Fr Duncan’s Guide to the Anglican Church of Australia Wedding Service for services outside of a church.

1. The Processional — Optional

The service usually begins with the processional, led by Fr Duncan, followed by the bridesmaids or attendants and then the bride as she enters to join the groom and his best man, who will already be standing at the front of the church. The bride and her attendants enter through the main doors and process down the central aisle. The groom is already in his place. If you don’t want a procession, this is fine!

Music is normally played as the bride enters the church. Some examples are listed here.

2. The Preface - This is a required element of your service.

The preface is a formal welcome, and it also explains the Christian understanding of marriage. Fr Duncan reads the preface.

There are two authorised forms which can be used: one in modern language and one in traditional language. You can find the two versions of the preface here.

3. Hymn or Song of Your Choice - Optional

If you want people to join in with some singing, this is a good time to do so. If you don’t want people to sing, we could listen to a piece of music of your choice if the facilities exist to play it, or if it can be arranged with the musicians you choose.

You can see some examples of hymns and songs here.

4. Readings — Optional (with 1 bible reading essential)

The readings now follow, with the congregation seated. The bride and groom and their attendants are also seated at this point. There is always one reading from the Bible. There is also room for your friends to read something if you choose. You can have up to two readings.

5. The Homily

Normally, at this point, Fr Duncan gives a short address of up to five minutes, drawing out themes to do with you, your marriage, and the readings you have chosen.

6. Hymn or Piece of Music — Optional

7. The Marriage — Nothing In This Section Can Be Altered

The bride and groom now return to the front of the church for the marriage. The marriage has five components, each of which is set out below.

  • 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.

    You may now kiss the bride.

  • 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.

8. The Prayers - This is a required element of your service.

After the certificates have been signed, the bride and groom, together with any others involved in the signing, return to the front for the prayers. The prayers are offered for the newly married couple as they begin their life together as husband and wife. A carefully chosen family member or friend may lead the prayers instead of Fr Duncan. Fr Duncan can help you write your own prayers or make suggestions.

The prayers conclude with the Lord’s Prayer, which is said by all. You can choose the version of the Lord’s Prayer you prefer from the two options listed here.

9. Hymn — Optional

10. The Blessing - This is a required element of your service.

The bride and groom and their attendants, and the whole congregation, stand for the concluding blessing, which is prayed by Fr Duncan, pronouncing God’s blessing on the occasion and on all present.

11. The Recessional - Optional

The bride and groom then lead their attendants out of the venue, with the congregation following. They may greet immediate family, and others as appropriate, as they leave the venue.

Music is played as they make their way out of the church. Some commonly chosen pieces can be found in Appendix 7.

Notes

Your wedding is now finished, and Fr Duncan will take the three completed forms and submit them to the registry. You will need to apply for a certificate of marriage directly, and you are advised to wait a couple of weeks to allow for registration to be electronically uploaded by the government.

This is important, as you will not be able to legally change your name at banks, etc., until you have this. It is your responsibility to apply for the legal certificate. The certificate you receive on the day has a number on it which relates to the church recording procedure, not the legal civil requirements.