If you are one of my couples and the 40 plus selection of vows that I supply in my resource folder, do not appeal, then I welcome you to write your own.
Keep in mind that it is in the asking (that optional part where you say “I DO”) that some light heartedness can be injected. The Vows on the other hand must be preceded, include or be followed by the legally required statement. “I call upon all persons present, to witness that I _____ take you _____ as my lawful wife/husband/spouse”… (or words to that effect) And the words that follow, proceed or form part of the vows, YOUR chosen words should be respectful of the binding nature of the promises being made and the institution of marriage but that does not mean they cannot be fun. The couple pictured above, Ricky and Linda, wrote each others vows and they were hilarious.
Here are a few ideas to get you started, if you are so inclined. In traditional Christian weddings the bride and groom promise “To have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health etc.
To write your own vows ask yourself…”What does marriage mean to you both ?” “Which promises are the most important to us?” “Do you want to say the same vows, or make complementary ones ?” Consider ideas such as love, trust, honesty, compassion, friendship, forgiveness, fidelity, faith, honour and respect.
You might write something such as… “I call upon all persons present to witness that I ____ take you ____ as my lawful wife/husband/spouse. I commit my life to you, embracing all joys and sorrows, all triumphs and hardships come what may. I make this commitment in love, I keep it in faith, and I live it in joy for ever more”.
Alternatively you can blend some input from my 40 plus selections (Mix & Match) and add your own words to create something unique to yourselves. There are no strict rules regarding what follows on from or goes before the compulsory statement, only guidelines and governance of good taste and appropriateness. Try not to be overly concerned about the length of your vows, though having said that, it is not an essay on love. And please, if you do decide you are going to do it, take the time and do it well. Do not leave it till the last minute. To avoid the last minute Vow writing…
You may want to consider starting with your vows and working from the inside outwards, rather than choosing your introduction (welcome), rituals, readings etc. and leaving vows till last. When you start with the vows you have the opportunity of creating your ceremony from the core and then wrapping the rest of your wedding around that core, those key words (your vows) that are the very essence of your commitment to each other. Those words of love and legality that see you becoming husband, wife or partner.
Want to know more? Then please contact me and I would be delighted to discuss any aspect of your wedding day. www.yourcelebrant.com.au
Your Celebrant - Ron Gallagher 