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Cord of Three Strands


The cord of three strands symbolizes the joining of one man, one woman, and God into a marriage relationship. Marriage takes three; you, your soon to be spouse, and God. It was God that 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.

The cord of three strands ceremony is a great addition to a traditional wedding ceremony. It adds a truly unique element to your ceremony that friends and family will remember. It can also serve as a substitute for the unity candle. This is useful for situations where candles may not be used, or may be difficult. The Cord of Three Strands works well as a substitute in outside weddings.

At some point in 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 are significant.

Cord of Three Strands

• Gold Strand - Represents God at the center of the Marriage. The Lord Jesus has been invited to the position of authority in this marriage relationship.
• Purple Strand - Represents the Groom. The majesty of God is head over the husband. As a husband submits himself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will hold the marriage together through the husband.
• White Strand - Represents the Bride. This strand represents the purity of the bride of Christ. As each has received Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, they are cleansed through Christ.

Cord of Three Strands

The following readings are provided as a sample of what can be read during the braiding of the Cord of Three Strands. You may certainly use these or develop your own!

Cords 1

Today, [name of groom] and [name of bride] 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, [name of groom] and [name of bride] 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.
As 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.”

Cords 2

The braiding of the three stands demonstrates how [name of groom] and [name of bride] are joined by God in marriage. Each strand holds special meaning.
The Gold Strand symbolizes that the Lord Jesus has been invited by [name of groom] and [name of bride] to the position of authority in this marriage relationship.
The Purple Strand represents the groom. It illustrates the majesty of God as head over the husband. As [name of groom] submits himself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will hold the marriage together through him.
The White Strand represents the bride. It illustrates the purity of the bride of Christ. As each has received Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, they are cleansed through Christ.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 reads, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Today, [name of groom] and [name of bride] have been woven together by God as ONE in marriage!

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