As part of the Anglican Church of Australia our service follows the pattern of worship outlined in A Prayer Book for Australia. The following is an outline of that service. We will of course spend further time with you to personalise this service and make it a special occasion.
Entrance
A suitable song/hymn/tune is played to welcome the bridal party.
Statement of Intention
The priest outlines to all present the basis of marriage – love.
We have come together in the presence of God to witness the marriage of N and NN, and to ask God’s blessing on them as we share their joy.
The Readings
A reading from the bible, and maybe some other appropriate poem or reading is read.
The Wedding
N, will you give yourself to NN, to be her husband, to live with her according to God’s word? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live? I will.
NN, will you give yourself to N, to be his wife, to live with him according to God’s word? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live? I will.
Families and friends, you are witnesses to these vows. Will you do everything in your power to uphold N and NN in their marriage? We will.
I, N, in the presence of God, take you, NN, 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, so long as we both shall live. All this I vow and promise.
I, NN, in the presence of God, 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, so long as we both shall live. All this I vow and promise.
The rings are blessed
N give you this ring as a symbol of our marriage. With all that I am and all that I have I honour you; in the name of God. Amen.
NN I receive this ring as a symbol of your love and faithfulness to the end of our days. May God enable us to grow in love together.
NN give you this ring as a symbol of our marriage. With all that I am and all that I have I honour you; in the name of God. Amen.
N I receive this ring as a symbol of your love and faithfulness to the end of our days. May God enable us to grow in love together.
Hands are joined and wrapped with the priests stole
Before God and in the presence of us all, N and NN have joined hands and made their solemn vows, promising life-long faithfulness to each other. In the name of God, I declare them to be husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one separate.
A blessing is said upon the couple
The couple are pronounced married and invited to kiss one another.
The Prayers
Prayers are said for the couple and for their future.
The Lord’s Prayer is said.
The Blessing
A final blessing is given. The Register is signed, during which an appropriate song/hymn/tune is played. The congregation are then invited to stand and welcome the new couple. The couple depart the Church to an appropriate song/hymn/tune.