(Please note the foregoing is a guide and example; it might be affected by current legislation or alternatively the bride and groom may wish to expand on it).
Music for the entrance of the Bride
A. INTRODUCTION
WELCOME
(These or similar words may be said)
Friends, welcome to St George's Church. We have been invited here today to share with ______ and ______ a very important moment in their lives. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife. They have come to seek God's blessing ...
LIGHTING OF UNITY CANDLE OR OTHER UNITY CEREMONY (optional)
Some couples choose to add a unity ceremony. They, or their parents, light two candles to represent their individual lives and all they bring into their relationship and then later they light a single candle to represent the unity of their marriage.
AN OPENING PRAYER
Typically, it says something about love, relationships, or marriages and recognizing/seeking God's blessing.
DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE (Preface)
Here the Officiant says some words about marriage in general and a Christian understanding of marriage.
DECLARATIONS
The couple, followed by the congregation, are invited to declare any reasons why they should not be married. They then agree to take each other as husband and wife and their family and friends agree to support them in their marriage.
READING(S)
A suitable reading or readings which say something about love, relationship and the meaning of marriage. There is a short Bible reading but other readings may be included.
ADDRESS
Sometimes the Officiant may offer a reflection for this special day.
B. THE MARRIAGE
THE GIVING IN MARRIAGE (optional)
The traditional wording is "Who brings this woman to be married to this man?"
VOWS
You each make your marriage vows.
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.
EXCHANGE OF RINGS
The bride and groom say "I (name) give you (name) 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."
DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
The celebrant declares that N and N are husband and wife and blesses the couple.
C. THE REGISTRATION
The registers (x2) are signed and the marriage certificate is signed and presented.
D. PRAYERS
The Officiant (or a friend or family member) leads appropriate prayers for the couple and their life together, usually including the Lord's Prayer, followed by the final blessing.
E. INTRODUCTION OF NEWLYWEDS
The Officiant may say "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. ________" if they are changing their names, or "I present to you the newly married couple, Jane and John" if they are not. The guests stand and may applaud, as the couple then lead the recessional out of the Church.
Music as the bride and groom leave
MUSIC & HYMNS
There are different points in the service where you may choose to have music (by the organist, on CD or played by a friend) - the entrance of the bride, during the registration, as the bride and groom process out of church or at another suitable point.
If you choose to sing hymns they are usually placed between the different sections of the service (Sections A-E outlined above).