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Medieval - Celtic & Norse - Christian & Pagan
Ceremonies, Vows, Hand Fasting - and Cultural Rules and Practices
of Marriage, Romance, Love and Sexuality...
The Form of Matrimony in the European
Middle Ages
This is not intended to be represented as a true
marriage rite of the era, but rather a reconstruction (with such
alterations and interpolations as to make it acceptable in modern
usage), nor is it represented as a "official" rite of
any Church, The sources used were the Book of Common Prayer of
HRM Elizabeth I of England, extracts from the Sarum Rite and the
York Rite, and various other lesser sources.
At the day and time
appointed for solemnization of Matrimony, the persons to be married
shall come into the porch of the Church with their friends and neighbors;
and there standing together, the Man on the right hand, and the
woman on the left, with that person who shall give the Woman betwixt
them, the Priest shall say,
Dearly beloved, we are gathered
together here in the sight of God to join together this Man and
this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted
of God in Paradise, and into which holy estate these two persons
present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can shew any
just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, by God's
Law, or the Laws of the Realm; let him now speak, or else hereafter
forever hold his peace.
And also, speaking unto the persons that
shall be married, he shall say,
I require and charge you both, as ye will
answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts
shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why
ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, that ye confess
it. For ye be well assured, that so many as be coupled together
otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by
God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.
If no impediment be alleged, then shall the
Priest say unto the Man,
N., Wilt thou have this Woman to be thy wedded
wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate
of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep
her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee
only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?
The Man shall answer:
I will.
Then shall the Priest say to the Woman,
N., Wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded
husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate
of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and
keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep
thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?
The Woman shall answer: I will.
Thus ends the formal betrothal.
They shall then advance unto the Altar, led
by the Minister, who shall then turn to the assembled company, and
the person who gives the Woman shall place the Woman's right hand
in the hand of the Minister, and then shall retire. Then shall they
give their troth to each other in this manner:
The Minister, receiving the Woman at her
father's or friend's hands, shall cause the Man with his right hand
to take the Woman by her right hand, and to say after him as follows,
I, N., take thee N to my wedded wife, to
have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for
richer for poorer, for fairer or fouler, in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's
holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth.
The Woman shall likewise say after the Minister,
I N. take thee N to my wedded husband, to
have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for
richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to be bonny and buxom
at bed and at board, to love and to cherish, till death us depart,
according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my
troth.
Then shall they again loose their hands;
and the Man shall give unto the Woman a Ring, laying the same upon
the Book with the accustomed duty to the Priest and Clerk. And the
Priest shall bless the Ring(s) in the following manner:
Bless these Rings, O merciful Lord, that
those who wear them, that give and receive them, may be ever faithful
to one another, remain in your peace, and live and grow old together
in your love, under their own vine and fig tree, and seeing their
children's children. Amen.
And the Priest, taking the Ring, shall deliver
it to the Man, and taught by the Priest, he shall say,
With this Ring I thee wed, (here placing
it upon her thumb) and with my body I thee honor, (here placing
it upon her index finger) and with all my worldly goods I thee endow;
(here placing it upon her ring finger) In the Name of the Father,
+ and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
If it be a double-ring ceremony, let the
Woman do the same as the Man, giving him the ring, and repeating
the same words as he.
They both shall kneel down; and the Minister
shall say,
Let us pray.. O Eternal God, Creator and
Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author
of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants,
this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; + that, as Isaac
and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely
perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof
this Ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever
hereafter remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according
to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And here shall be said the "Our Father."
Then shall the Priest join their right hands together, and say,
Those whom God hath joined together let no
man put asunder.
Then shall the Minister speak unto the people.
Forasmuch as N and N have consented together
in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this
company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth each to
the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of
a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce therefore that they
be Man and Wife together, in the Name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
And the Minister shall add this blessing.
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy
Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with
his favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction
and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the
world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.
And here the Minister shall turn the couple
to the Company, and they may kiss each the other, and then proceed
from the Altar.

SHORT, PAGAN HAND FASTING CEREMONY
(Note: For those not familiar with the term "Pagan",
it is distinguished from the term "heathen". "Heathen"
refers to anyone who is not the same religion as you. So a Christian,
Jew, Buddhist, Hindu etc. - all could call each other a "heathen".
The term "Pagan" refers to European religions that pre-date
Christianity - so "Pagan" is considered a religion and
those who practice such religion - seriously or in play - call themselves
"Pagans".
The term Pagan in these materials refers to such ancient religions
of Europe.
