When two people get married they are making promises to each other. Promises of commitment to each other for the rest of their lives. When two people choose to get married in Church they are making these promises to each other before their friends, family and God. As part of the service we read a passage from the bible and we pray for the couple as they begin their new life together and as part of this we ask for God’s blessing on them in their union.
We understand that the service is the first part of the day that the couple share together and that it is part of whole celebration involving family and friends where the love that is symbolised in the couples’ marriage is shared through the enjoyment of the whole day.
When you book your wedding in the Church of England we take care of everything for you as regards the service; we provide an organist and put into place all the legal parts needed before the marriage can take place. The minister taking the wedding will discuss this with you.
The Vows that you make to each other are a promise of faithfulness and love for each other, these are made in front of all the family and friends and your witnesses. The vows are printed below.
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,
till death us do part;
according to God's holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow.
The Giving of Rings
N, I give you this ring
as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.