Personalised Wedding Vows

By
Linda Barnes
All That I Can Be

Whatever your religion there are places within each wedding ceremony for personalising your wedding vows or making a statement of committal to your partner.

The most important thing is to consult with the person who is to conduct your ceremony. This should be done at the initial discussion with the clergy or registrar when you first set a date for your wedding. This will ensure that you can, together, identify places within the ceremony where your personal vows can be used and you have plenty of time to think about what you want to say.

Many people who conduct ‘traditional’ wedding ceremonies, whether it’s a church or a civil ceremony, are often unfamiliar with the growing trend for couples to personalise their vows. However, a gentle chat and some examples of wording which would be in keeping with the occasion will, in most cases, encourage them to work with you to make your day as special as you deserve.

The perfect wedding vows have three elements, the declaration, the description and finally the pledges. There is also an opportunity to make a declaration when exchanging rings.

Some examples of personalised vows:

Very religious: (Christian phrases or Bible verses may also be included.)

“(Name,) I love you with my whole heart. Here, before God I, (name,) take you to be my companion through life.
Today in the presence of God and these witnesses, we two become one. As one family, one spirit, we will move through life together.
I vow my love to you. I promise to be faithful. I will put my trust in you, knowing that you love God with your whole heart and soul.”

Exchanging of the rings:

“With this ring I pledge my love, honour and faithfulness before God.”

Religious

“With the blessing of God, today, I (name,) take you (name,) to become my partner through life, to walk with me down the road of life, to share the joy of our love forever.
You are my friend, my confidante, my lover. You know me through and though and you love me despite my faults.
Before God, our families and our friends, I give myself to you. I will never leave you and I will love you unceasingly through good times and bad.”

Exchanging of the rings:

“I give you this ring to symbolize our love before God.”
Civil ceremonies are unable to contain any references to God or Religion.

“I (Name,) here on this special day, in front of our friends and family, take you (name,) to be my husband.
You are everything that is good and precious in this world and I’m so lucky to have you and to love you with all of my heart. Your love makes me strong and brings out the best in me.
I will laugh with you, cry with you and celebrate life’s victories with you for ever.”

Exchanging of the rings:

“I place this ring on your finger as a never-ending symbol of our love and devotion.”

Romantic ( Romantic sayings or verses may also be included)

“Darling, I’ve waited for today all my life. I, (name,) take you (name,) here and now to be my husband.
My life began the day I met you. From the moment I looked into your eyes I knew that we were meant to be together and that we were destined to be one.
I cherish you and adore you. I love your kindness and your compassion. I love your humour and your smile. Your love completes me.
My love is yours forever.”

Exchanging of the rings:

“This ring symbolizes my commitment to you and my never-ending love for you.”

Humorous (Make sure that it doesn’t turn into a tasteless flat occasion by inappropriate or unfunny comments.)

“I (name,) promise today to give you, (name,) love, respect, fun and enjoyment in our journey through life together.
I love your tenderness, your compassion, your determination and your frequent moments of absent mindedness when leave the top off the toothpaste.
Thank you for your love. Thank you for your respect. Thank you for still loving me when I buy yet another pair of shoes.
Through the tears and the laughter we will remain strong and I pledge to stay by your side for all time.”

Exchange of rings:

“This ring will remind you that we are forever one.”

Special Interest (Climbing / mountaineering)

“Today, I (name,) choose you (name,) to scale the highest peaks with me.
Your loving nature and kind spirit transport me to unimaginable heights. You are my rock, my love, my all. With your love I can find the strength to move mountains, the courage to face life’s adversities and the willpower to surmount any odds.
Nothing in this life can tear us apart. We will always be as one, standing tall on top of the world.”

Exchange of the rings:

“I give you this ring to symbolize my love for you.”

Vows can, of course, be written with any venue, special interests, hobby, cultural or environmental theme to them, or they can mirror those used by your favourite celebrity. All it takes is a little imagination.

If you are going it alone and not having your wedding vows written professionally, just make sure that what you say is what you mean and that it comes from the heart.
After all, you only get one chance!