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, ___________
and ___________ now come to be joined. If any one of you
can show just cause why they may not lawfully be
married, speak now; or else forever hold your
peace.)
(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 now
confess it.)
Declaration of consent
To the
bride:
_____________, 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? (I will)
To the groom:
_____________, 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? (I will)
Will all of you witnessing these
promises do all in your power to uphold these two
persons in their marriage? (We will.)
(O gracious and ever living 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, forever and ever.
Amen.)
Traditionally the transition to
husband and wife is celebrated by the exchange of rings.
These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love.
Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver
and no receiver—for each is the giver and each is the
receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows
you have taken.
You may now exchange rings, in
token and pledge, of your constant faith and abiding
love.
Bless, O Lord these rings to be a
sign of the vows by which _______ and ______ have bound
themselves to each other. Amen.
