The Preface

The Preface is a statement that the priest reads out at the start of the wedding ceremony. The purpose of the Preface is

• Setting the Stage: It welcomes the congregation and states that everyone has gathered in the presence of God to witness the union.

• Divine Origin: It defines marriage as a gift of God in creation.

• Purposes of Marriage: It outlines why marriage is given—for the mutual help, comfort, and strength that husband and wife ought to give one another, for the creation and nurturing of a family (in traditional texts), and as a symbol of Christ's love for the Church.]

• Call to Reverence: It reminds the couple and the guests that marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and responsibly