A Quaker Wedding

A Quaker wedding is a simple meeting for worship. The couple makes a commitment to each other in the presence of God and their friends and family. During the meeting for worship the couple take each other freely and equally as lifelong partners, committing themselves to joining their lives together in loving companionship and asking God's blessing on their union. There is no priest to lead them as they make their promises.

At the start, someone will explain briefly what is going to happen. Then the meeting will settle into silence. When they feel ready, perhaps after ten or fifteen minutes, the couple stands and makes their promises, while holding each other by the hand.

Next, the couple signs the marriage certificate which records their declarations. A designated reader then reads the certificate aloud. There follows a period of open worship, during which time anyone who feels moved by the spirit to give a spoken message or prayer is welcome. The meeting ends when two previously chosen friends shake hands and the rest of the congregation follows suit. Thereafter, everyone present signs the marriage certificate, not only recording their presence at the ceremony, but witnessing to their continuing concern for the success of the marriage. The certificate serves the couple as a continuing reminder of their friends' joy and loving concern.