WRITING YOUR OWN WEDDING VOWS
Some helpful tips to get you started...
If you’re having a civil wedding, you can make the ceremony more personal to you by penning, planning and delivering your own wedding vows.
Before you begin, there are a few rules to take into consideration. Legally, a civil ceremony cannot contain vows, readings, or music that have any religious references. You’ll also need to include the statutory declarations. That is to:
“…Solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, (name), may not be joined in matrimony to (name)”
However, apart from this, and calling upon those present to witness your vows, you can work with your registrar to customise your ceremony. Perhaps you want to include a favourite love poem or a special quotation – or even write something yourselves.
Whatever your style, keep the following tips in mind:
- Make sure you always check any readings or vows with your registrar in advance. Ideally, give them a typed copy of your vows/readings and a list of your chosen music a fortnight before the big day.
- If you’re struggling to find the right words, buy a thesaurus. It’ll help you to avoid repeating yourself. Words such as ‘love’ and ‘honour’ are naturally popular, but there are plenty of other terms you can include as well.
- If you get stuck on ideas, write one another a letter saying what you love about each other and why you can’t wait to be married. The best lines are often the ones that come straight from the heart.
- If you have children, you could include them as part of your vows. For example, “We exchange our vows today for our future as a couple and a family.”
- If you find it hard being overly affectionate but still want to make your vows personal you could put a twist on it. Try making them funny or you could include a favourite memory of yours as a couple.
