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Introduction

The bride and escort (who may be the groom if you wish) process to the place where the marriage will take place. They face each other but at this stage don't usually hold hands, although these days feel free to do what you like.

We have come together here in the sight of God, and in the presence of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honourable state of life, instituted from the beginning by God himself, signifying to us the spiritual union that is possible between Christ and those who reach out to him. Christ adorned and beautified matrimony with his presence and with the first sign by which he revealed his glory, at the marriage in Cana of Galilee; and holy scriptures commands that all should hold it in honour. It is therefore not to be entered upon unadvisedly, lightly or merely to satisfy physical desires; but prayerfully, with careful thought, and with reverence for God, duly considering the purposes for which it was ordained. It was ordained for the procreation of children and that they might be brought up in the nurture and instruction of the Lord, to the praise of his holy name. It was ordained so that those to whom God has granted the gift of marriage might live a chaste and holy life, as befits members of God's beautiful creation. And it was ordained for the mutual companionship, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into this holy manner of life N and N come now to be joined. Therefore if anyone can show any just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or hereafter remain silent.

The Charge

This is addressing a serious matter like bigamy. It is said quietly to the bride and groom and should not be printed in a service sheet.

I charge you both, as you will answer before God, who is the judge of all and from whom no secrets are hidden, that if either of you know any reason why you may not lawfully be joined together in matrimony, you now confess it. For be assured that those who marry otherwise than God's word allows are not joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful in his sight.

The consent

N, will you have N as your wife, to live together, as God has ordained, in the holy state of matrimony? Will you love her, cherish her, honour and protect her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her, as long as you both shall live? I will

N, will you have N as your husband, to live together, as God has ordained, in the holy state of matrimony? Will you love him, cherish him, honour and protect him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him, as long as you both shall live? I will

With the "giving away" the man may receive the woman's hand from a member of the family or a friend and similarly, the woman may receive the man's hand. Usually the father gives the bride away, but both parents can perform this rite. You may wish to have no "giving away". In this case the bride's escort sits down after the processional.

Who brings this woman to be married to this man? I do (etc). Family member may say these words

The bride gives her flowers to her bridesmaid at this point in the service Members of the family may add their blessing: e.g., Members of the families of N and N, do you give your blessing to this marriage? We do.

The betrothal

Facing each other and usually repeating after the minister.

I N take you N to be my wife, according to God's holy ordinance: 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, until we are parted by death. And to this I pledge you my word.

I N take you N to be my husband, according to God's holy ordinance: 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, until we are parted by death. And to this I pledge you my word.

The exchange of rings

With this ring I wed you, with my body I worship you; with all that I am and all that I have I honour you: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The wedding

Couple now faces the front, holding hands, with heads bowed.

Let us pray. Eternal God, preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace and author of everlasting life: send you blessing upon this man and this woman whom we bless in your name; that as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so N and N may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant made between them, of which this ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to your laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Those whom God has joined together let not man put asunder.

The declaration

N and N have now witnessed to their mutual consent before God and this company; they have pledged their solemn word to each other; and they have confirmed it by the giving and receiving of a ring and by the joining of hands. I therefore declare them to be husband and wife: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you and fill you with all spiritual blessing and grace, that you may so live together in this life, that in the world to come you may have life everlasting. Amen.

The bride and groom kiss at this point. The bridesmaid gives back the bride's flowers.

Interlude.

Song, Poem, Reading, Word of encouragement, etc. Optional

The Bible readings and address (5 mins max!)

Closing prayer

If you are printing a service sheet, always print the Lord's Prayer in full. This part of the service can be as short or long as you want. For example, the service could finish with just the Lord's Prayer.

Almighty God, who by joining man and woman together taught us from the beginning that we should not separate what you have joined as one; we praise you that you have consecrated the state of matrimony to such an excellent purpose that in it is signified the spiritual marriage and unity between Christ and those who reach out to him. Look mercifully on these your servants that this man may love his wife, according to your word, as Christ loved broken humanity, and gave himself up for us, cherishing us as himself; and also that this woman may be loving and generous, responsive and faithful to her husband. O Lord, bless them both, and grant them to inherit your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God the Father enrich you with his grace, God the Son make you holy in his love, God the Holy Spirit strengthen you with his joy. The Lord bless you and keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Signing of the register and musical interlude

The register may be signed in front of the guests or in a private place. A soloist could perform at this point.

Recessional

The bride and the groom lead the wedding party , followed by the parents.