The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage

*At the time appointed, the persons to be married, with their witnesses, assemble in the church or some other appropriate place.*

*During their entrance, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.*

*Then the Celebrant, facing the people and the persons to be married, with the woman to the right and the man to the left, addresses the congregation and says*

Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.

The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.

Into this holy union &N. &N.. and &N. &N.. now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.

*Then the Celebrant says to the persons to be married*

I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with God's Word, you do now confess it.

*The Celebrant says to the woman*

&N., will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

*The Woman answers*

I will.

*The Celebrant says to the man*

&N., will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

*The Man answers*

I will.

*The Celebrant then addresses the congregation, saying*

Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?

*People* We will.

*If there is to be a presentation or a giving in marriage, it takes place at this time. See page 437.*

*A hymn, psalm, or anthem may follow.*

*The Celebrant then says to the people*

The Lord be with you.

*People* And also with you.

Let us pray.

O gracious and everliving God, you have created us male and female in your image: Look mercifully upon this man and this woman who come to you seeking your blessing, and assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep the promises and vows they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. =Amen.=

*Then one or more of the following passages from Holy Scripture is read. If there is to be a Communion, a passage from the Gospel always concludes the Readings.*

Genesis 1:26-28 (Male and female he created them)

Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24 (A man cleaves to his wife and they become one flesh)

Song of Solomon 2:10-13; 8:6-7 (Many waters cannot quench love)

Tobit 8:5b-8 (_New English Bible_) (That she and I may grow old together)

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (Love is patient and kind)

Ephesians 3:14-19 (The Father from whom ever family is named)

Ephesians 5:1-2, 21-33 (Walk in love, as Christ loved us)

Colossians 3:12-17 (Love which binds everything together in harmony)

1 John 4:7-16 (Let us love one another for love is of God)

*Between the Readings, a Psalm, hymn, or anthem may be sing or said. Appropriate Psalms are 67, 127, and 128.*

*When a passage from the Gospel is to be read, all stand, and the Deacon or Minister appointed says*

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to &mdash..

*People* Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Matthew 5:1-10 (The Beatitudes)

Matthew 5:13-16 (You are the light...Let your light so shine)

Matthew 7:21,24-29 (Like a wise man who built his house upon the rock)

Mark 10:6-9,13-16 (They are no longer two but one)

John 15:9-12 (Love one another as I have loved you)

*After the Gospel, the Reader says*

The Gospel of the Lord.

*People* Praise to you, Lord Christ.

*A homily or other response to the Readings may follow.*

*The Man, facing the woman and taking her right hand in his, says*

In the Name of God, I, &N., 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, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

*Then they loose their hands, and the Woman, still facing the man, takes his right hand in hers, and says*

In the Name of God, I, &N., 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, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

*The loose their hands.*

*The Priest may ask God's blessing on a ring or rings as follows*

Bless, O Lord, =this ring= to be =a sign= of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. =Amen.=

*The giver places the ring on the ring-finger of the other's hand and says*

&N., I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (*or* in the Name of God).

*Then the Celebrant joins the right hands of husband and wife and says*

Now that &N. and &N. have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.

*People* Amen.

*All standing, the Celebrant says*

Let us pray together in the words our Savior taught us.

*People and Celebrant*

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, /on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those /who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, /on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those /who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

*If Communion is to follow, the Lord's Prayer may be omitted here.*

*The Deacon or other person appointed reads the following prayers, to which the People respond, saying, Amen.*

*If there is not to be a Communion, one or more of the prayers may be omitted.*

Let us pray.

Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, and especially upon this man and this woman whom you make one flesh in Holy Matrimony. =Amen.=

Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy. =Amen.=

Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will, and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may grow in love and peace with you and one another all the days of their life. =Amen.=

Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other's forgiveness and yours. =Amen.=

Make their life together a sign of Christ's love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair. =Amen.=

[[Bestow on them, if it is your will, the gift and heritage of children, and the grace to bring them up to know you, to love you, and to serve you. =Amen.=]]

Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection that they may reach out in love and concern for others. =Amen.=

Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed. =Amen.=

Grant that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all your children are united one to another, and the living to the dead, may be so transformed by your grace, that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven; where, O Father, with your Son, and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign in perfect unity, now and for ever. =Amen.=

*The people remain standing. The husband and wife kneel, and the Priest says one of the following prayers*

Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your tender love in sending Jesus Christ to come among us, to be born of a human mother, and to make the way of the cross to be the way of life. We thank you, also, for consecrating the union of man and woman in his Name. By the power of your Holy Spirit, your out the abundance of your blessing upon this man and this woman. Defend them from every enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads. Bless them in their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their life and in their death. Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that table where your saints feast for ever in your heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. =Amen.=

*or this*

O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. =Amen.=

*The husband and wife still kneeling, the Priest adds this blessing*

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. =Amen.=

*The Celebrant may say to the people*

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

*People* And also with you.

*The newly married couple then greet each other, after which greetings may be exchanged throughout the congregation.*

*When Communion is not to follow, the wedding party leaves the church. A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.*

*The liturgy then continues with the Offertory, at which the newly married couple may present the offerings of bread and wine.*

*Preface of Marriage*

*At the Communion, it is appropriate that the newly married couple receive Communion first, after the ministers.*

*In place of the usual postcommunion prayer, the following is said*

O God, the giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious: We give you thanks for binding us together in these holy mysteries of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that by your Holy Spirit, &N. and &N., now joined in Holy Matrimony, may become one in heart and soul, live in fidelity and peace, and obtain those eternal joys prepared for all who love you; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. =Amen.=

*As the wedding party leaves the church, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.*

*The Rite begins as prescribed for celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, using the Collect and Lessons appointed in the Marriage service.*

*After the Gospel (and homily), the husband and wife stand before the Celebrant, who addresses them in these or similar words*

&N. and &N., you have come here today to seek the blessing of God and of his Church upon your marriage. I require, therefore, that you promise, with the help of God, to fulfill the obligations which Christian Marriage demands.

*The Celebrant then addresses the husband, saying*

&N., you have taken &N. to be your wife. Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

*The Husband answers* I do.

*The Celebrant then addresses the wife, saying*

&N., you have taken &N. to be your husband. Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

*The Wife answers* I do.

*The Celebrant then addresses the congregation, saying*

Will you who have witnessed these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?

*People* We will.

*If a ring or rings are to be blessed, the wife extends her hand (and the husband extends his hand) toward the Priest, who says*

Bless, O Lord, =this ring= to be =a sign= of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. =Amen.=

*The Celebrant joins the right hands of the husband and wife and says Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.*

*The Congregation responds* Amen.

*The service continues with The Prayers on page 428.*

*If it is desired to celebrate a marriage otherwise than as provided on page 423 of this Book, this Order is used.*

*Normally, the celebrant is a priest or bishop. Where permitted by civil law, and when no priest or bishop is available, a deacon may function as celebrant, but does not pronounce a nuptial blessing.*

*The laws of the State and the canons of this Church having been complied with, the man and the woman, together with their witnesses, families, and friends assemble in the church or in some other convenient place.*

1. The teaching of the Church concerning Holy Matrimony, as it is declared in the formularies and canons of this Church, is briefly stated.

2. The intention of the man and the woman to enter the state of matrimony, and their free consent, is publicly ascertained.

3. One or more Readings, one of which is always from Holy Scripture, may precede the exchange of vows. If there is to be a Communion, a Reading from the Gospel is always included.

4. The vows of the man and woman are exchanged, using the following form

In the Name of God, I, &N., take you, &N., 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, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

*or this*

I, &N., take thee, &N., to my wedded (wife) (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 do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I (plight) (give) thee my troth.

5. The Celebrant declares the union of the man and woman as husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

6. Prayers are offered for the husband and wife, for their life together, for the Christian community, and for the world.

