The question of consent is asked by Fr Duncan, addressing the groom and then the bride in turn. The response is ‘I will’. The congregation is then asked to give its support by saying together, ‘we will’.

N, will you give yourself to N to be her husband,
to live with her according to God’s word?
Will you love her, comfort her,
honour and protect her,
and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her
so long as you both shall live?

I will.

N, will you give yourself to N, to be his wife,
to live with him according to God’s word?
Will you love him, comfort him,
honour and protect him,
and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him
so long as you both shall live?

I will.

Families and friends,
you are witnesses to these vows.
Will you do everything in your power
to uphold N and N in their marriage?

We will.

The vows are exchanged by the couple with joined hands, facing one another.

I, N, in the presence of God,
take you, N, to be my wife:
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,
so long as we both shall live.
All this I vow and promise.

I, N, in the presence of God,
take you, N, to be my husband;
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,
so long as we both shall live.
All this I vow and promise.

Both may exchange rings, or the groom may give the bride a ring only. The Celebrant says a short prayer of blessing over the ring or rings.

God of steadfast love,
by your blessing,
let these rings (or this ring) be for N and N
a symbol of their love and faithfulness
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

As the ring is placed on the finger of the receiver, the giver says:

I give you this ring
as a symbol of our marriage.
May God enable us
to grow in love together.

The receiver accepts the ring by saying:

I receive this ring
as a symbol of our marriage.

The Celebrant pronounces the declaration, with the bride and groom facing each other, hands joined.

Before God and in the presence of us all,
N and N have joined hands
and made their solemn vows,
promising life-long faithfulness to each other.
In the name of God,
I declare them to be husband and wife.
What God has joined together,
let no one separate.
God the Father lovingly enfold you,
God the Son grace your home and table,
God the Holy Spirit crown you with joy and peace.
The Lord bless you and keep you in eternal life. Amen.

There are three documents to be signed:
• The certificate that will register the marriage, which is lodged with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Queensland
• The certificate given to the bride and groom
• The register, which remains with Fr Duncan

Two witnesses are chosen by the couple to witness each of these documents. Traditionally, these are the best man and the head bridesmaid or matron of honour.

During the signing, music is played. Some couples also arrange for a soloist, musicians, or choir to perform appropriate pieces. You can find examples of popular music choices here.