Vicar: We have come together in the presence of God, to witness the marriage of ____________ and ________________, to ask him to bless these two today, and to share in their joy. The Bible tells us that marriage is a gift from God, a holy mystery through which god can spread grace, in which man and woman become one. It says in Genesis, the first book of the bible: "22The LORD God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the his ribs and closed up the place with flesh. 22Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." 24For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." It's God's plan that when two people give themselves to each other in marriage and in love, all through their lives, they will be united with each other, just like Jesus is united with the church. The whole purpose of marriage is that you can comfort and help each other, live faithfully together, both in dire situations, and plentiful situations, through sadness and happiness. It's purpose is that with delight and tenderness, you will know each other in love, and through the joy of "bodily union" may strengthen the union you already have together. The purpose of marriage is to go forth and multiply, to have children, to love them, and to bring them up with God in the centre of their lives, just as he is the centre of yours. Through this marriage, you now belong to each other, and begin a new life together. It's a way of life that everyone should be part of. It's a way of life that should be taken reverently, responsibly and after serious thought, not carelessly, lightly, or selfishly. This is the way of life, created and made holy by God that _________________ and ________________ are now to begin. They're gonna agree to the marriage (we hope), they're gonna join hands and exchange some vows, and then they're gonna get some rings. And then we'll have some cake. Therefore, on this, their wedding day, we pray that _______________ and ________________ will be strengthened and guided by God, and that they may fulfil his purpose for the whole of their life. Now I've got to ask, just before we start, if anyone here knows any reason why these guys shouldn't lawfully marry, and to declare it now. You're going to be making these vows in front of our all knowing god and king, so, no pressure! If either of you two know any reason why you shouldn't lawfully marry, please tell us know. Glad that's over. ________________, will you take _________________ to be your wife? Will you make her feel loved, comforted, honoured and protected, and will you be faithful to her, no matter what, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 (and a quarter) days a year, for the rest of your lives? Groom: "I will/will not" (delete as appropriate) Vicar: _______________, will you take __________________ to be your husband? Will you make him feel loved, comforted, honoured and protected, and will you be faithful to him, no matter what, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 (and a quarter) days a year, for the rest of your lives? Bride: "I will/will not" (delete as appropriate) Vicar: Who gives this woman to be married to this man? Father of Bride: "I do" VOWS Man and woman exchange rings. Vicar: Father God, let this ring be to _____________ and ____________ a symbol of unending love and faithfulness, that it will remind them of the vows and the covenants they have made today, that you will bless this relationship, and keep it strong. In the name of Jesus Christ, our God and King, Amen. Groom: "I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage today. I'll honour you, share all that I am and have with you, within the love of God – the three in one, the holy trinity, father, spirit and son." Bride: "I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage today. I'll honour you, share all that I am and have with you, within the love of God – the three in one, the holy trinity, father, spirit and son." Vicar: In front of god, and in front of this congregation of people, _____________ and ______________ have both agreed and made vows of marriage. They have declared their marriage by joining hands and in the giving and receiving of rings. Therefore, I proclaim these two husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride. What god has put together, let not any man break apart, or else. God the father, son and holy spirit, bless and keep you, may he give you all the riches of his grace, so that you can please him both with your bodies and your souls, and, living together with faith and love, receive eternal life. Amen. May God make you strong, both in faith, and love. May he defend you in all situations, and guide you through life in truth, love and peace. May the blessing of God, the father, son and the holy spirit, be with you, and remain with you forever. Amen.