Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador - The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage - (without or with the Holy Eucharist)

Sep 24, 2026

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Authorized church rite for the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, effective September 28, 2019, for the celebration and blessing of a marriage without or with the Holy Eucharist. Provides the full liturgical flow: gathering of the community, proclamation of the Word with readings and psalms, sermon, wedding vows including ring exchange, community witness and responses, and concluding prayers. Includes stated consent, family blessing questions, and scriptural language drawn from the Book of Alternative Services.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages23

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

The Gathering of the Community

The Proclamation of the Word

The Wedding

Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador An Order for THE CELEBRATION AND BLESSING OF A MARRIAGE (without or with the Holy Eucharist) Adapted from: The Book of Alternative Services © 1985 The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada This rite has been authorized by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Peddle for use by all couples seeking marriage in the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador effective September 28, 2019 THE CELEBRATION AND BLESSING OF A MARRIAGE Adapted from: The Book of Alternative Services © 1985 The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage This service will be used when there is to be no celebration of the eucharist. The Gathering of the Community The people stand. The persons to be married stand before the celebrant. Celebrant The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. People And also with you. Celebrant Dear friends, we have come together in the presence of God to witness the marriage of N and N, and to rejoice with them. Marriage is a gift of God and a means of his grace, in which two people become one flesh. It is God’s purpose that, as two people give themselves to each other in love, they shall grow together and be united in that love, as Christ is united with his Church. The union of two people in heart, body, and mind is intended for their mutual comfort and help, that they may know eachother with delight and tenderness in acts of love [and that they may be blessed in the procreation, care, and upbringing of children] . In marriage, two people give themselves to each other, to care for each other in good times and in bad. They are linked to each other’s families, and they begin a new life together in the community. It is a way of life that all should reverence, and none should lightly undertake. If anyone present knows a reason why N and N may not lawfully marry, they must declare it now. N and N, if either of you knows a reason why you may not lawfully marry, you must declare it now. N and N have come to enter this holy state. They have complied with Civil and Canon Law and have been duly prepared to enter into marriage. They will each give their consent to the other; they will exchange solemn vows, and intoken of this, they will (each) give and receive a ring. We pray with them that by God’s help they may fulfil his purpose for the whole of their earthly life together. Let us pray. God our Father, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law. Grant to these your servants that loving one another they may continue in your love until their lives’ end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. People Amen. The Proclamation of the Word One or more readings, including a Gospel reading, shall normally be read. Members of the family and friends of the couple may read lessons. A psalm, canticle, hymn, anthem, or period of silence may follow the lessons. Suggested readings may be found on p. 549 of The Book of Alternative Services. The readings and the response shall be selected in consultation with the couple. At the conclusion of readings from the Old Testament and the New Testament writings other than the Gospels, the reader says, The word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Silence may be kept. A psalm, canticle, hymn, or anthem may follow. All stand for the Gospel. Reader The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Reader The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to… People Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of the Gospel, the reader says, The Gospel of Christ. People Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. A sermon may follow. The Wedding The people stand. The celebrant says to one member of the couple, then to the other, N will you give yourself to N to be his/her/their wife/husband/spouse: to love him/her/them, co

FAQs

What is this marriage service used for?

It is used for the celebration and blessing of a marriage without or with the Holy Eucharist, depending on the service chosen for the occasion.

What must be declared regarding lawful marriage?

If anyone present knows a reason why the couple may not lawfully marry, they must declare it, and the couple must also declare if either knows such a reason.

How do the spouses exchange their vows and rings?

The couple gives consent through solemn vows, joins hands, and each places the ring on the other’s ring finger while giving and receiving the ring as a symbol of the vow and covenant.

Sep 24, 2026

Upload by Sarah