "God's Knot" or the Unity Braid Ceremony) symbolizes the joining of one man, one woman, and God into a marriage relationship.  It adds a truly unique element to your ceremony that friends and family will remember.  Marriage takes three beings for divine success; God, your soon to be spouse and you. It was God who taught us to love.  By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage. 

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When you think back on your wedding ceremony, the cords will remind you of how God is intimately involved in your marriage. The Cord of Three Strands is a symbol of that a sacred union was created on your wedding day.

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This ritual can be used to replace Unity Candle or Sands Mix Ceremony.  It is also great for Vow Renewal Ceremony.

 

The strands can be of one color or of three separate colors.  Traditionally, the colors are Gold, White and Purple, but any colors can be interchanged instead.* 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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There are many ways the braid can be completed:  1) The minister can assist by holding the top of the strands while the bride and groom each braid into the center strand representing God;  2)  The groom can hold the top of the stands and the bride can braid (or visa versa);  3) A chosen friend or family member may hold the top, or the framework while bride and groom braid; and  4) The strands can be attached to the display prior to the wedding ceremony, then placed on a stand of choice and the braid completed by the bride and groom. 

  

Gold Strand - Represents God

The divinity of God is represented in Gold. This covenant relationship is initiated by Him, will be built under His authority, and is intended to glorify Him.

Purple Strand - Represents the Groom

As a new creation in Christ, the majesty of the Groom is represented in purple. As the husband loves his wife and submits himself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will demonstrate His great love in the marriage relationship.

Toward the end of the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom braid the Cord of Three Strands together. The groom holds a small metal ring with three attached strands. The bride then braids the strands together, symbolizing the union of God, husband and wife. The colors of the cords is significant.

White Strand - Represents the Bride

Having been cleansed by salvation in Christ, the purity of the Bride is represented in white. As the wife honors her husband and submits herself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will nurture and strengthen the marriage relationship.

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THE CEREMONY

Minister: 

First Option:  Today, _____ and ____ have chosen to braid three strands together into a single cord. Each strand has a significant meaning. The gold strand represents God and His majesty. The purple strand represents the groom and his life. The white strand represents the bride and her life. In braiding these three strands together, ____ and ____ have demonstrated that their marriage is more than a joining of two lives together. It is a unity with God as well. They have chosen to allow God to be at the center of their marriage, woven into every aspect of it.

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Ecclesiastes 4:12 reads, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

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Second Option: (a longer version) Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reads, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

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Today, _____ and _____ have been woven together by God as ONE in marriage! One man, one woman, and God. It was God who taught us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage.

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