The Wedding Service Text

The Marriage Service Structure
 
Introduction
The Welcome
Preface
The Declarations
The Collect
Readings
Sermon
The Marriage
The Vows
The Giving of Rings
The Proclamation
The Blessing of the Marriage
Registration of the Marriage
Prayers
The Dismissal
The Marriage Service
Introduction
The Welcome
The minister welcomes the people using these or other appropriate words
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with you
All and also with you.
This sentence may be used
God is love, and those who live in love live in God
and God lives in them.
1 John 4.16
This prayer may be said
All God of wonder and of joy:
grace comes from you,
and you alone are the source of life and love.
Without you, we cannot please you;
without your love, our deeds are worth nothing.
Send your Holy Spirit,
and pour into our hearts
that most excellent gift of love,
that we may worship you now
with thankful hearts
and serve you always with willing minds;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A hymn may be sung.
Preface
These words or those provided here are used
In the presence of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
we have come together
to witness the marriage of N and N,
to pray for God’s blessing on them,
to share their joy
and to celebrate their love.Marriage is a gift of God in creation
through which husband and wife may know the grace of God.
It is given
that as man and woman grow together in love and trust,
they shall be united with one another in heart, body and mind,
as Christ is united with his bride, the Church.

The gift of marriage brings husband and wife together
in the delight and tenderness of sexual union
and joyful commitment to the end of their lives.
It is given as the foundation of family life
in which children are [born and] nurtured
and in which each member of the family,in good times and in bad,
may find strength, companionship and comfort,
and grow to maturity in love.

Marriage is a way of life made holy by God,
and blessed by the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ
with those celebrating a wedding at Cana in Galilee.
Marriage is a sign of unity and loyalty
which all should uphold and honour.
It enriches society and strengthens community.
No one should enter into it lightly or selfishly
but reverently and responsibly in the sight of almighty God.