7. A priest or bishop pronounces a solemn blessing upon the couple.

8. If there is no Communion, the service concludes with the Peace, the husband and wife first greeting each other. The Peace may be exchanged throughout the assembly.

9. If there is to be a Communion, the service continues with the Peace and the Offertory. The Holy Eucharist may be celebrated either according to Rite One or Rite Two in this Book, or according to the Order in page 401.

*If Banns are to be published, the following form is used*

I publish the Banns of Marriage between &N. &N.. of &mdash. and &N. &N.. of &mdash.. If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it. This is the first (*or* second, *or* third) time of asking.

*The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage may be used with any authorized liturgy for the Holy Eucharist. This service then replaces the Ministry of the Word, and the Eucharist begins with the Offertory.*

*After the Declaration of Consent, if there is to be a giving in marriage, or presentation, the Celebrant asks*

Who gives (presents) this woman to be married to this man?

*or the following*

Who presents this woman and this man to be married to each other?

*To either question, the appropriate answer is, "I do." If more than one person responds, they do so together.*

*For the Ministry of the Word it is fitting that the man and woman to be married remain where they may conveniently hear the reading of Scripture. They may approach the Altar, either for the exchange of vows, or for the Blessing of the Marriage.*

*It is appropriate that all remain standing until the conclusion of the Collect. Seating may be provided for the wedding party, so that all may be seated for the Lessons and the homily.*

*The Apostles' Creed may be recited after the Lessons, or after the homily, if there is one.*

*When desired, some other suitable symbol of the vows may be used in place of the ring.*

*At the Offertory, it is desirable that the bread and wine be presented to the ministers by the newly married persons. They may then remain before the Lord's Table and receive Holy Communion before other members of the congregation.*

*As soon as convenient after the birth of a child, or after receiving a child by adoption, the parents, with other members of the family, should come to the church to be welcomed by the congregation and to give thanks to Almighty God. It is desirable that this take place at a Sunday service. In the Eucharist it may follow the Prayers of the People preceding the Offertory. At Morning or Evening Prayer it may take place before the close of the Office.*

*When desired, a briefer form of this service may be used, especially in the hospital or at home; in which case the Celebrant may begin with the Act of Thanksgiving, or with the prayer "O God, you have taught is." A passage from Scripture may first be read. Either Luke 2:41-51, or Luke 18:15-17, is appropriate.*

*During the prayers, some parents may wish to express thanks in their own words.*

*At the proper time, the Celebrant invites the parents and other members of the family to present themselves before the Altar.*

*The Celebrant addresses the congregation in these or similar words*

Dear Friends: The birth of a child is a joyous and solemn occasion in the life of a family. It is also an occasion for rejoicing in the Christian community. I bid you, therefore, to join &N. [and &N.] in giving thanks to Almighty God our heavenly Father, the Lord of all life, for the gift of &N. to be their son (daughter) [and with &N. (and &N. &N..), for a new brother (sister)]. Let us say together:

*The service continues with the Magnificat or one of the Psalms on pages 441-443.*

*The Celebrant addresses the congregation in these or similar words*

Dear Friends: It has pleased God our heavenly Father to answer the earnest prayers of &N. [and &N.], member(s) of this Christian family, for the gift of a child. I bid you join with =them= [and with &N. (and &N. &N..), who now =has= a new brother (sister)] in offering heartfelt thanks for the joyful and solemn responsibility which is =theirs= by the coming of &N. to be a member of their family. But first, our friends wish us, here assembled, to witness the inauguration of this new relationship.

The Celebrant asks the parent or parents

&N. [and &N.], do you take this child for your own?

*Parent(s)* I do.

*Then if the child is old enough to answer, the Celebrant asks*

&N., do you take this woman as your mother?

*Child* I do.

*Celebrant* Do you take this man as your father?

*Child* I do.

*Then the Celebrant, holding or taking the child by the hand, gives the child to the mother or father, saying*

As God has made us his children by adoption and grace, may you receive &N. as your own son (daughter).

