The Blessing of a Civil Marriage

In the Episcopal Church, The Blessing of a Marriage is a service that acknowledges a couple’s commitment after a civil ceremony. It asks for God’s guidance and blessing for their new life together. 

What happens during the service?

• The service may include readings, hymns, flowers, and bells 
• The celebrant addresses the couple and asks them to promise to fulfill their Christian marriage obligations 
• The celebrant may bless the rings 
• The service may include a prayer asking God to bless the couple and their marriage. 

Who can participate?

• The service can be held in any church, as long as the church and vicar are available on the desired date 
• The service is not a legal service, so there is no statutory fee 
• The service may be used by couples who have previously been married in church 

Why have a blessing? 

• The service may be a way for couples to make an act of thanksgiving and affirm their promises before God and the Church

You can find the Blessing of a Civil Marriage in the Book of Common Prayer on page 413.  You can see the online book of Book of Common Prayer 1979 here!

If you or someone you know is interested in or has questions about a blessing of a civil marriage, please contact our priest at 808-955-7745 ext. 108 or email them here.