All of you have likely read a marriage scene in a Regency era novel where the script is taken from the Book of Common Prayer, part of the Church of England’s traditions.

Regency-era marriages (1811–1820) were deeply formal, binding, and strictly governed by the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, typically taking place in a parish church between 8 a.m. and noon. The ceremony focused on solemn vows, the “giving away” of the bride, exchange of rings, and mandatory registry signing. 

Key Aspects of the Ceremony:

• The Book of Common Prayer: The liturgy for “The Solemnization of Matrimony” was mandatory and uniform across England.
• Vows: Couples pledged to have and to hold from that day forward, “for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health,” to love, cherish, and obey.
• Requirements: A clergyman, a parish clerk, and at least two witnesses were required.
• Restrictions: Weddings could not take place during certain holy days (like Lent).
• No Kiss/No Hug: Contrary to modern tradition, the 1662 service did not include a kiss, a public introduction of the couple, or a sermon.
• The Ring: A single, plain gold ring was given by the groom, who said, “With this Ring I thee wed, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow”. 

Marriage Logistics:

• Banns: Unless a license was obtained, the banns (intention to marry) had to be read in church for three consecutive Sundays.
• Licenses: A “common license” allowed for a quicker, quieter, but more expensive (10 shillings) ceremony.
• Special Licenses: These were rare, expensive (£4-£5), and only for the aristocracy, allowing weddings to be held at home.
• Post-Ceremony: Following the service, the couple signed the parish register, and a wedding breakfast, involving cake, was customary. 

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First the Banns of all that are to be married together must be published in the Church three several Sundays, during the time of Morning Service, or of Evening Service, (if there be no Morning Service,) immediately after the second Lesson; the Curate saying after the accustomed manner,

I PUBLISH the Banns of Marriage between M. of _____ and N. of _____. If any of you know cause, or just impediment, why these two persons should not be joined together in holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it. This is the first [second, or third] time of asking.

And if the persons that are to be married dwell in divers Parishes, the Banns must be asked in both Parishes; and the Curate of the one Parish shall not solemnize Matrimony betwixt them, without a Certificate of the Banns being thrice asked, from the Curate of the other Parish.

At the day and time appointed for solemnization of Matrimony, the persons to be married shall come into the body of the Church with their friends and neighbours: and there standing together, the Man on the right hand, and the Woman on the left, the Priest shall say,

DEARLY beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men’s carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.

First, It was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name.

Secondly, It was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ’s body.

Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.

And also, speaking unto the persons that shall be married, he shall say,

I REQUIRE and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgement when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God’s Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.

At which day of Marriage, if any man do alledge and declare any impediment, why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony, by God’s Law, or the Laws of this Realm; and will be bound, and sufficient sureties with him, to the parties; or else put in a Caution (to the full value of such charges as the persons to be married do thereby sustain) to prove his allegation: then the solemnization must be deferred, until such time as the truth be tried.

If no impediment be alledged, then shall the Curate say unto the Man,

M. WILT thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?

The Man shall answer, I will.

Then shall the Priest say unto the Woman,

N. WILT thou have this Man to thy wedded Husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

The Woman shall answer, I will.

Other Sources:

Sharon Lathan

Solemnization of Matrimony

Weddings During the Regency