The Pagan religions of Europe can be traced by their gods names
and attributes and linguistics to the religion of the ancient Greeks
- as do the pre-Christianity religion of the Romans. However,
it should be noted that the connection pre-dates the Roman invasion
of Brittany and Europe - which brought Christianity with it - not
the ancient religion of the Romans.
The ancient religions of India also trace to similar origins as
those of the Greeks - indicating that the earliest migrations of
the human race carried along with it a core belief in multiple deities
- which had both masculine and feminine personalities and were capacious
and often cynical in natures. However, across the many centuries
the religions became more diverse and unique from each other.
The term "Pagan" is acceptable to those who practice
the ancient European religions and they call themselves "Pagans"
as the description of their religion.
The origins of Christianity and Mohammedism (Muslims) trace origins
to the monotheism (only one God) of Judaism.

PAGAN MARRIAGE CEREMONY
The following wedding ceremony was written
to provide for Pagans who must of necessity be wed in the presence
of those who are not pagan and are perhaps unaware that the bride
and groom are pagan.
[PRIEST] We have come together here in celebration
of the joining together of ____bride______ and ____groom______.
There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning
the joining together of two souls, has come our way through
all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union,
more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are
unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before
us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its
strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time.
The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing,
without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life,
posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of Earth.
If we learn no more in life, let it be this.
Marriage is a bond to be entered into only
after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of
life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its
triumphs. With full understanding of this, Groom and Bride have
come here today to be joined as one in marriage. Others would ask,
at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a woman is
not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply
if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing.
Bride, is it true that you come of your own
free will and accord?
BRIDE Yes, it is true.
PRIEST With whom do you come and whose blessings
accompany you.
FATHER She comes with me, her father, and
is accompanied by all of her family's blessings.
PRIEST Please join hands with your betrothed
and listen to that which I am about to say. Above you are the stars,
below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember...
Like a stone should your love be firm like
a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind
and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength
of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire
make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable.
Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding.
Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will
pass quickly.
Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have
no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease,
for God is with you always.
Groom, I have not the right to bind thee
to Bride, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at
this time and place your ring in her hand.
GROOM It is my wish.
PRIEST Bride, if it be your wish for Groom
to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger. (places ring on
Groom's left ring finger) Bride I have not the right to bind thee
to Groom only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at
this time and place your ring in his hand.
BRIDE It is my wish.
PRIEST Groom, if it be your wish for Bride
to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger.(places ring on
Bride's left ring finger) (to Groom) Repeat after me:
I, (grooms full name), in the name of the
spirit of God that resides within us all, by the life
that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my
heart, take thee (bride's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my
spirit, to be my chosen one. To desire thee and be desired by thee,
to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame,
for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise
to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness
and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where
we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change
thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people,
and thy ways as I respect myself.
(to Bride)
I (bride's full name), in the name of the
spirit of God that resides within us all, by the life that courses
within my blood, and the love that resides within my heart, take
thee, (Groom's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit to
be my chosen one. To desire and be desired by thee, to possess thee,
and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist
in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly
and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in
plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet,
remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any
way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways
as I respect myself.
PRIEST
(hands chalice to the groom, saying:) May
you drink your fill from the cup of love.
(Groom holds chalice to bride while she sips
then bride takes chalice and holds it to groom while
he sips. The chalice is then handed back to the Priest who sets
it on the table. Next the Priest takes the plate of bread, giving
it to the groom. Same procedure repeated with bread, groom feeding
bride and bride feeding groom.)
By the power vested in me by God and the State, I now pronounce
you husband and wife. May your love so endure that its flame remains
a guiding light unto you.

Wedding Ceremony - 1662 Book of Common Prayer
After 400 years, The Book of Common Prayer
remains an official prayer book of the Church of England and the
Anglican Communion. This is a Christian
Wedding ceremony.
THE FORM OF SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY ________________
First the Banns of all that are to be married
together must be published in the Church three several Sundays,
during the time of Morning Service, or of Evening Service, (if there
be no Morning Service,) immediately after the second Lesson; the
Curate saying after the accustomed manner,
PUBLISH the Banns of Marriage between M.
of _______ and N. of _____. If any of you know cause, or just impediment,
why these two persons should not be joined together in holy Matrimony,
ye are to declare it. This is the first [second, or third] time
of asking. [And if the persons that are to be married dwell in divers
Parishes, the Banns must be asked in both Parishes; and the Curate
of the one Parish shall not solemnize Matrimony betwixt them, without
a Certificate of the Banns being thrice asked, from the Curate of
the other Parish.
