There are lots of different wedding services available, and at Forest Hill we're quite flexible about what words you might use. This service is offered as an example of what's possible. We like it because of the informal and modern language. When you meet with our minister, you'll have a chance to talk with him about the sorts of things you're hoping for. Regardless of the words you choose, we want to help you make it a day that you'll never forget.

PRELUDE

ENTRANCE

GREETING

The presider shall say:
May God who gives life to all creation and who hears all prayers be with us.

PURPOSE

The people may be seated.
Friends, we are gathered here in the presence of God to witness the marriage of <groom> and <bride>, and to ask God to bless them. 

The bond of marriage was given by God who created us to be in covenant. We acknowledge the reality of human failure; yet we affirm the joy and the freedom of lifelong union. In the assurance of God's promise to be with us, let us open our hearts in faithfulness and in hope.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

The presider shall say to the persons who are to marry:
<Bride's full name> and <Groom's full name>, you have made it known that you wish to be joined together in marriage. If either of you, or if anyone here present, can show just cause why you may not lawfully be married, now is the time to declare it. 

The presider shall say to the woman:
<bride>, will you have this man to be your husband? 

The woman answers:
I will 

The presider shall say to the man:
<groom>, will you have this woman to be your wife?

The man answers:
I will. 

The parents of the couple are invited to stand and the presider shall say:
Do you, the parents of these two persons, give them your blessing, and promise to uphold and care for them in their marriage? 

The parents answer:
We do. 
The people are invited to stand and the presider shall say:
Do you, the friends and family of these two persons, give them your blessing, and promise to support and honour them in their marriage? 

The people answer:
We do.

PRAYER

Creator of all, you have made us in your image, 
and have made the world as our home. 
You give us love and courage, joy and faithfulness, hope and comfort. 
We give you thanks for these gifts and we praise you for your goodness. 
Be with us, that we may become ever more fully 
the people you have created us to be. 
This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

READINGS

Click Here to see a number of suggested readings

MUSIC

ADDRESS

PRAYER

Loving and beloved God, 
from the beginning you have made us to live in partnership with one another. 
We pray for the presence of your Spirit with these two persons. 
Fill their hearts with sincerity and truth as they enter this solemn covenant. Amen.

VOWS

The man and the woman shall face each other and join their right hands, and each shall say after the presider:

 

Option 1	In the presence of God and before these witnesses, I N, take you N. to be my husband/wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; in joy and in sorrow; to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.
Option 2	N, I commit myself to be with you in joy and adversity, in wholeness and in brokenness, in peace and in trouble, living with you in fidelity and love all our days.
Option 3	N, I take you to be me husband/wife. All that I have I offer you; what you have to give I gladly receive; wherever you go I will go. You are my love. God keep me true to you always, and you to me.

THE RINGS

Each partner shall give a ring to the other, placing it on the fourth finger of the left hand, and saying:
 

Option 1	I give you this ring as a sign of our covenant. With all that I am, and all that I have, I honour you.
Option 2	I give you this ring that you may wear it as a symbol of the vows we have made this day.
Option 3	N, this ring I give to you, with my body I honour you. God make me your true husband/wife in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

KISS

DECLARATION

The presider shall say:
<bride> and <groom> have made a covenant of marriage before God 
and in the presence of all of us. 
They have confirmed their marriage by the joining of hands, 
by the exchange of rings, 
and by the giving of a kiss. 
Therefore, I declare them to be husband and wife.

BLESSING

May there be truth and understanding between you. 
May you enjoy length of days, 
fulfilment of hopes, 
and peace and contentment of mind. 
May God bless you and keep you always.

SIGNING OF DOCUMENTS

SIGNS OF AFFIRMATION

The presider shall say:
Greet <M&M> who are now joined in marriage. 
The people may respond with applause.

PRAYER

Spirit of God, in whom we live and move and have our being, 
you have given us life, 
and the grace of human love that draws us to each other. 
Today we pray for <bride> and <groom> in their life together. 
We are thankful for the joy they find in each other, 
and for the hope they declare by this act of marriage. 
May they always be strengthened to keep the vows they have made, 
to cherish the life they share, 
and to honour each other in love. Amen.

DISMISSAL

The grace of Christ attend you; 
the love of God surround you; 
the Holy Spirit keep you.  Amen.