N and N are now to enter this way of life.
They will each give their consent to the other
and make solemn vows,
and in token of this they will [each] give and receive a ring.
We pray with them that the Holy Spirit will guide
and strengthen them,
that they may fulfil God’s purposes
for the whole of their earthly life together.
The Declarations
The minister says to the congregation
First, I am required to ask anyone present who knows a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, to declare it now.
The minister says to the couple
The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence
of God,
who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts;
therefore if either of you knows a reason why you may not
lawfully marry,
you must declare it now.
The minister says to the bridegroom
N, will you take N to be your wife?
Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her,
and, forsaking all others,
be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
He answers
I will.
The minister says to the bride
N, will you take N to be your husband?
Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him,
and, forsaking all others,
be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
She answers
I will.
The minister says to the congregation
Will you, the families and friends of N and N,
support and uphold them in their marriage
now and in the years to come?
All We will.
The Collect
The minister invites the people to pray, silence is kept
and the minister says the Collect
God our Father,
from the beginning
you have blessed creation with abundant life.
Pour out your blessings upon N and N,
that they may be joined in mutual love and companionship,
in holiness and commitment to each other.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
All Amen.
Readings
At least one reading from the Bible is used. A selection of readings can be found HERE.
Sermon
The Marriage 
A hymn may be sung.
The couple stand before the minister.
The Vows
The minister introduces the vows in these or similar words
N and N, I now invite you to join hands and make your vows,
in the presence of God and his people.
The bride and bridegroom face each other. 
The bridegroom takes the bride’s right hand in his.
These words, or those provided here, are used
I, N , take you, N ,
to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;
according to God’s holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow.
They loose hands.
The bride takes the bridegroom’s right hand in hers, and says
I, N , take you, N ,
to be my husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;
according to God’s holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow.
They loose hands.
The Giving of Rings
The minister receives the ring(s), and says this prayer or the prayer here
Heavenly Father, by your blessing
let these rings be to N and N
a symbol of unending love and faithfulness,
to remind them of the vow and covenant
which they have made this day
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
The bridegroom places the ring on the fourth finger of the bride’s left hand and, holding it there, says
N, I give you this ring
as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
If rings are exchanged, they loose hands and the bride places a ring on the fourth finger of the bridegroom’s left hand and, holding it there, says
N, I give you this ring
as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
If only one ring is used, before they loose hands the bride says
N, I receive this ring
as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Proclamation
The minister addresses the people
In the presence of God, and before this congregation,
N and N have given their consent
and made their marriage vows to each other.
They have declared their marriage by the joining of hands
and by the giving and receiving of rings.
I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife.
The minister joins their right hands together and says
Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.
The Blessing of the Marriage
The husband and wife kneel. The minister may use the following blessing or one of those provided here.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God,
for you have created joy and gladness,
pleasure and delight, love, peace and fellowship.
Pour out the abundance of your blessing
upon N and N in their new life together.
Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts
and a crown upon their heads.
Bless them in their work and in their companionship;
awake and asleep,
in joy and in sorrow,
in life and in death.
Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that banquet
where your saints feast for ever in your heavenly home.
We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
All Amen.
The minister says to the couple
God the Father,
God the Son,
God the Holy Spirit,
bless, preserve and keep you;
the Lord mercifully grant you the riches of his grace,
that you may please him both in body and soul,
and, living together in faith and love,
may receive the blessings of eternal life.
All Amen.
Registration of the Marriage
See Note 10.
A hymn or psalm may be used
Prayers
These or other suitable prayers are used (see Note 9 ). The prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Thanksgiving
Spiritual growth
Faithfulness, joy, love, forgiveness and healing
Children, other family members and friends
Faithful God,
holy and eternal,
source of life and spring of love,
we thank and praise you for bringing N and N to this day,
and we pray for them.
Lord of life and love:
All hear our prayer.
May their marriage be life-giving and life-long,
enriched by your presence and strengthened by your grace;
may they bring comfort and confidence to each other
in faithfulness and trust.
Lord of life and love:
All hear our prayer.
May the hospitality of their home
bring refreshment and joy to all around them;
may their love overflow to neighbours in need
and embrace those in distress.
Lord of life and love:
All hear our prayer.
May they discern in your word
order and purpose for their lives;
and may the power of your Holy Spirit
lead them in truth and defend them in adversity.
Lord of life and love:
All hear our prayer.
May they nurture their family with devotion,
see their children grow in body, mind and spirit
and come at last to the end of their lives
with hearts content and in joyful anticipation of heaven.
Lord of life and love:
All hear our prayer.
The prayers conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
All Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
(or)
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us
All Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
A hymn may be sung.
The Dismissal
The minister says
God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love,
defend you on every side, and guide you in truth and peace;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
All Amen.

