Download (JSON)An Order for Marriage
If it is desired to celebrate a marriage otherwise than as provided on pages 76-85 of “Liturgical Resources 1: The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant (revised and expanded),” this Order is used.
Normally, the celebrant is a priest or bishop. Where permitted by civil law, and when no priest or bishop is available, a deacon may function as celebrant, but does not pronounce a nuptial blessing.
The laws of the State having been complied with, the couple, together with their witnesses, families, and friends assemble in the church or in some other convenient place.
1. The teaching of the Church concerning Holy Matrimony, as it is declared in the formularies, is briefly stated.
2. The intention of the two to enter the state of matrimony, and their free consent, is publicly ascertained.
3. One or more Readings, one of which is always from Holy Scripture, may precede the exchange of vows. If there is to be a Communion, a Reading from the Gospel is always included.
4. The vows are exchanged, using the following form
In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my wife/husband/spouse, 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. This is my solemn vow.
I, N., take thee N., to my wedded wife/husband/spouse, 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 [or give] thee my troth.
5. The Celebrant declares the union of the couple, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
6. Prayers are offered for the couple, for their life together, for the Christian community, and for the world.
7. A priest or bishop pronounces a solemn blessing upon the couple.
8. If there is no Communion, the service concludes with the Peace, the couple first greeting each other. The Peace may be exchanged throughout the assembly.
9. If there is to be a Communion, the service continues with the Peace and the Offertory. The Holy Eucharist may be celebrated either according to Rite One or Rite Two, or according to the Order on page 401 of the Book of Common Prayer 1979.