Preface Options

We have come together in the sight of God for the joining in marriage of this man N and this woman N.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said of marriage that From the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one. So they are no longer two but one.

What therefore God has joined together, let no one put asunder.’

Marriage is the symbol of God’s unending love for his people, and of the union between Christ and his Church. So Saint Paul teaches that the husband must love his wife as Christ loved the Church, and that the wife must give due honour to her husband.

Marriage should be honoured by all, and is not to be entered into lightly or carelessly, but with reverent and serious respect for those purposes for which it was instituted by God.

Marriage is a life-long union in which a man and a woman are called so to give themselves in body, mind, and spirit, and so to respond, that from their union will grow a deepening knowledge and love of each other.

In the joys and sorrows of life, in prosperity and adversity, they share their companionship, faithfulness, and strength.

In marriage a new family is established in accordance with God’s purpose, so that children may be born and nurtured in secure and loving care, for their well-being and instruction, and for the good order of society, to the glory of God.

N and N have now come here to be joined in this holy union to which God has led them. They seek his blessing on their life together, that they may fulfil his purpose for them; and they ask us to support them in this prayer. If anyone can show why they may not lawfully be joined in marriage, speak now, or hereafter remain in silence.

Dearly beloved.

We have come together in the presence of God to witness the marriage of N and N, and to ask God’s blessing on them as we share their joy.

Marriage is a gift of God our creator. It is a symbol of God’s unending love for his people, and of the union between Christ and his Church. Christ loved his bride the Church, and gave himself for her.

As he has called N and N to marriage, so he draws their differing gifts and hopes into a unity of love and service.

Scripture teaches that marriage is a lifelong partnership uniting a woman and a man in heart, mind and body. In the joy of their union, husband and wife enrich and respond to each other, growing in tenderness and understanding.

Through marriage a new family is formed, where children may be born and grow in secure and loving care.

Marriage is therefore to be honoured by all. No one should enter it lightly or selfishly, but responsibly and joyfully, with mutual respect and the promise to be faithful.

So let us pray with N and N as they prepare to exchange their solemn vows:

Blessed are you, loving God, your Spirit binds us together. Crown our lives with your goodness; sustain us all our days with your love. Bless N and N with wisdom and pleasure. Be their friend and companion in joy, their comfort in need and in sorrow. And when this life is ended welcome them into your presence, there with all your people to praise your holy name: Blessed be God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as in the beginning, so now and forever. 

Amen.