Modern Vows

Bride) and (Groom) have invited you here today to share in the celebration of their marriage.

We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to recognize a bond that already exists. This marriage is one expression of the many varieties of love.

(Bride) and (Groom), you are marrying because you enjoy each other’s company and because you want to be together. Although you will be sharing one life, never forget that you are two separate people. Cherish and affirm your differences. Love each other. Keep your commitment primary. Together you will laugh and cry, be sick and well, be happy and angry, share and grow.

Grow, sometimes together, sometimes separately. But never remain stagnant. Love and life are always changing, always new. If you will ensure a healthy lasting marriage, always, always value each other. Although you will disagree, remember to respect each other’s feelings, needs and wants. Above all, never, never lose your sense of humor. There is an art to marriage as there is to any creative activity we human beings engage in. This art asks that we pay attention to the little things as well as the big ones that are part of the closeness of marriage. Never grow too old to hold hands. At least once each day, remember to say “I love you.” Develop the capacity to forgive and forget and heal quarrels as they happen so that you do not go to bed angry. Your courtship should not end with the honeymoon; so pay attention that you do not come to take each other for granted, and remember to speak words of appreciation and demonstrate your gratitude in thoughtful ways.

To Groom: Do you, (Groom) take (Bride) to be your wife, to love, comfort, and cherish from this day forth?

Groom: I do

To Bride: Do you, (Bride) take (Groom) to be your husband, to love, comfort, and cherish from this day forth?

Bride: I do

From the earliest times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness, a symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is also never ending. As often as either of you looks at this symbol, I hope you will be reminded of the commitment to love each other, which you have made today.

Will each of you repeat after me:

To Groom: (Bride's Name), I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you.

To Bride: (Groom's Name), I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you.

May you always remain sweethearts, helpmates and friends.

May your life together be full of kindness and understanding, thoughtfulness and rejoicing.

 

More Modern Vows

Officiant: ____ you and_____ have chosen to come here today to gather before God, friends, and family to exchange the vows of matrimony. You have entered into this promise of your own free will, and stand before me happily, prepared to marry.

As ____ and ____have chosen to marry and have invited us here today, I ask all who are gathered to join me in support of this union and to extend your prayers and best wishes to this young couple as they vow these sacred promises and do, indeed, become husband and wife.

_____ do you understand the meaning of love and do you pledge that love to ____ from this day forward, that you will be friend and companion, mentor and lover; and that you will give yourself to her needs and her comfort?

Groom: I do.

Officiant: ____, do you understand the meaning of love and do you pledge that love to ____ from this day forward, that you will be friend and companion, mentor and lover; and that you will give yourself to his needs and his comfort?

Bride: I do.

Officiant: Groom, do you pledge to be trustworthy and true, to cleave to ____ and to none other, and to make her the center of your life and your thoughts? Do you promise to stand fast at her side through good times and hard times, to give her your attention and your commitment as your wife and partner?

Groom: I do.

Officiant: Bride, do you pledge to be trustworthy and true, to cleave and to____ none other, and to make him the center of your life and your thoughts? Do you promise to stand fast at his side through good times and hard times, to give him your attention and your commitment as your husband and partner?

Bride: I do.

Officiant: Groom and Bride, you have pledged your love, your honor, and trust. You have promised to stand by one another in good times and hard times, to support and to mentor and to attend. I urge you to give to each other of your time, your talents, and your hearts. I pray that whatever power may guide you, will indeed bless this marriage. I ask all who are in attendance here to join with us now. I take you Groom, and you, Bride by the hand, with my hand, and before God, friends, and family, do pronounce you husband and wife for as long as you both shall live.