The Ritual of Marriage

Introduction To The Service

The pastor briefly describes the meaning and order of the service of marriage to the couple and to those gathered as witnesses.

Pastoral Charge:

I require and charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, that having considered the covenant you are about to enter, you now declare before this company your pledge of faith, each to the other. And be assured, that if you keep these vows, and if you steadfastly endeavor to love one another, God will bless your relationship, will grant you fulfillment in it, and will establish your home in peace.

Bride, will you have Groom to be your wedded husband , to live together in friendship and in passion; will you love him, support his life's journey, comfort him in times of despair, confide in him, honor him, in riches and in poverty, in sickness and in health, in joy and in anger, while sharing and in silence, and forsaking all others keep only to him as long as you both shall live? I WILL

Groom, will you have Bride to be your wedded wife , to live together in friendship and in passion; will you love her, support her life's journey, comfort her in times of despair, confide in her, honor her, in riches and in poverty, in sickness and in health, in joy and in anger, while sharing and in silence, and forsaking all others keep only to her as long as you both shall live? I WILL

Families Blessing Of The Couple

Do you all, as family members give Bride and Groom your blessing as they enter this covenant with each other? WE DO.

The Couple's Vows:

I Groom/Bride take you, Bride/Groom, to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, so long as we both shall live.

Exchange Of Rings:

Prayer of Blessing on the Symbols
"In token and pledge of our constant faith
and abiding love,
with this ring I thee wed. "

Blessings By The Witnesses

It takes a community to make a marriage. Here is a time when the people gathered to witness the ceremony are asked to celebrate and concretely support the new marriage.

Prayer

This is a short prayer of blessing for the marriage, often following the pattern of the traditional seven-fold blessing.

Pronouncement:

And so, forasmuch as Bride and Groom have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and all of you, and have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by giving and receiving rings; I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of God our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder. Amen.

The Kiss

Introducing the Couple

With great pleasure I introduce ...

Benediction

God eternal keep you in love with each other so that the peace of Christ may abide in your home. Go and serve God and your community in all that you do.