At the day and time appointed for solemnization
of Matrimony, the persons to be married shall come into the body
of the Church with their friends and neighbours: and there standing
together, the Man on the right hand, and the Woman on the left,
the Priest shall say,
DEARLY beloved, we are gathered together
here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation,
to join together this Man and this woman in holy Matrimony; which
is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's
innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt
Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified
with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of
Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all
men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in
hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal
lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding;
but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear
of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.
First, It was ordained for the procreation
of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord,
and to the praise of his holy Name.
Secondly, It was ordained for a remedy against
sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the
gift of contingency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members
of Christ's body.
Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society,
help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both
in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons
present come now to be joined.
Therefore, if any many can shew any just
cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now
speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.
And also, speaking unto the persons that
shall be married, he shall say,
I REQUIRE and charge you both, as ye will
answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts
shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why
ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess
it. For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together
otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by
God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.
At which day of Marriage, if any man do allege
and declare any impediment, why they may not be coupled together
in Matrimony, by God's Law, or the Laws of this Realm; and will
be bound, and sufficient sureties with him, to the parties; or else
put in a Caution (to the full value of such charges as the persons
to be married do thereby sustain) to prove his allegation: then
the solemnization must be deferred, until such time as the truth
be tried.
If no impediment be alleged then shall
the Curate say unto the Man,
GROOM:. Wilt the have this Woman to thy wedded
Wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate
of Matrimony? Wilt the love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her
in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only
unto her, so long as ye both shall live?
The Man shall answer,
I will.
Then shall the Priest say unto the Woman,
N. Wilt the have this Man to thy wedded Husband,
to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony?
Wilt the obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in
sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only
unto him, so long as ye both shall live? The Woman shall answer,
I will.
Then shall the Minister say,]<
<Who giveth this Woman to be married
to this Man? Then shall they give their troth to each other in
this manner.
The Minister, receiving the Woman at her
father's or friend's hands, shall cause the Man with his right hand
to take the Woman by her right hand, and to say after him as followeth.
I M. take thee N. to my wedded Wife, 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, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto
I plight thee my troth.
Then shall they loose their hands; and the
Woman, with her right hand, taking the Man by his right hand, shall
likewise say after the Minister,
BRIDE: I N. take thee M. to my wedded Husband,
to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse,
for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish,
and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance;
and thereto I give thee my troth.
WITH this Ring I thee wed, with my Body I
thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the
Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then the Man leaving the Ring upon the
fourth finger of the Woman's left hand, they shall both kneel down,
and the Minister shall say,
Let us pray. O ETERNAL God, Creator and Preserver
of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting
life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this Man and this
Woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived
faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep
the vow and covenant betwixt them made, (whereof this Ring given
and received is a token and pledge,) and may ever remain in perfect
love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Priest join their right
hands together, and say,
Those whom God hath joined together let no
man put asunder.
Then shall the Minister speak unto the
people.
FORASMUCH as M. and N. have consented together
in holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this
company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to
other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring,
and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together,
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
And the Minister shall add this Blessing.
GOD the Father, God the Son, God the Holy
Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his
favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction
and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the
world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.
Then the Minister or Clerks, going to
the Lord's Table, shall say or sing this Psalm following.
BLESSED are all they that fear the Lord:
and walk in his ways. For the shalt eat the labour of thine hands:
O well is thee, and happy shalt the be. Thy wife shall be as the
fruitful vine: upon the walls of thine house; Thy children like
the olive-branches: round about thy table. Lo, thus shall the man
be blessed: that feareth the Lord. The Lord from out of Zion shall
so bless thee: that the shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy
life long; Yea, that the shalt see thy children's children: and
peace upon Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to
the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be: world without end. Amen.
Or this Psalm
GOD be merciful unto us, and bless
us: and shew us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto
us. That thy way may be known upon earth: thy saving health among
all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God: yea, let all the
people praise thee. O let the nations rejoice and be glad: for the
shalt judge the folk righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.
Let the people praise thee, O God: yea, let all the people praise
thee. Then shall the earth bring forth her increase: and God, even
our own God, shall give us his blessing. God shall bless us: and
all the ends of the world shall fear him. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
The Psalm ended, and the Man and the Woman
kneeling before the Lord's Table, the Priest standing at the Table,
and turning his face towards them, shall say,
Lord, have mercy upon us. Answer. Christ,
have mercy upon us.
Minister.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed
be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it
is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead
us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Minister.