NOTES TO MARRIAGE SERVICE

1 Preparation
It is the custom and practice of the Church of England to offer preparation for marriage for couples who are soon to be married, as well as to be available for support and counselling in the years that follow.
2 The Banns
The banns are to be published in the church on three Sundays at the time of Divine Service by the officiant in the form set out in The Book of Common Prayer or in the following form:
I publish the banns of marriage between NN of … and NN of …
This is the first / second / third time of asking. If any of you know any reason in law why they may not marry each other you are to declare it.
We pray for these couples (or N and N) as they prepare for their wedding(s)
A suitable prayer may be said (see here).
3 Hymns and Canticles
These may be used at suitable points during the service.
4 Entry
The bride may enter the church escorted by her father or a representative of the family, or the bride and groom may enter church together.
5 Readings and Sermon
At least one reading from the Bible must be used. Suggested readings are here. If occasion demands, either the Sermon or the Readings and Sermon may come after the Blessing of the Marriage. Chairs may be provided for the bride and bridegroom.
6 ‘Giving Away’
This traditional ceremony is optional. Immediately before the couple exchange vows here the minister may ask:
Who brings this woman to be married to this man?
The bride’s father (or mother, or another member of her family or a friend representing the family) gives the bride’s right hand to the minister who puts it in the bridegroom’s right hand. Alternatively, after the bride and bridegroom have made their Declarations, the minister may ask the parents of bride and bridegroom in these or similar words:
N and N have declared their intention towards each other.
As their parents,
will you now entrust your son and daughter to one another
as they come to be married?
Both sets of parents respond:
We will.
7 The Declarations and the Vows
The Book of Common Prayer version of the Declarations, and /or the alternative vows, may be used. The couple repeat the vows after the minister, or may read them. If preferred, the question to the bride, and her vow, may come before the question to the bridegroom and his vow.
8 The Giving of Rings
If desired, the bride and bridegroom may each place a ring on the fourth finger of the other’s hand, and may then say together the words ‘N , I give you this ring …’. The prayer here may be used instead of the prayerhere.
9 The Prayers
Several forms of intercession are provided. Other suitable forms may be used, especially prayers which the couple have written or selected in co-operation with the minister. Whatever form is used, silence may be kept as part of the intercession. Free prayer may be offered.
Back to main text (note 9)
10 Registration of the Marriage
The law requires that the Registers are filled in immediately after the solemnization of a marriage. This may take place either after the Blessing of the Marriage or at the end of the service.
Back to main text (note 10)
11 Holy Communion
For communicant members of the Church it is appropriate that they receive communion soon after their marriage. For some this may make it appropriate for the marriage to take place within the context of a Celebration of Holy Communion. SEE THE SERVICE
12 The Marriage Service within a Celebration of Holy Communion
The Notes to the Order for the Celebration of Holy Communion, as well as the Notes to the Marriage Service, apply equally to this service. Texts are suggested at different points, but other suitable texts may be used.  Authorized Prayers of Penitence may be used. In the Liturgy of the Word, there should be a Gospel reading, preceded by either one or two other readings from the Bible. If desired, the Blessing of the Marriage may take place between the Lord’s Prayer and the Breaking of the Bread.
13 Ecumenical Provisions
Where a minister of another Christian Church is invited to assist at the Solemnization of Matrimony, the permissions and procedures set out in Canon B 43 are to be followed. The Church of England minister who solemnizes the marriage must establish the absence of impediment, direct the exchange of vows, declare the existence of the marriage, say the final blessing, and sign the registers. A minister invited to assist may say all or part of the opening address, lead the declarations of intent, supervise the exchange of rings, and join in the blessing of the marriage. He or she may also read a lesson and lead all or part of the prayers. Where the couple come from different Christian communions the bishop may authorize such variations to the marriage service as are set out in An Order for the Marriage of Christians from Different Churches, which is published separately.
END OF NOTES

 

ALTERNATE AND SUPPLIMENTARY TEXTS

Back to main text (banns)
Prayers at the Calling of the Banns
Prayers such as the following may be used
Lord,
the source of all true love,
we pray for these couples.
Grant to them
joy of heart,
seriousness of mind
and reverence of spirit,
that as they enter into the oneness of marriage
they may be strengthened and guided by you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
Lord of love,
we pray for N and N.
Be with them in all their preparations
and on their wedding day.
Give them your love in their hearts
throughout their married life together,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
Back to main text (banns)
Back to main text (preface)
Alternative Preface
We have come together in the presence of God, to witness the marriage of N and N, to ask his blessing on them, and to share in their joy. Our Lord Jesus Christ was himself a guest at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and through his Spirit he is with us now.

The Bible teaches us that marriage is a gift of God in creation and a means of his grace, a holy mystery in which man and woman become one flesh. It is God’s purpose that, as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love throughout their lives, they shall be united in that love as Christ is united with his Church.

Marriage is given, that husband and wife may comfort and help each other, living faithfully together in need and in plenty, in sorrow and in joy. It is given, that with delight and tenderness they may know each other in love, and, through the joy of their bodily union, may strengthen the union of their hearts and lives. It is given as the foundation of family life in which children may be born and nurtured in accordance with God’s will, to his praise and glory.

In marriage husband and wife belong to one another, and they begin a new life together in the community. It is a way of life that all should honour; and it must not be undertaken carelessly, lightly, or selfishly, but reverently, responsibly, and after serious thought.

This is the way of life, created and hallowed by God, that N and N are now to begin. They will each give their consent to the other; they will join hands and exchange solemn vows, and in token of this they will [each] give and receive a ring.

