THE ADDRESS
Officiant: Dearly beloved. We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of ________________ and ________________ 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 purpose for which it was instituted by God.
Into this holy union ________________ and ________________ now come to be joined.
CHARGE TO THE CONGREGATION
Officiant:
If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now, or forever hold your peace.
CHARGE TO THE COUPLE
Officiant: I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that 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. Be well assured that if any persons joined together otherwise than as God's Word allows, their union is not blessed by Him.
THE DECLARATION OF CONSENT
Officiant: ________________, will you have ________________ to be your husband; to live together in the Covenant of Marriage? Will you love 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?
Bride: I do.
Officiant: ________________, will you have ________________ to be your wife; to live together in the Covenant of Marriage? Will you love 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?
Groom: I do.
[The officiant addresses the sponsors and the congregation saying:]
Will of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?
Sponsors and Congregation answers: We will.
Officiant: Who presents ________________ and ________________ to be married to each other?
Parents: We do.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
O gracious and ever living God, you have created us male and female in your image: Look mercifully upon ________________ and ________________ 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 Saviour, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit , one God, for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
[All are Seated. One or two lessons as appointed are read. A hymn/psalm/anthem may follow each reading. then all stand for the Gospel.]
THE HOMILY
[All stand]
THE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us and our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; with the Father and Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken to the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come again.
THE MARRIAGE
[The couple stands up with the Principal Sponsors and Parents standing behind them. The Man, facing the Woman and taking her right hand he says:]
In the name of God, I, ________________ take you ________________, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
[They loose hands, and woman, still facing the man, takes his right hand and she says:]
In the name of God, I, ________________ take you ________________, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we parted by this. This is my solemn vow.
[Then they loose their hands. The officiant asks God's blessing on the ring as follows:]
Bless O lord, these rings to be signs 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:]
________________, 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 the Holy Spirit. Amen.
________________, 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 the Holy Spirit. Amen.
GIVING OF THE COINS
[The coin bearer hands the coins to the Officiant who shall give them to the bride and groom saying:]
God has promised to bless those who abide in His love, and with the blessing charged us to be responsible stewards of what he gives us. In your married life, these coins represents the blessing that may be yours to hold. The passing of these coins from your hands to hers, and hers to yours symbolizes joint stewardship. Be good stewards to God's blessings.
GIVING OF THE BIBLE
[The Bible bearer brings the Bible to the Officiant.]
Couple: We do believe in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary for salvation.
Officiant: By reading and meditating on it and applying its teachings, your family will grow in the knowledge and grace of God.
[After the giving and receiving of rings, coins and Bible the bride and the groom kneel down and the following takes place:]
THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
[Two secondary sponsors light the candles and Officiant says:]
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." As these candles are lighted at the start of your wedding, may you always walk in his light, and your family from now on serve as God's light in your neighborhood.
THE VEIL
[Two secondary sponsors place the veil over the head of the bride and over the shoulder of the groom and the Officiant says:]
The veil symbolizes that ________________ and ________________ shall be one and lives as one under the canopy of love and God's abiding presence. It also symbolizes the home which they are establishing to the deep affections of the family circle, and to all friendly hospitalities; to all beautiful things of heart, mind and soul; to happiness, to hopefulness, and to health to the end that their home may be a dear haven of peace and joy.
THE CORD
[Tow secondary sponsors shall place each end off the cord around the necks of the bride and groom and the Officiant says:]
The cord symbolizes the bringing and binding together of ________________ and ________________ because of their love for one another. They shall be one, and no one shall break the tie for as our Lord has said, "Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder." The cord carries with it strength to bind, elasticity to accept and bend, but most of all, it symbolizes a yoke that when two work together the burdens of life become easier to carry.
[Then the Officiant joins the right hands of the bride and the groom and says:]
Now that ________________ and ________________ have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, we bless in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder. Amen.
THE PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE
[All standing, except the husband and wife, the person appointed reads the following prayers, to which the people respond saying "Amen"]
Eternal God, creator and preserver of life, author of salvation, and giver of all graces: Look favorably upon the world You have made, and for which Your Son gave his life, and especially ________________ and ________________ whom you take one flesh in Holy Matrimony.
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 companion in joy.
Grant that their wills may be 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.
Give them grace when they hurt each other, to recognize and acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other's forgiveness and yours.
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.
Bestow on them, if it is Your will, the gift of heritage of children, and the grace to bring them up to know you, to love you, and to serve you.
Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection that they may reach out in love and concern for each others.
Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed.
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.
THE BLESSING OF THE MARRIAGE
Officiant: 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 the man and woman in His name. By the power of your Holy Spirit, pour the abundance of your blessing upon ________________ and ________________. Defend them from every enemy. Lead them all into peace. Let their love to each other be the seal of their hearts, a mantle upon 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 lives and reigns one god, for ever and ever. Amen.