O Lord, save thy servant, and thy handmaid;
Answer. Who put their trust in thee.
Minister. O
Lord, send them help from thy holy place; Answer. And evermore defend
them.
Minister. Be
unto them a tower of strength, Answer. From the face of their enemy.
Minister. O Lord hear our prayer. Answer. And let our cry come unto
thee.
Minister. O
GOD of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, bless these thy servants,
and sow the seed of eternal life in their hearts; that whatsoever
in thy holy Word they shall profitably learn, they may in deed fulfill
the same. Look, O Lord, mercifully upon them from heaven, and bless
them. And as the didst send thy blessing upon Abraham and Sarah,
to their great comfort, so vouchsafe to send thy blessing upon these
thy servants; that they obeying thy will, and always being in safety
under thy protection, may abide in thy love unto their lives' end;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This Prayer next following shall be omitted,
where the Woman is past child-bearing.
O MERCIFUL Lord, and heavenly Father, by
whose gracious gift mankind is increased; we beseech thee, assist
with thy blessing these two persons, that they may both be fruitful
in procreation of children, and also live together so long in godly
love and honesty, that they may see their children Christianity
and virtuously brought up, to thy praise and honour; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
O GOD, who by thy mighty power hast made
all things of nothing; who also (after other things set in order)
didst appoint, that out of man (created after thine own image and
similitude) woman should take her beginning; and, knitting them
together, didst teach that it should never be lawful to put asunder
those whom the by Matrimony hadst made one: O God, who hast consecrated
the state of Matrimony to such an excellent mystery, that in it
is signified and represented the spiritual marriage and unity betwixt
Christ and his Church; Look mercifully upon these thy servants,
that both this man may love his wife, according to thy Word, (as
Christ did love his spouse the Church, who gave himself for it,
loving and cherishing it even as his own flesh), and also that this
woman may be loving and amiable, faithful and obedient to her husband;
and in all quietness, sobriety, and peace, be a follower of holy
and godly matrons.
O Lord, bless them both, and grant them to
inherit thy everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Then shall the Priest say,
ALMIGHTY God, who at the beginning did create
our first parents, Adam and Eve, and did sanctify and join them
together in marriage; Pour upon you the riches of his grace, sanctify
and bless you, that ye may please him both in body and soul, and
live together in holy love unto your lives end. Amen.
After which, if there be no sermon declaring
the Duties of Man and Wife, the Minister shall read as followeth
.
ALL ye that are married, or that intend to
take the holy estate of Matrimony upon you, hear what the holy scripture
doth say as touching the duty of husbands towards their wives, and
wives towards their husbands.
Saint Paul, in his Epistle to the Ephesians,
the fifth Chapter, doth give this commandment to all married men;
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church,
and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with
the washing of water, by the Word; that he might present it to himself
a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing;
but that it should be holy, and without blemish. So ought men to
love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth
himself: for no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth
and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church: for we are members
of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall
a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his
wife; and they two shall be one flesh.
This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning
Christ and the Church. Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular
so love his wife, even as himself.
Likewise same Saint Paul, writing to the
Colossians, speaketh thus all men that are married; Husbands, love
your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Hear also what Saint Peter, the Apostle of
Christ, who was himself a married man, saith unto them that are
married; Ye husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge;
giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being
heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered.
Hitherto ye have heard the duty of the husband toward the wife.
Now likewise ye wives, hear and learn your duties toward your husbands,
even as it is plainly set forth in holy Scripture.
Saint Paul, in the aforenamed Epistle to
the Ephesians, teacheth you thus; Wives; submit yourselves unto
your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head
of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and he is
the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the Church is subject unto
Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
And again he saith, Let the wife see that she reverence her husband.
And in his Epistle to the Colossians, Saint
Paul giveth you this short lesson; Wives, submit yourselves unto
your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Saint Peter also doth
instruct you very well, thus saying; Ye wives, be in subjection
to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the Word, they also
may without the Word be won by the conversation of the wives; while
they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning,
let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of
wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the
hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible; even
the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of
God of great price.
For after this manner in the old time the
holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in
subjection unto their own husbands; even as Sarah obeyed Abraham,
calling him lord; whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well,
and are not afraid with any amazement.
It is convenient that the new-married
persons should receive the holy Communion at the time of their Marriage,
or at the first opportunity after their Marriage.

SHORT VERSION OF CHRISTIAN MEDIEVAL CEREMONY
This is a popularized Medieval ceremony...
It is a short version of the full, original text for which some
couples then add modern passages or readings to it. It also is shorter.
