Wedding Vows:

My practice has been to encourage couples to create their own wording-of-vows and response to legal requirements, within three broad constraints: 1. I am not married to anyone else; 2. You (name) are the one I want to marry; 3. I will be faithful/loyal to/ love you alone as long as I/we live…

There are of course nuances within these parameters, but others might wish to comment on that…

I’ve also in the past given couples samples of vows used by others (they’re all given away now that I rarely celebrate weddings these days)…

But that said, I’m getting rid of most of my paper-stuff, with Google etc. so efficient in finding what I want.

On this subject, for example – http://weddings.about.com/cs/bridesandgrooms/a/vowwording.htm

http://www.ultimatewedding.com/articles/index.php?action=section&sec=37/ etc. etc.

And even Dr Seuss! (http://weddings.about.com/od/yourweddingceremony/a/SeussFunnyVows.htm) :

Pastor: Will you love her when you’re fit, And also when you’re feeling sick?

Groom: Yes, I’ll love her when we’re fit, And when we’re hurt, and when we’re sick, And I will love her when we’re rich And I will love her in a ditch And I will love through good and bad, And I will love when glad or sad, And I will have, and I will hold Ten years from now a thousandfold, Yes, I will love for my whole life This lovely woman as my wife!

Pastor: Will you love with all your heart? Will you love till death you part?

Groom: Yes, I’ll love with all my heart From now until death do us part, And I will love her when we’re rich, And when we’re broke and in a ditch, And when we’re fit, and when we’re sick, (Oh, CAN’T we get this finished quick?)

And I will love through good and bad, And I will love when glad or sad, And I will have, and I will hold, And if I might now be so bold, I’ll love her my entire life, Yes, I WILL take her as my wife!

Pastor: Then if you’ll take her as your wife, And if you’ll love her all your life, And if you’ll have, and if you’ll hold, From now until the stars grow cold, And if you’ll love through good and bad, And whether you’re happy or sad, And love in sickness, and in health, And when you’re poor, and when in wealth, And if you’ll love with all your heart, From now until death do you part, Yes, if you’ll love her through and through, Please answer with these words:

Pastor and Groom: I DO!

Pastor: You’re married now! So kiss the bride, But please, do keep it dignified.

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Shalom! Rowland Croucher

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