The Blessing 
of a Civil Marriage

*The Rite begins as prescribed for celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, 
using the Collect and Lessons appointed in the Marriage service.*

*After the Gospel (and homily), the husband and wife stand before the 
Celebrant, who addresses them in these or similar words*

&N. and &N., you have come here today to seek the blessing of 
God and of his Church upon your marriage.  I require, 
therefore, that you promise, with the help of God, to fulfill 
the obligations which Christian Marriage demands.


*The Celebrant then addresses the husband, saying*

&N., you have taken &N. to be your wife.  Do you promise to 
love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in 
health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to her as long 
as you both shall live?

*The Husband answers*  I do.


*The Celebrant then addresses the wife, saying*

&N., you have taken &N. to be your husband.  Do you promise 
to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness 
and in health; and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to him 
as long as you both shall live?

*The Wife answers*  I do.