Book of Common Prayer - eText - Page 435 Back Next Table Of Contents



An Order for Marriage

*If it is desired to celebrate a marriage otherwise than as provided on 
page 423 of this Book, this Order is used.*

*Normally, the celebrant is a priest or bishop.  Where permitted by 
civil law, and when no priest or bishop is available, a deacon may 
function as celebrant, but does not pronounce a nuptial blessing.*

*The laws of the State and the canons of this Church having been 
complied with, the man and the woman, together with their witnesses, 
families, and friends assemble in the church or in some other convenient 
place.*

  1.  The teaching of the Church concerning Holy Matrimony, as it is 
declared in the formularies and canons of this Church, is briefly 
stated.

  2.  The intention of the man and the woman to enter the state of 
matrimony, and their free consent, is publicly ascertained.

  3.  One or more Readings, one of which is always from Holy Scripture, 
may precede the exchange of vows.  If there is to be a Communion, a 
Reading from the Gospel is always included.

  4.  The vows of the man and woman are exchanged, using the following 
form



Book of Common Prayer - eText - Page 435 Back Next Table Of Contents

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