Rite of Marriage

The Rite of Marriage is contained within the Codex of Rites and is used by ordained priests and priestesses of the Church of the Holy Light.

Stormwind Rite
The priest(ess) may address the assembly in these or similar words:

P: "Bearly beloved, we are gathered in the sight of the Light to witness the joining together of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. It is not to be taken lightly, unadvisedly, or wantonly; but reverntly, discreetly, soberly and in the fear of the Light."

The priest(ess) then warns the couple:

P: "I require and charge you that if either of you know of any impediment, why you may not be lawfully joined, do you no confess it."

A pause is given for answer.

Then both members of the couple are questioned by the priest(ess), first the groom then the bride.

P: "Do you, N. take N as your lawful wife(husband) in the Light, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?" Response: "I do."

If the couple is able to raise children, they are questioned together.

P: "Do you both vow to lovingly accept children as gifts from the Light and raise them up according to it's virtues?" Response: "We do."

In some cultures, rings are exchanged. They may be blessed by saying:

P: "May these rings be a sign of the bond between you so that all who look upon them may be reminded of this unbreakable union."

Then, the rings are exhanged, first to the bride and then to the groom. Each member of the couple says:

X: "With this ring I do the wed."

The priest(ess) then announces the marriage, saying:

P: "By the athority of the Church of Light granted onto me for this occassion of joy, I pronouce you to be husband and wife."

It is customary that a kiss be shared by the couple.