The Free Church Wedding Ceremony

The minister concerned should be consulted well in advance of the proposed date of the wedding so that the church can be booked and in order for all the other necessary arrangements to be made. In all cases, the order of service is a matter left almost entirely to the couple who are to be married, and to the special rites of the church whose blessing they seek. At some point in the service, however, a set of declaratory and contracting words must be made in the presence of the minister or before a registrar.

The couple can choose from the following declaratory words:

"I declare that I know of no legal reason why I, (name), may not be joined in marriage to (name)"

or

"I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, (name), may not be joined in matrimony to (name)"

or

By replying "I am" to the question: "Are you, (name), free lawfully to marry (name)?"

They must also say one of the following contracting phrases, to each other in turn:

"I, (name), take you, (name), to be my wedded wife/ husband"

or

"I, (name), take thee, (name), to be my wedded wife/ husband".

or

"I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, (name), do take thee, (name), to my lawful wedded husband/wife"

The differences between the ceremonies of the different denominations are considerable - sometimes only a matter of detail, sometimes fundamental. In almost every case, however, the order of service roughly follows that of the Church of England service:

• The procession - the bride enters and stands before the minister, the bridegroom to her right, her father on her left.
• A prayer and a hymn usually starts the service, followed by a declaration of the purpose of marriage.
• The congregation is asked by the minister to voice any legal objection to the marriage.
• The bride and groom exchange vows as required by law, and then give and receive the rings.
• The bride and groom receive the blessing of the church.
• The register is signed by the bride and groom and two witnesses.
• The recessional - the bridal party leave the church.

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