The Modern Ceremony

Dear friends, we have come together in the presence of God to witness the marriage of John and Jane and to rejoice with them.

Declaration of Intent

Marriage is a way of life that all should revere, and none should lightly undertake. John and Jane, you have made known that you wish to marry each other, and no one has shown any valid reason why you may not. If either of you know any reason why you may not lawfully be married, now is the time to declare it.


The union of man and woman in heart, body, and mind is intended for their mutual comfort and help, that they may know each other with love, respect, and tenderness.

In marriage, husband and wife give themselves to each other to care for each other in good times and in bad. They are linked to each other's families, and they begin a new life together in the community.

The Wedding

John , will you give yourself to Jane to be her husband: to love her, comfort her, honour and protect her; and forsaking all others, to be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?

The groom shall answer: I will.

Jane, will you give yourself to John to be his wife: to love him, comfort him, honour and protect him; and forsaking all others, to be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?

The bride shall answer: I will.

The Marriage Vows

(the couple face each other and join hands)
I John , take you Jane, 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 for the rest of our lives. This is my solemn vow.

I Jane, take you John , 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 for the rest of our lives. This is my solemn vow.