At weddings, there is a moment during the marriage ceremony where the officiant asks the congregation if there is anyone present who knows of any reason why the couple should not be joined in holy matrimony. This is typically phrased as, “Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
This phrase is derived from the marriage liturgy section of the Book of Common Prayer, a widely used Anglican text that provides guidelines and prayers for various religious ceremonies. The purpose of including this question in the wedding ceremony is to give an opportunity for anyone who may have valid objections or concerns about the marriage to come forward before it is solemnized.
The phrase itself carries a sense of finality and permanence. By saying “forever hold your peace,” it implies that if no objections are raised at that moment, then the couple will be considered united in marriage without any further hindrances or interruptions.
While this phrase may seem antiquated or even dramatic in modern weddings, its inclusion in the ceremony serves as a symbolic tradition that dates back many years. It acknowledges the importance of open communication and transparency in such a significant life event.
In practice, it is rare for someone to actually object during a wedding ceremony. The majority of weddings proceed without any interruptions, as objections are typically addressed privately, if at all, before the wedding day. However, the inclusion of this question ensures that if there are any significant reasons that have been overlooked, they can be brought to light before the couple embarks on their married life together.
It is worth noting that in contemporary wedding ceremonies, this phrase is sometimes omitted or modified to better suit the couple’s preferences or the style of the ceremony. Some couples may choose to remove it entirely, while others may replace it with a more inclusive statement, such as asking for support and blessings for the couple’s union.
The phrase “speak now or forever hold your peace” is a traditional part of the wedding ceremony, originating from the Book of Common Prayer. It offers an opportunity for anyone with valid objections to voice them before the couple is united in marriage. While objections during the ceremony are rare, this question symbolizes the importance of open communication and transparency in the commitment of marriage.