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 joy and tenderness of sexual union
and joyful commitment to the end of their lives.
It is given as the foundation of family life
into which children may be 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 was blessed by the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ
when those celebrating a wedding at Cana in Galilee
became witnesses of his first miracle.
It is a sign of unity and loyalty
which should be upheld and honoured by all.
It enriches society and strengthens community.
No one should enter into it lightly or selfishly
but only after weighing the consequences
N and N are now to enter this way of life.
back to The Marriage Service
They will each give their consent to the other in solemn promises,
and in token of this they will give and receive a ring (rings)
We pray with them that the Holy Spirit will guide
that they may fulfil God's purposes
for the whole of their earthly life together.