[The husband and wife still kneeling, the Officiant adds this blessing:]
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you. He Lord, mercifully in his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace that you may live together faithfully in this life, and in the age to come, have life everlasting. Amen.
[The Solo music follows. Meanwhile the veil and the cord is removed. The couple lights the Unity candle and extinguishes their individual lights. The marriage contract and the Marriage Register are signed after which the couple and sponsors go back to their places.]
THE OFFERTORY
Celebrant: Let us remember what Saint Paul wrote to the Romans Chapter 12 verse 1.
"I appeal to you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spirited worship."
OFFERTORY HYMN
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
[The people remain standing. The Celebrant faces them and says.]
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give Him thank and praise.
[The Celebrant continues]
It is right and good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Because in the love of wife and husband, you have given us an image of the heavenly Jerusalem, adorned as a bride for her bridegroom, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; who loves her and gave himself for her, that he might make the whole creation new. Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your name.
Celebrant and People:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God the power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the Highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
Hosanna in the highest.
[The people knell. the Celebrant continues:]
Holy and gracious Father, in your infinite love, You made us for yourself; and when we had fallen into sin and became subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy sent Jesus Christ, Your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered Himself, in obedience to Your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it gave it to his disciples and said, " Take, eat: this is my body, which is given for you. do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper, He took the cup of wine, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them and said, "Drink this all of you: This is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of Faith;
Celebrant and People:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Celebrant continues: We declare the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, Recalling His death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Celebrant: Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in Him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this, we ask through your Son, Jesus Christ, By him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.
People: Amen.
Celebrant: As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we now pray:
Celebrant and People:
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, Holy be your Name.
Your Kingdom come, your Will be done.
On earth as it is 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.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
[The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. A period of silence is kept, then is sung or said:]
[Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.]
[Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following invitation:]
The gifts of God for the people of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you,
and feed on Him in your hearts by faith and thanksgiving.
[The Celebrant receives the sacrament in both kinds.]
[The ministers then deliver the Bread and cup of wine to the people in their assigned stations. Meanwhile the communion hymns are sung. After all have received communion the following prayer is said:]
Post communion prayer
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Celebrant and People: O God, the giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious, we give you thanks for binding us together in these mysteries of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that by your Holy Spirit, ________________ and ________________, now joined in Holy Matrimony, may become one in heart and soul, live together in fidelity and peace, and obtain those eternal joys prepared for all who love you; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[After the post-communion prayer, the celebrant presents the newly wed Couple saying:]
I present to you ________________ and ________________. Let us rejoice with them on the occasion of their wedding day.
[At this time, applause is appropriate. then all kneel for the blessing]
Celebrant: May the Lord bless you and keep you.
People: Amen.
Celebrant: May His face shine upon and be gracious to you.
People: Amen.
Celebrant: May He look upon you with kindness, and give you His peace.
People: Amen.
Celebrant: And the blessing of God Almighty: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you and for ever.
People: Amen.
[All stand. The couple moves to the door. Meanwhile a wedding recessional is played or a closing hymn is sung.]
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For the blessing of a civil marriage:
THE DECLARATION OF CONSENT
CELEBRANT: ________________ you have taken ________________ to be your wife; to live together in covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, to be faithful to her as long as you both shall live.
HUSBAND: I do.
CELEBRANT: ________________ you have taken ________________ to be your husband; to live together in covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him , in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, to be faithful to her as long as you both shall live.
WIFE: I do.
The Celebrant then addresses the Sponsors and Congregation:
CELEBRANT: Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?
SPONSORS AND CONGREGATION: We will.
EXCHANGE OF VOWS
HUSBAND: In the name of God, I ________________ have taken you, to be my wife, to have and to uphold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
Then the woman still facing the man takes his right hand and say:
WIFE: In the name of God, I ________________ have taken you, to be my husband, to have and to uphold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
THE BLESSING OF THE RING
CELEBRANT: Bless O Lord, this rings to be the 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 hands of the husband and wife and says:
CELEBRANT: Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.
CONGREGATION: Amen!
The service continues with the prayers.
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PICTORIAL ORDER
Bride and Groom
Bride and Groom with Ministers
Bride and Groom with Principal Sponsors
Bride and Groom with Secondary Sponsors (Candle, Veil, and Cord)
Bride and Groom with Ring, Coin, and Bible Bearers
Bride and Groom with Flower Girls
Bride and Groom with Groom's Men and Bride's Maids
Bride and Groom with Best Man and Bride's Maid of Honor
Bride and Groom with Bride's Parents
Bride and Groom with Groom's Parents
Bride and Groom with In-Laws, Brothers and Sisters
Bride and Groom with Relatives and Friends
Bride and Groom with Co-workers
Bride and Groom with Visitors, Congregation
Others
