How do you read the banns of marriage?

The banns are announced by the clergy or a lay reader during a regular Sunday service, typically in the parish church where you live. If you live in different parishes, the banns must be read in both churches. The reading is a short statement that names you both and says that you intend to marry. It is usually read on three consecutive Sundays, and the church keeps a record of each reading. You do not need to attend the services, though many couples choose to go to at least one. The church will give you a certificate confirming the banns have been read, which you may need to show before the wedding. If you marry in a different church from where the banns were read, you may need a certificate from each church. The exact wording and timing can vary between churches, so the vicar will guide you. For other denominations, the practice may be different, so check with your own place of worship.