WEDDING BANNS
In order to marry in the Church, Wedding Banns must be published in the Church on three consecutive Sundays, during the Morning Service, or of Evening Service, (if there be no Morning Service), immediately after the second Lesson; the Curate will say:
"I publish the Banns of Marriage between [your name]of [parish] and [partners name] of [parish]. If any of you know cause, or just impediment, why these two persons should not be joined together in holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it. This is the first [second, or third] time of asking."
Prayers at the Calling of the Banns, such as the following may be used:
Lord, the source of all true love,
we pray for these couples.
Grant to them joy of heart,
seriousness of mind and reverence of spirit,
that as they enter into the oneness of marriage
they may be strengthened and guided by you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All "Amen"
Lord of love, we pray for N and N.
Be with them in all their preparations
and on their wedding day.
Give them your love in their hearts
throughout their married life together,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All "Amen"
It is advisable that you attend the services to hear the Banns called, just in case they are missed out one week!
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CHURCH OF ENGLAND MARRIAGE
Common Worship
The Minister will say
In the presence of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
we have come together
to witness the marriage of N and N,
to pray for God's blessing on them,
to share their joy
and to celebrate their love.
Marriage is a gift of God in creation
through which husband and wife may know the grace of God.
It is given that as man and woman grow together in love and trust,
they shall be united with one another in heart, body and mind,
as Christ is united with his bride, the Church.
The gift of marriage brings husband and wife together
in the delight and tenderness of sexual union
and joyful commitment to the end of their lives.
It is given as the foundation of family life
in which children are [born and] nurtured
and in which each member of the family,in good times and in bad,
may find strength, companionship and comfort,
and grow to maturity in love.
Marriage is a way of life made holy by God,
and blessed by the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ
with those celebrating a wedding at Cana in Galilee.
Marriage is a sign of unity and loyalty
which all should uphold and honour.
It enriches society and strengthens community.
No one should enter into it lightly or selfishly
but reverently and responsibly in the sight of almighty God.
N and N are now to enter this way of life.
They will each give their consent to the other
and make solemn vows,
and in token of this they will [each] give and receive a ring.
We pray with them that the Holy Spirit will guide
and strengthen them,
that they may fulfil God's purposes
for the whole of their earthly life together.
The Minister will say to the congregation
First, I am required to ask anyone present who knows a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, to declare it now.
The Minister will say to the Couple
The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence of God,
who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts;
therefore if either of you knows a reason why you may not lawfully marry,
you must declare it now.
The Minister will say to the Bridegroom
N, will you take N to be your wife?
Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her,
and, forsaking all others,
be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
The Bridegroom will answer "I Will"
The Minister will say to the Bride
N, will you take N to be your husband?
Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him,
and, forsaking all others,
be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
The Bride will answer "I Will"
The Minister will say to the Congregation
Will you, the families and friends of N and N,
support and uphold them in their marriage now and in the years to come?
Congregation will answer "We Will"
The Minister will invite the people to pray, silence is kept
and the Minister will say the Collect
God our Father,
from the beginning
you have blessed creation with abundant life.
Pour out your blessings upon N and N,
that they may be joined in mutual love and companionship,
in holiness and commitment to each other.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
All will say "Amen"
Alternate wording can be used, your preferences must be discussed with your own Minister, when arranging your marriage.
Thanks goes to the Rector, Francis Searle, of All Saints, Eastchurch, for his help and the photos he supplied, of All Saints Church.
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