The Times/1836/News/Marriage Act
The following is the clause in the Marriage Bill as altered by the Bishop of Exeter:—
"And be it enacted, that after the expiration of the said period of 21 days, or seven days if the marriage is by license, marriages may be solemnized in the registered building stated as aforesaid in the notice of such marriage, between and by the parties described in the notice and certificate, according to such form and ceremony as they may see fit to adopt: provided, nevertheless, that every such marriage shall be solemnized with open doors, between the hours of 8 and 12 in the forenoon, in the presence of some registrar of the district in which such registered building is situate, and of two or more credible witnesses; provided also, that in some part of the ceremony and in the presence of the deputy-registrar and witnesses, each of the parties shall declare—
"'I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, A.B., may not be joined in matrimony to C.D.'
"And each of the parties shall say to the other—
"'In the presence of Almighty God, and before these witnesses, I, M., do take thee N., to be my wedded wife [or husband], to live in the presence of God, solemnly promise and vow that I will be to thee a loving and faithful husband [or wife], and that I will keep me only unto thee so long as both shall live.'
"Provided also, that there be no lawful impediment to the marriage of such parties."