WEDDING SERVICE PLANNER
DECLARATION AND BLESSING OF MARRIAGE

The declaration of marriage takes place following the vows and exchange of rings. Generally following the declaration the bride and groom are invited to kiss – and then, while still facing each other and holding hands, a blessing is pronounced upon them – with the Presider placing his or her hands upon the hands of the couple. In some traditions the bride and groom kneel for the blessing.

DECLARATION STYLE ONE
– For in as much as – Full Name – and – Full Name – have made this solemn covenant of marriage before God and this company, I declare them to be husband and wife, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
– You may kiss the bride.

DECLARATION STYLE TWO
– Full Name and Full Name – in God’s presence and before this company, you have made your promises to each other to be helpful and faithful in your life together. In as much as you have pledged your love to one another in this fashion, I now declare you to be husband and wife, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
– You may kiss the bride.

BLESSING STYLE ONE (traditional)
May the Lord bless you and sustain you, may the Lord pour the riches of his grace upon you, that you may please him in body and spirit, and grow together in love all the days of your life. Amen

BLESSING STYLE TWO (Apache Marriage Blessing)
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth for the other.
Now there is no more loneliness.
Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you.
May your days together be good and long upon the earth. Amen

BLESSING STYLE THREE (Sandstrom)
May God bless you with hope enough to keep the dawn in your love,
and fear enough to keep you holding hands in the dark.
Unity enough to keep your roots entwined,
and separation enough to keep you reaching out for each other.
Harmony enough to keep romance in your song,
and discord enough to keep you tuning your love. Amen

by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild & Rev. Brett Blair

This article may not be written by an Apostolic author, but it contains many excellent principles and concepts that can be adapted to most churches. As the old saying goes, “Eat the meat. Throw away the bones.”