Enhanced ceremony (example)
Once you and your guests are seated, the Superintendent Registrar will say a few words of welcome and begin the ceremony as follows:
“Marriage is a desire by two people to share themselves and their experiences with each other, and a willingness to accept each other for who they are. It is a promise made to each other that says you have chosen each other above all others, to share your life with. That you will honour this pledge as long as you live. That you will give the best of yourself, asking no more of your partner than that which they can give. To share your time and attention, and to bring joy, strength and imagination to your relationship. It is a promise to grow old together, to be loving, caring and to be the most important person in each other’s life. It is in this spirit that you are now before us. In each other’s company you have found happiness, fulfilment and love.”
At this point, you can include your own reading.
You will now be asked to repeat the declaration of your freedom to marry:
“I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I ………(name) may not be joined in matrimony to …….(name).
Then, the Registrar will say:
“Marriage is a personal and intimate decision, and a large part of its importance comes from its recognition by those close to the couple. Therefore, I ask you in the presence of this company, ……..(name) to be your wife/husband and do you promise to remain true to her/him for the rest of your lives together?”
Response “I do”
The Registrar will ask:
“Who gives this woman/man to be married to this woman/man?” (You can keep this in if you want – it’s optional)
Response “I do”
Again, you can include another of your own readings here.
We now come to the contract of marriage, and you will be asked to repeat the following:
“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I ……(name) do take thee ……(name) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband.”
Another reading can be included here.
The ring or rings are now given, and you will be asked to say:
“I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to our marriage and a token of my love for you. I promise to love, cherish, honour and respect you from this day forward, for better for worse, in joy and in sorrow for as long as we both shall live.”
A final reading can be included here.
The Registrar will finish with:
“This day is the start of a new life for you together. We hope that the feelings of love that you have for each other will deepen and grow ever stronger throughout the years to come. Let the world now recognise that you are legally married. May you treasure this trust and responsibility, may no failure or misfortune ever part you, and may you live full and rich lives together.
“I now pronounce you legally married!”
We hope this guide has answered some of the questions you may have but, if you still have queries, get in touch with our ceremonies team by email: registeroffice@manchester.gov.uk or call us on 0161 234 5005.