*Concerning the Service*

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a 
woman in the presence of God.  In the Episcopal Church it is required 
that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that 
the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the 
marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this 
Church.*

*A priest or a bishop normally presides at the Celebration and Blessing 
of a Marriage, because such ministers alone have the function of 
pronouncing the nuptial blessing, and of celebrating the Holy 
Eucharist.*

*When both a bishop and a priest are present and officiating, the bishop 
should pronounce the blessing and preside at the Eucharist.*

*A deacon, or an assisting priest, may deliver the charge, ask for the 
Declaration of Consent, read the Gospel, and perform other assisting 
functions at the Eucharist.*

*Where it is permitted by civil law that deacons may perform marriages, 
and no priest or bishop is available, a deacon may use the service which 
follows, omitting the nuptial blessing which follows The Prayers.*

*It is desirable that the Lessons from the Old Testament and the 
Epistles be read by lay persons.*

*In the opening exhortation (at the symbol of &N. &N.), the full names 
of the persons to be married are declared.  Subsequently, only their 
Christian names are used.*

*Additional Directions are on page 437.*