The core sources are the Book of Common Prayer of HRM Elizabeth
I of England, extracts from the Sarum Rite and the York Rite, and
various other lesser sources.
At the day and time appointed for solemnization
of Matrimony, the persons to be married shall come into the porch
of the Church with their friends and neighbors; and there standing
together, the Man on the right hand, and the woman on the left,
with that person who shall give the Woman betwixt them, the Priest
shall say:
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together
here in the sight of God to join together this Man and this Woman
in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of
God in Paradise, and into which holy estate these two persons present
come now to be joined.
Therefore if any man can shew any just cause,
why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak,
or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.
I require and charge you both, as ye will
answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts
shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why
ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, that ye confess
it. For ye be well assured, that so many as be coupled together
otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by
God; neither is their Matrimony lawful. At which day of Marriage,
if any man do allege and declare any impediment, why they may not
be coupled together in Matrimony, by God's Law, or the Laws of the
Realm; and will be bound, and sufficient sureties with him, to the
parties; or else put in a Caution (to the full value of such charges
as the persons to be married do thereby sustain) to prove his allegation;
then the solemnization must be deferred, until such time as the
truth be tried. If no impediment be alleged, then shall the
Priest say unto the Man:
Wilt the have this Woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together
after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt the
love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her, in sickness and in
health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long
as ye both shall live?
The Man shall answer:
I will.
Then shall the Priest say to the Woman:
Wilt the have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together
after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt the
obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness
and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him,
so long as ye both shall live?
The Woman shall answer: I will.
Thus ends the formal betrothal. The couple
shall advance to the Altar, led by the Minister, who shall then
turn to the assembled company, and say:
Who giveth this Woman to be married to this
Man?
The person who gives the Woman shall answer,
and shall place the Woman's right hand in the hand of the Minister,
and then shall retire. Then shall they give their troth to each
other in this manner: The Minister, receiving the Woman at her father's
or friend's hands, shall cause the Man with his right hand to take
the Woman by her right hand, and to say after him as followeth,
GROOM' VOW:
"I, ___________, take thee __________ to my wedded wife, to
have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for
richer for poorer, for fairer or fouler, in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's
holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth.
Then shall they loose their hands; and
the Woman, with her right hand taking the Man by his right hand,
shall likewise say after the Minister,
BRIDE'S VOW:
I ___________ take thee___________ to my wedded husband, to have
and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer
or poorer, in sickness and in health, to be bonny and buxom at bed
and at board, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according
to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth.
Then shall they again loose their hands;
and the Man shall give unto the Woman a Ring, laying the same upon
the Book with the accustomed duty to the Priest and Clerk. And the
Priest shall bless the Ring(s) in the following manner:
Bless these Rings, O merciful Lord, that
those who wear them, that give and receive them, may be ever faithful
to one another, remain in your peace, and live and grow old together
in your love, under their own vine and fig tree, and seeing their
children's children. Amen.
And the Priest, taking the Ring, shall
deliver it to the Man, to put it on the fourth finger of the Woman's
left hand. And the Man holding the ring there, and taught by the
Priest, shall say,
GROOM:
With this Ring I thee wed, (here placing it upon her thumb) and
with my body I thee honor, (here placing it upon her index finger)
and with all my worldly goods I thee endow; (here placing it upon
her ring finger) In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
If it be a double-ring ceremony, let the
Woman do the same as the Man, giving him the ring, and repeating
the same words as he. They both shall kneel down; and the Minister
shall say,
Let us pray. O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver
of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting
life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this
woman, whom we bless in thy Name; + that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived
faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep
the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this Ring given
and received is a token and pledge, and may ever hereafter remain
in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And here shall be said the
LORD'S PRAYER.
Then shall the Priest join their right
hands together, and say,
Those whom God hath joined together let no
man put asunder. Then shall the Minister speak unto the people.
Forasmuch as N and N have consented together in holy wedlock, and
have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto
have given and pledged their troth each to the other, and have declared
the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands;
I pronounce therefore that they be Man and Wife together, in the
Name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Minister shall add this blessing.
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy
Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with
his favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction
and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the
world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.
And here the Minister shall turn the couple
to the Company, and they may kiss each the other, and then proceed
from the Altar. And if it be the wish of the couple to take Communion,
they may do it privately, following these ceremonies.

To Book Your Wedding or for Additional Information
Contact Rev. Mickey Dingott at:
1-(480) 948-4444
1-(602) 692-1747
E-mail:
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