There is prescribed wording to follow at two key points in the service – when the couple declare themselves free to marry, and when they take one another as husband or wife.
This is a legal requirement and it is essential to observe it.
To the couple:
I ask you, A and C, to declare that you know of no reason in law that you may not be married.
Legal declarations:
As required by law in England and Wales each one declares in the presence of the Authorized Person, or the Registrar, and two witnesses:
I declare that I know of no legal reason why I, AB, may not be joined in marriage to CD. *
I declare that I know of no legal reason why I, CD, may not be joined in marriage to AB. *
Or
I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment
why I, AB, may not be joined in matrimony to CD.*
I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment
why I, CD, may not be joined in matrimony to AB.*
Or
Are you, AB, free lawfully to marry CD? I am. *
Are you, CD, free lawfully to marry AB? I am. *
The couple turn to face each other and join right hands.
As required by law in England and Wales each one declares in the presence of the Authorized Person, or the Registrar, and two witnesses: One of the following, made by each partner:
I call upon these persons, here present, to witness that I, A.B., do take thee, C.D., to be my lawful wedded wife/husband. *
Or I, A.B., take you, C.D. to be my wedded wife/husband. *
Or I, A.B., take thee, C.D., to be my wedded wife/husband. *
N.B. If two men are being married they must be referred to in the above as ‘husband’ and ‘husband’*; similarly two women being married must be referred to as ‘wife’ and ‘wife’ *.
As reported by John Proctor, General Secretary, United Reformed Church in great Britain, August 2016. Click here for more information.
