Question

Is a wedding a worship service? What is the position of the OPC and of the historic Reformed Church?

Answer

Thank you for your question. The answer is fairly simple. To the first part I answer, No and Yes. No, it is not considered a stated or called worship service, the non-attendance of which would be sinful, i.e., neglecting the assembling together of the brethren. There is no command in Scripture that a wedding be held in a formal worship service. And yet, it should be a worship service because we are celebrating the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, vows are being made, and all of this had better be to the glory of God! (1 Cor 10:31).

The position of the OPC and the historic Reformed Church is stated in the regulative principle—whatsoever God has not commanded in a worship service is forbidden. God has not commanded us to hold a formal wedding service. But we encourage a public declaration of vows for the glory of God and the edification of his people, not to mention to fulfill the commands to rejoice with one another and encourage one another in love and good deeds.