Marriage Liturgy
Third Form
In this service the couple, in consultation with the priest, make a choice for each section from the options provided in the two columns.
Introduction
The priest may greet the people.
The priest says to the congregation
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We have gathered to celebrate the marriage of N and N. Marriage is the promise of hope between a man and a woman who love each other, who trust that love, and who wish to share the future together. |
We have come together to witness the promises of N and N in marriage; to share with them in their happiness and in their hopes for the future. |
| It enables two separate people to share their desires, longings, dreams and memories, and to help each other through their uncertainties. It provides the encouragement to risk more and thus to gain more. In marriage, husband and wife belong together, providing mutual support and a stability in which their children may grow. | Marriage involves caring and giving. It involves learning to share one’s life with another person, forgiving as Christ forgives; enjoying the love and meaning which can be found together. It involves facing together whatever adversity may arise. |
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Here in the presence of God we recognise and affirm their relationship as they begin their married life in the community. |
Here before God, N and N wish to pledge their love for each other and their desire to spend their lives together. |
Welcome
The priest says to the couple
N and N, we welcome you.
We are glad to join with you
in the celebration of your marriage,
to witness your vows, to pray with you,
and to wish you joy in your life together.
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The priest says Father, touch us with an awareness of your presence in all the world around
us. Awaken in us a sense of wonder that you have created us in love. As we celebrate the marriage of N and N, deepen our love for those close to us, and for
those who, although strangers, need our concern. Help N and N as they commit themselves to each other, and grant us all a heightened sense of
joy in life, because we share this moment with them. |
The priest and people say together God of love, we thank you for the gift of marriage and for the joys it
brings. Bless us as we share in this wedding. We thank you for the love which has brought N and N to each other and for their desire to share that
love for the rest of their lives. |
The Ministry of the Word
A suitable reading (or readings) follows either here or before The Marriage or before The Prayers.
After the reading a minister may speak to the people.
The Declarations
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The priest asks the bridegroom N, do you love and trust N and want to be her husband? |
The priest asks the bride N, will you take N to be your husband? Will you share his joys and ease his burdens? Will you be honest with him, and be faithful to him always, as long as you both live? |
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The bridegroom answers Yes, I do. |
The bride answers I will, with the help of God. |
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The priest asks the bridegroom Will you stand by her no matter what happens, respecting her as a person, understanding her needs and enjoying her love until death parts you? |
The priest asks the bridegroom N, will you take N to be your wife? Will you share her joys and ease her burdens? Will you be honest with her, and be faithful to her always, as long as you both live? |
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The bridegroom answers Yes, I will. |
The bridegroom answers I will, with the help of God. |
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The priest asks the bride N, do you love and trust N and want to be his wife? |
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The bride answers Yes, I do. |
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The priest asks the bride Will you stand by him no matter what happens, respecting him as a person, understanding his needs and enjoying his love until death parts you? |
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The bride answers Yes, I will. |
Affirmation
The priest may ask the parents
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In your new relationship with N and N, do you, as their parents, pledge your loving support? |
Are you willing to strengthen this marriage by upholding both N and N with your love and concern? |
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The parents reply We do. |
The parents reply We are. |
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They may say to the couple May you find a rich and full life together. |
May you find a rich and full life together |
The priest may ask the whole congregation
Will you, their friends and family, do all in your power to support this couple now, and in the years ahead?
The people reply We will.
The Ministry of the Word may follow here.
The Marriage
The bride and bridegroom face each other.
The Vows
The bridegroom takes the bride’s hand(s) in his and says
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N, I take you to be my wife, |
N, today I take you |
They loose hands.
The bride takes the bridegroom’s hand(s) in hers and says
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N, I take you to be my husband, |
N, today I take you |
They loose hands.
The Ring
The priest receives the ring or rings, and may say
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Eternal God, bless these rings as symbols of the love and trust between N and N. |
Let these rings say to all that your commitment is deep and life-long. |
The giver places the ring on the other’s finger, holds it there and says
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This ring is a token |
Let this ring symbolise |
If only one ring is used, before they loose hands the bride may say
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I accept this ring as a symbol |
I accept this ring as a symbol |
The Pronouncement
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The priest says to the couple N and N, you have declared the love you have for each other and your hopes for the future. You have made promises to each other, and have symbolised them by joining hands and giving (a) ring(s). You are now husband and wife. |
The priest says to the congregation We have witnessed the promises made by N and <N, and now recognise them as husband and wife. |
God’s Guidance
The priest says to the couple
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May God give you light to guide you and love
to unite you, so that you may be faithful to the vows you have made this
day, and live together in joy and peace till your lives end. |
N and N, you have committed
yourselves
to one another in love, joy and tenderness. Become one. Fulfil your promises.
And may God’s grace be with you for ever. |
The register may be signed here in the presence of the congregation.
The Ministry of the Word may follow here.