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Wedding VowsWedding Vows: are part of the church and civil marriage ceremonies. Then there is the renewal of a married couples vows. Couples may decide to follow the traditional format or write their own. Indeed you will find “poetry writers” on the web who, for a fee, will compose your own unique vows for you. However, I am sure you will be able to write your own with my tips.
If you are of the Catholic Faith traditional vows will run along the following lines, with some variations upon a theme: Priest: “Do you take _____ as your lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to have and to cherish until death do you part.” Bride/Groom: “I do.” Bride/Groom: “I take this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit.” OR Priest: “____, will you take ____ here present, for your lawful wedded wife/husband according to the rite of our Holy Mother, the Catholic Church?” Bride/Groom: “I will.” OR Bride/Groom: “I, ____, take you ____ for my wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” Bride/Groom: “With this ring I thee wed, and pledge thee my troth …..” If you are of the Protestant Faith then there are two essential elements which have to be included (i) a “vow to each other” and (ii) the need to “live in faith”. Often the pledge and wedding vow are combined. You will also notice that the word “obey” has been omitted. As with the catholic faith there are several variations upon a theme. The Pledge or Betrothal: is a declaration of intent: Minister: “____ will you have ____ to be your wedded (husband/wife), to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honor, comfort, and keep (him/her) in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, forsaking all others, keeping yourself only for (him/her) as long as you both shall live?” Bride/Groom: “I do.” The Wedding Vows: Bride/Groom: “I ____, take you ____, to be my wedded (husband/wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ‘til death do us part: according to God’s holy ordinance, and thereto I pledge you my faith”. Exchange of Rings: Minister: “The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity……. _____ may place a ring on the finger of your bride.” Groom: “____ I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.” Minister: “By the same token ____, you may place a ring on the finger of your groom.” Bride: “____, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.” There follows the pronouncement as man and wife.
Writing Your Own Wedding Vows: Personalized Wedding Vows: are an alternative to the traditional. They are particularly popular in a non-religious setting, or if the couple are of inter-faiths. The composition of the vows should comprise of two main parts:
You do not have to be a poet to compose your vows. If you are stuck sit down and write them together, for example as a reply and response - a conversation between to people declaring their love for each other. It does not matter if you are not able to compose your own. Depending on how nervous you think you may be on your wedding day, you may prefer to stick to the traditional.
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