Holy Marriage

This form for the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony, adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, is intended for baptized members of the Church in good standing. It may be adapted at the godly discretion of the Minister.

THE BANNS

An announcement of those that are to be married is traditionally published in the Sunday Service, three Sundays in a row.

[Name] and [Name] intend to be married. If anyone knows of any reason why these two persons should not be joined together in holy matrimony, it is your duty to declare it. This is the first time of asking.

GIVING OF THE BRIDE

At the time of the wedding, the bride may enter with an appropriate processional song. She may then be presented by her father, or whoever is best suited to give her in marriage.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

[Her mother and] I do.

THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE

When the persons to be married are standing together, the man on the right hand, and the woman on the left, the Minister says,

Dearly beloved, we are gathered 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. Marriage is an honorable estate, instituted by God in the time of man’s innocence. It signifies to us the mystical union that is between Christ and his Church. Christ adorned and beautified this holy estate with his presence and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of Galilee. It is commended of St. Paul to be held in honor among all people; and therefore it is not to be entered lightly, loosely, or unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly, and in the fear of God; carefully considering the causes for which marriage was ordained. 

First, marriage was ordained for the mutual help, fellowship, and comfort that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.

Second, marriage was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy name.

Third, marriage was ordained as a remedy against sin, and to avoid immorality, that those who do not have the gift of celibacy might marry and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ’s body.

Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if anyone can show any just reason why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak now or forever hold his peace.

EXPRESSION OF INTENT

If no impediment is alleged, the Minister says to the Man,

[Name,] Do you desire to have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony; and do you promise to love, comfort, honor, and keep her, in sickness, and in health; and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for as long as you both shall live?

I do. 

Then the Minister says to the Woman,

[Name,] Do you desire to have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together here after God’s ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony; and do you promise to obey, serve, love, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, for as long as you both shall live?

I do. 

THE VOWS

The Minister then causes the Man with his right hand to take the Woman by her right hand. Then, the Man repeats the vows after the Minister.

I [Name] … take you [Name] … to be my wedded wife, … to have and to hold, … from this day forward, … for better or for worse, … for richer or for poorer, … in sickness and in health, … to love and to cherish, … till death do us part, … according to God’s holy ordinance; … and thereto I pledge you my faith. 

The Man and Woman loose their hands, and the Woman with her right hand takes the Man by his right hand. Then, the Woman repeats the vows after the Minister.

I [Name] … take you [Name] … to be my wedded husband, … to have and to hold, … from this day forward, … for better or for worse, … for richer or for poorer, … in sickness and in health, … to love, cherish, and obey, … till death do us part, … according to God’s holy ordinance; … and thereto I pledge you my faith.

If the Man and Woman insist on writing their own vows, they may be said after the traditional vows, but not as a replacement for them.

PRAYER FOR THE KEEPING OF THE VOWS

Eternal God, you are the creator and preserver of all mankind, the giver of all spiritual grace, and the author of everlasting life. Send your blessing upon your servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in your name; that as Isaac and Rebekah lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant made between them, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to your laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then the Minister joins their right hands together and says,

Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Forasmuch as [Name] and [Name] have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith, each to the other, and have declared the same by the joining of hands; I pronounce that they are man and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then the Minister may say to the Man,

You may kiss your bride.

BLESSING OF THE COUPLE

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

PRAYER FOR A BLESSED MARRIAGE

O God, by your mighty power you made all things out of nothing, and after setting other things in order, appointed that out of man, created after your own image and likeness, woman should take her beginning; and knitting them together, you taught that it should never be lawful to separate those whom you have made one by marriage. O God, you have consecrated the state of matrimony to such an excellent mystery, that in it is signified and represented the spiritual marriage and unity between Christ and his Church. Look mercifully upon these your servants, that this man may love his wife, according to your Word, as Christ loved his spouse the Church, who gave himself for it, loving and cherishing it, even as his own flesh, and also that this woman may be loving and amiable, faithful and obedient to her husband: and in all quietness, sobriety, and peace, be a follower of holy and godly women. O Lord, bless them both, and grant them to inherit your everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BENEDICTION

Almighty God, who at the beginning created our first parents, Adam and Eve, and sanctified and joined them together in marriage; pour upon you the riches of his grace, sanctify and bless you, that you may please him both in body and soul, and live together in holy love unto your lives’ end. Amen.

Then the Minister may say to the Congregation,

Dearly beloved, it is my privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs. [Name].