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What do we say during the ceremony?
What you say to one another at the actual ceremony depends on several factors including, the laws of that province or country where the marriage is taking place. The most simple civil ceremony done at the courthouse will include the legal wording of the land. You are basically attesting to and signing a contract in front of witnesses, a contract written by the state.
Depending where you are of course, most religious and symbolic sentimental phrases will not be included in these ceremonies. It up to you therefore to decide what you want to say or what you want to include. Below are some traditional wedding vows that are often used or modified to suit specific tastes. We welcome submissions of original wedding vows or old classics that you may have dug up somewhere.
Vow No. 1 - Bride & Groom - Traditional
I, (Bride/Groom), take (you/thee) (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; and I promise to be faithful to you (as long as I shall live) or (until death parts us).
Vow No. 2 - Bride to Groom
I, (Bride's Name), take (you/thee), (Groom's Name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] husband, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. On this special [opt: and holy] day, I (affirm/reaffirm/give) to you in the presence of God and (all those in attendance/these witnesses) my (pledge/sacred promise) to stay by your side as your [opt: faithful] wife in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I (promise/further promise) to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve (higher/all of your) goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
Vow No. 2a - Groom to Bride
I, (Groom's Name), take (you/thee), (Bride's Name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] wife, knowing in my heart that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. On this special [opt: and holy] day, I (affirm/reaffirm/give) to you in the presence of God and (all those in attendance/these witnesses) my (pledge/sacred promise) to stay by your side as your [opt: faithful] husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I (promise/further promise) to love you without reservation, honor and respect you, provide for your needs as best I can, protect you from harm, comfort you in times of distress, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
Vow No. 3 - Traditional
(Groom)
Do you (name) take (name) to be your lawful wedded wife?
I DO.
Will you love, respect and honor her throughout your years together?
I WILL.
(Bride repeats the same vows.)
Vow No. 4 - Traditional
(Groom)
(Name) do you take (name) whom you now hold by the hand to be your lawful wedded wife?
I DO.
Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?
I Do.
(Bride repeats the same vows.)
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