COFE WEDDINGS: A TYPICAL SERVICE

The Marriage

The Bride and Groom stand before the Minister who will then introduce them and explain what marriage, and marriage in the Church, is all about.

The Declarations

The Minister asks the congregation if anyone present knows of a reason why the bride and groom may not lawfully marry and to declare it now. Assuming you get the all clear, the couple then make their promises that they will love, comfort, honour and protect their partner as long as they both shall live. Their families are then asked to make their promise that they will support and uphold them in their marriage and in years to come.

The Collect

The Minister asks the congregation to pray. Silence is kept and the Minister says the Collect asking God to bless the couple. The Collect is followed by at least one reading from the Bible and the sermon.

Optional Holy Communion

If the marriage service is to be combined with Holy Communion, this will occur here or following the prayer for child-bearing if that is to be used (see ‘Prayer’s on the next page).

Optional Hymn

Depending upon the preference of the couple and the approval of the Minister, a hymn may be sung at this point.

The Vows

The Minister introduces the vows and the couple hold hands and make their pledges to one another. The wordings will be determined by the Ceremony the couple have opted for and an article entitled ‘The Vows’ has been produced to show you the differences between the three options.

The Giving of the Rings

The Minister will receive rings from the Best Man, say a short prayer then the rings are exchanged accompanied by some words from the Bride and Groom.