Weddings at the Kingdom Hall

16, 17. (a) How is the body of elders involved in weddings at the Kingdom Hall? (James 3:17) (b) Why is such involvement advisable?

¹⁶ Christians are told to marry “only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39) When two Christians in good standing in the congregation desire to have their wedding (or, wedding talk) at the Kingdom Hall, they should seek permission from the body of elders.e These men will not impose their personal tastes as to wedding arrangements, but they will inquire about the couple’s plans so that nothing will be done at the Hall that is likely to disturb the congregation.​—Compare 1 Corinthians 14:26-33.

¹⁷ For example, disturbing things have been reported about weddings that were not at the Kingdom Hall. Prior to one, loud music was played, and the bride, groom and their party came dancing into the hired hall. The guests joined in the dancing until a chairman interrupted so that, after prayer, the wedding talk could commence. Clearly, that was not the proper atmosphere for a Christian wedding. It does illustrate, however, why the elders exercise care as to Kingdom Hall weddings. At the Hall, only uplifting music, such as found in the songbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, is used. Any flowers or similar decorations should be modest and reasonable, as should be the way the wedding party enters the Hall and the way photographs are taken.​—Philippians 4:5.

18. Who may be with the bride and groom at the wedding? (1 Corinthians 5:13; James 2:1-4)

¹⁸ In Bible times, there usually was a “friend of the bridegroom” and female companions of the bride. (John 3:29; Psalm 45:14) This is also often the case at Kingdom Hall weddings. Reasonableness, though, is needed as to how many such participants there are, as well as how they dress and act. It would be unfitting to have in the wedding party people who are disfellowshipped or whose scandalous life-style grossly conflicts with Bible principles. (2 Corinthians 6:14-16) Rather than selecting people who are prominent or who might give a costly present, many Christian couples (and speakers) prefer to have in the wedding party ones who are close to them in serving Jehovah.

19. Attention to what other aspects will help a Kingdom Hall wedding to be joyful?

¹⁹ If the Kingdom Hall is to be used, a brief announcement may be made concerning the time of the wedding. In that way the congregation will know that the Hall will be in use and they can attend if they choose. Since the Kingdom Hall is principally for Christian meetings, the wedding will be at an hour that will not conflict with these.