Therefore, on this their wedding day we pray with them, that, strengthened and guided by God, they may fulfil his purpose for the whole of their earthly life together.
Back to main text (preface)
Back to main text (vows)
Alternative Vows
Form 1
The bridegroom takes the bride’s right hand in his, and says
I, N , take you, N ,
to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part,
according to God’s holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow.
They loose hands.
The bride takes the bridegroom’s right hand in hers, and says
I, N , take you, N ,
to be my husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love, cherish, and obey,
till death us do part,
according to God’s holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow.
Form 2
The bridegroom takes the bride’s right hand in his, and says
I, N , take thee, N , to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.
They loose hands.
The bride takes the bridegroom’s right hand in hers, and says
I, N , take thee, N, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth.
If desired, the word ‘obey’ may be omitted, as follows
I, N , take thee, N, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth.]
Back to main text (vows)
Back to main text (rings)
Aternative Prayer at the Giving of the Ring(s)
Heavenly Father, source of everlasting love,
revealed to us in Jesus Christ
and poured into our hearts through your Holy Spirit;
that love which many waters cannot quench,
neither the floods drown;
that love which is patient and kind, enduring all things without end;
by your blessing, let these rings be to N and N
symbols to remind them of the covenant made this day
through your grace in the love of your Son
and in the power of your Spirit.
All Amen.
Back to main text (rings)
Back to main text (blessing)
Alternative Blessing of the Marriage
One of the following forms may be used
1 God of life and beginnings,
you created man and woman in your likeness
and joined them together in union of body and heart;
God of love and forgiveness,
you loved us in Jesus Christ
who humbled himself to death on a cross;
God of grace and strength,
you bring your people to faith
and fill them with your presence.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God,
for you have created joy and gladness,
pleasure and delight, love, peace and fellowship.
Pour out the abundance of your blessing
upon N and N in their new life together.
Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts,
and a crown upon their heads.
Bless them in their work and in their companionship;
awake and asleep,
in joy and in sorrow,
in life and in death.
Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that banquet
where your saints feast for ever in your heavenly home.
We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
All Amen.
Back to main text (blessing)
2 All praise and blessing to you, God of love,creator of the universe,
maker of man and woman in your likeness,
source of blessing for married life.
All praise to you, for you have created
courtship and marriage,
joy and gladness,
feasting and laughter,
pleasure and delight.May your blessing come in full upon N and N.
May they know your presence
in their joys and in their sorrows.
May they reach old age in the company of friends
and come at last to your eternal kingdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
3 Eternal God,
you create us out of love
that we should love you and one another.
Bless this man and this woman, made in your image,
who today become a sign of your faithful love to us
in Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
By your Holy Spirit,
fill bride and bridegroom with wisdom and hope
that they may delight in your gift of marriage
and enrich one another in love and faithfulness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
Bring them to that table
where your saints celebrate for ever in your heavenly home;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,
one God, for ever and ever.
All Amen.
4 Blessed are you, Lord our God,
God of love, creator of all.
All Blessed be God for ever.
Bridegroom Blessed are you, Lord our God,
you make us in your image and likeness.
All Blessed be God for ever.
Bride Blessed are you, Lord our God,
you make man and woman to reflect your glory.
All Blessed be God for ever.
Bridegroom Blessed are you, Lord our God,
you make us for joy and promise us life.
All Blessed be God for ever.
Bride Blessed are you, Lord our God,
you create a people to know your love.
All Blessed be God for ever.
Minister May N and N enjoy the blessing of your kingdom.
Give them faith and joy in their marriage.
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
you give joy to bride and groom.
All Blessed be God for ever.
May their love be fruitful
and their home a place of peace.
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
you make marriage a sign of your love.
All Blessed be God for ever.
May they know the love of the Father,
the life of the Son,
and the joy of the Spirit.
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
Lover, Beloved and Friend of Love.
All Blessed be God for ever.
5 This form may be added to any of the preceding blessings, or may be used on its own
Blessed are you, heavenly Father.
All You give joy to bridegroom and bride.
Blessed are you, Lord Jesus Christ.
All You bring life to the world.
Blessed are you, Holy Spirit of God.
All You bind us together in love.
Blessed are you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
All Amen.
END OF ALTERNATE TEXTS

Copyright © The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England, 2000-2006
All of the official Common Worship publications are being published by Church House Publishing

TOP MARRIAGE SERVICE