Considering Marriage
at St. Thomas'
Christian marriage
Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God, one that should not be taken for granted. It is the right atmosphere to engage in sexual relations and to build a family life. Getting married in a church, in front of God, is very important.
A marriage is a public declaration of love and commitment. This declaration is made in front of friends and family in a church ceremony.
The History of Marriage
Marriage vows, in the form "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part", have been recited at Anglican weddings since 1552.
But before the wedding service was written into the Book of Common Prayer, marriages were much more informal: couples could simply promise themselves to one another at any time or place and the spoken word was as good as the written contract.
Marriage in the Anglican Church
If you choose to get married in church, there is an added dimension - the assurance that God cares about your relationship and that His resources and strength are available to help you. Including God in your marriage doesn't mean that you will avoid all the usual ups and downs, but you will know that you can look to God for help and guidance and that His love will sustain you. You will also have the support of the Christian Church family.
Before the Wedding
Before the ceremony, there are a few things that are expected from the couple. Firstly, the church must be contacted and an appointment must be made with one of the priests. Go to the Contact Us Form Webpage for address and phone number as well as an e-mail form. Secondly, there will be an expectation that the couple will be willing to take a pre-marriage course
An Anglican Church Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony itself has a fairly uniform order:
- Beginning the service: the priest welcomes the congregation and then reads out what Christians believe in marriage.
- Declarations: the couple make their promises in front of God that they will love, comfort, honour and protect their partner as long as they both shall live.
- Vows: The couple then make their vows to one another.
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death do us part.
- Rings: The couple exchange rings and say:
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Traditional words for the exchange of rings
- Proclamation: the priest tells the couple that they are now husband and wife.
- Prayers: prayers are said for the couple. They may include a prayer for the gift of children, but this is optional.
- Readings and sermon: there will be some readings from the Bible and the minister gives a sermon.
- Signing of the register: the bride and groom, along with two witnesses, sign the register, which is a legal requirement. They receive a legally binding marriage certificate.
Contact Us Form for more information