“I’ll be with you in apple blossom time, I’ll be with you to change your name to mine……What a wonderful wedding there will be….”
Civil Vows
If you choose to marry in a civil service—at city hall, a Wedding Chapel, or simply with a Wedding Officiant or other public official as your officiant—you will probably use very simple, basic vows. If you play somewhat in advance, however, your officiant will probably allow you to write your own vows or recite words of your own choosing. Here are some basic civil vows to start with:
“_____, do you take _____ as your lawfully wedded wife/husband?”
“_____, do you take _____ to be your legal wedded wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward?”
“_____, I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife/husband. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live.”
Writing Your Own Vows
There’s something meaningful about repeating the vows of thousands of brides and grooms before you. But if you aren’t constrained for religious reasons to stick with standard vows, I suggest you take a crack at crafting your own. Putting your promises on paper is an emotional, eye-opening, and often extremely memorable experience. Even if you end up with very traditional-sounding words, it will be worth the trip—I promise.
I will be more than happy to help guide you through the process.
Theme for Some Vow Ideas
♥ Modernized Traditional Vows
♥ Nostalgic Vows
♥ Family Centered Vows
♥ Informal Vows
♥ Short and Sweet Vows
♥ Simple Vows
♥ Funny Vows
♥ Love Letter Vows
♥ Free Style Vows