Albeit there are many different denominations within Protestantism, Lutherans, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, to name a few, most follow the same ceremony guidelines and most have few restrictions. Differences in theology and practice are reflected in the wedding service. Episcopalians, for example, require that at the least either the bride or the groom must be a baptized Christian and the ceremony needs at least two witnesses. Some churches offer Holy Communion, others don not. Some will perform weddings outside of the church. Some will not. Regarding the time and place of a wedding ceremonies, the only blackout dates are major religious holidays. What most Americans mean when they refer to a "typical" is a Protestant wedding. Couples planning a Protestant wedding usually meet with the minister of the church, but pre-marital counseling is available but not required by all denominations.

The Protestant ceremony follows this schedule:

1- The Processional begins down the center aisle of the church. The order is as follows: groomsmen, bridesmaids, maid of honor, flower girl, ring bearer, the bride and her father. In some cases the parents of the bride and of the groom are included in the processional. Traditionally, the groom and best man stand at the front of the church with the clergy, awaiting the entrance of the wedding party.
2- The groom waits for the bride at the front of the church.
3- A prayer is recited passages from scripture passages are announced
4- The minister/officiant asks the parents of the bride if they "give their" daughter in marriage to the groom.
5- Vows are read and rings are exchanged. Most Protestant churches allow personalized vows and adaptations as long as they don't contradict Christian principles.
6- A Unity Candle may be lit in honor of joining of the two lives.
7- The benediction is presented by the minister
8- The ceremony concludes with the Recessional, as the couple and wedding party exit the church.

Protestant wedding ceremonies can take as little as fifteen minutes, or last as long as the couple would like. In some weddings the guests are included as participants in the service by sharing in hymns, readings and responses to the couple's exchange of vows. The addition of music, readings, and auxiliary rituals (i.e., the rose ceremony) are ways in which the ceremony may be extended.