*Then one or both parents say these or similar words*

May God, the Father of all, bless our child &N., and us who have given to him our family name, that wwe may live together in love and affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord. =Amen.=

*The Celebrant says*

Since it has pleased God to bestow upon &N. [and &N.] the gift of a child, let us now give thanks to him, and say together:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God by Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

The promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

*or this*

I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my /supplication, * because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called /upon him.

Gracious is the LORD and righteous; * our God is full of compassion.

How shall I repay the LORD * for all the good things he has done for me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation * and call upon the Name of the LORD.

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD * in the presence of all his people.

In the courts of the LORD'S house, * in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The LORD is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures * and leads me beside still waters.

He revives my soul * and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; * for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You spread a table before me in the presence of those /who trouble me; * you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.

Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

*The Celebrant then says this prayer*

Let us pray.

O God, you have taught us through your blessed Son that whoever receives a little child in the name of Christ receives Christ himself: We give thanks for the blessing you have bestowed upon this family in giving them a child. Confirm their joy by a lively sense of your presence with them, and give them calm strength and patient wisdom as they seek to bring this child to love all that is true and noble, just and pure, lovable and gracious, excellent and admirable, following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. =Amen.=

*The Celebrant may add one or more of the following prayers*

=For a safe delivery=

O gracious God, we give you humble and hearty thanks that you have preserved through the pain and anxiety of child- birth your servant &N., who desires now to offer you her praises and thanksgivings. Grant, most merciful Father, that by your help she may live faithfully according to your will in this life, and finally partake of everlasting glory in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. =Amen.=

=For the parents=

Almighty God, giver of life and love, bless &N. and &N. Grant them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy. And so knit their wills together in your will and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may live together in love and peace all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. =Amen.=

=For a child not yet baptized=

O eternal God, you have promised to be a father to a thousand generations of those who love and fear you: Bless this child and preserve =his= life; receive =him= and enable =him= to receive you, that through the Sacrament of Baptism =he= may become the child of God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. =Amen.=

=For a child already baptized=

Into your hands, O God, we place your child &N. Support =him= in =his= successes and in =his= failures, in =his= joys and in =his= <page 444> sorrows. As =he= grows in age, may =he= grow in grace, and in the knowledge of his Savior Jesus Christ. =Amen.=

*The Celebrant may then bless the family*

May God the Father, who by Baptism adopts us as his children, grant you grace. =Amen.=

May God the Son, who sanctified a home at Nazareth, fill you with love. =Amen.=

May God the Holy Spirit, who has made the Church one family, keep you in peace. =Amen.=

*The Peace may be exchanged.*

*The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses.*

*The ministry of reconciliation, which has been committed by Christ to his Church, is exercised through the care each Christian has for others, through the common prayer of Christians assembled for public worship, and through the priesthood of Christ and his ministers declaring absolution.*

*The Reconciliation of a Penitent is available for all who desire it. It is not restricted to times of sickness. Confessions may be heard anytime and anywhere.*

*Two equivalent forms of service are provided here to meet the needs of penitents. The absolution in these services may be pronounced only by a bishop or priest. Another Christian may be asked to hear a confession, but it must be made clear to the penitent that absolution will not be pronounced; instead, a declaration of forgiveness is provided.*

*When a confession is heard in a church building, the confessor may sit inside the altar rails or in a place set aside to give greater privacy, and the penitent kneels nearby. If preferred, the confessor and penitent may sit face to face for a spiritual conference leading to absolution or a declaration of forgiveness.*

*When the penitent has confessed all serious sins troubling the conscience and has given evidence of due contrition, the priest gives such counsel and encouragement as are needed and pronounces the absolution. Before giving absolution, the priest may assign to the penitent a psalm, prayer, or hymn to be said, or something to be done, as a sign of penitence and act of thanksgiving.*

*The content of a confession is not normally a matter of subsequent discussion. The secrecy of a confession is morally absolute for the confessor, and must under no circumstances be broken.*

The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage

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