The Marriage Service
Music
Entry of the Bridal Party
Selected verses from Psalms 145-148
Hymn of praise
Welcome
Explanation of Marriage
Prayer
Bible Readings
Genesis 2:4-7,18-24 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Mark 10:2-9
Introduction:
As we have just heard, Christian marriage was established by God for the life long companionship, support and comfort which husband and wife ought to have of each other.
It was also established for the continuance of family life, so that children might be brought up in a loving manner and encouraged to serve God in their lives.
It was established for the welfare of human society which can be strong and happy only when the marriage bond is held in honour.
The Minister addresses the groom and bride in turn:
Will you have F....... to be your wife, to live together in marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and support her, in sickness and in health, as long as you both live?
Response: I will.
Will you have M....... to be your husband, to live together in marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and support him, in sickness and in health, as long as you both live?
Response: I will.
The minister addresses the parents of the bride and groom:
Do you give your consent and blessing to this marriage?
Response: We do.
In the presence of God and before this congregation. I N....... take you N....... to be my husband/wife. I commit myself to love and to serve you to the utmost of my ability as God enables me.
And this commitment I will keep no matter what circumstances may arise, until we are separated by death.
The ring is a sign of continuing faithfulness and unbroken love. With this ring I wed you. I give it to you as a symbol of the promises we make to each other today in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Now let us join together in praying for M....... and F.......
God our Father, in your great love for mankind you have given the gift of marriage. So bless M....... and F....... as they pledge their lives to each other, that their love may ever more grow to be the true reflection of your love for us all, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers
Hymn
Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:21-33 - Colossians 3:12-17
Signing of the Register
The Blessing
Doxology