Changes

The '''marriage ceremony''' and vows have evolved over the years and vary from denomination to denomination, and minister to minister. In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency for couples to write their own vows. Nevertheless, the ceremony codified by the Anglican prayer book has been an influential model. These words are from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer's "Form of Solemnization of Matrimony:

The '''marriage ceremony''' and vows have evolved over the years<ref>In particular, the vows are now usually perfectly reciprocal; the husband and wife make the same promises to each other, rather than the wife being required to "obey and serve" the husband.</ref> and vary from denomination to denomination, and minister to minister. In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency for couples to write their own vows. Nevertheless, the ceremony codified by the Anglican prayer book has been an influential model. This text is that of the "Form of Solemnization of Matrimony" from the 1662 Anglican Book of Common Prayer.

=="Dearly beloved"==

=="Dearly beloved"==

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 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.

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 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.