Invitations

Christian wedding invitation wording: formal and warm examples

By The Made For Our Day team · · 2 min read

Christian wedding invitation wording for a church ceremony or a wedding with Mass, with formal and warm examples and a picker that writes yours.

Christian wedding invitation wording usually asks for "the honour of your presence" at "the marriage of" the couple, names the church, and gives the date, time and place. For a wedding Mass, say so on the card. Choose your hosts, tone and service in the picker below, then check the wording with your minister or priest.

Christian wedding invitation wording

Choose who is hosting, the formality and the kind of service, add your details, and copy the wording. Traditions differ between churches, so check with your minister or priest.

The usual wording

The traditional form uses "the honour of your presence" for a ceremony held in a place of worship, because the service is a religious one. Civil or informal weddings often use "the pleasure of your company" instead.

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Carter and Mr. and Mrs. Ravi Shah
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their children
Priya and Daniel
Saturday, June 12, 2027, at two o'clock in the afternoon
St. Mary's Church, Austin, Texas
Reception to follow

How do you mention Mass or a blessing?

If the wedding includes Mass, say "the Nuptial Mass and marriage of". If it is a blessing or a service held by a different denomination, use the title your church uses. Traditions differ between churches and families, so ask your minister or priest which wording they prefer.

Can I add a Bible verse?

Yes. A short verse at the top or bottom of the card is common. Choose one that suits both of you, and do not let it push the date and place off the first view.

A warmer version

Not every couple wants the traditional form. A warmer version keeps the church and the date and softens the language:

Together with their families,
Priya and Daniel
invite you to share in the joy of their marriage.

What else belongs on the card?

  1. The full name of the church and its town.
  2. The date and the time, written out clearly.
  3. A line about the reception ("Reception to follow" or the venue).
  4. Your website address and a reply date. See when to send wedding invitations.

For other situations, read the main wedding invitation wording guide, and for family arrangements, the guide to divorced parents.

Questions

How do you word a Christian wedding invitation?

Use "request the honour of your presence at the marriage of" with the couple's names, then the church, date and time. Add "Reception to follow" if it applies.

Should it say "honour" or "pleasure"?

"Honour" is traditional for a ceremony in a place of worship. "Pleasure" is common for a civil ceremony or a reception.

How do I mention a wedding Mass?

Write "the Nuptial Mass and marriage of" the couple. Check the form with your priest.

Do I need a Bible verse?

No. It is a personal choice. If you add one, keep it short.

Does the wording change by denomination?

It can. Ask your minister or priest, and follow their guidance where it differs from the examples here.