CHRISTIAN CEREMONY #26

ANGLICAN COMMON PRAYER BOOK WEDDING

PRESENTATION OF BRIDE
Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man? / I do.

TO GUESTS
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate instituted of God.

First, it was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of His holy Name.

Second, it was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it.

THE PLEDGE
(Groom), wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live? / I will.

(Bride), wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?  / I will. 

VOWS

_(Groom)_ please repeat after me you vows to your bride?

I, (Groom), take thee, (Bride),
to my wedded 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,
till death us do part,
according to God’s holy ordinance;
and thereto I plight thee my troth.

_(Bride)_ please repeat after me your vows to your groom?

I, (Bride), take thee, (Groom),
to my wedded 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,
till death us do part,
according to God’s holy ordinance;
and thereto I plight thee my troth.

RINGS

May I have the rings please?

The circle has often been used to symbolize eternity, it endlessly flows from any point where it begins. By this symbol of covenant promise, Gracious God, remind (Groom) and (Bride) of your encircling love and unending faithfulness that in all their life together they may know joy and peace in one another. Dear Lord, we ask a special blessing upon (Groom) and (Bride), as they give each other their rings.

(Groom), would you please place the ring on the ring-finger of (Bride) and repeat after me.

I, _(Groom)_,
give you, _(Bride)_,
this ring
as a symbol of my vow,
and with all that I am,
and all that I have,
I honour you
in the name of God

(Bride), would you please place the ring on the ring-finger of (Groom) and repeat after me.

I, (Bride),
give you, (Groom),
this ring
as a symbol of my vow,
and with all that I am,
and all that I have,
I honour you
in the name of God

LET US PRAY.
O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, These rings are given and received as tokens and pledge, and may this couple ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.

PRONOUNCEMENT
Forasmuch as (Groom) and (Bride) have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of rings, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Husband and Wife together.

KISS     You may kiss each other.

BLESSING
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with His favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.

SIGNING OF REGISTER 

PRESENTATION OF COUPLE

It gives me great delight to present to you Mr. and Mrs. ——–.