Three ways to say I Do.

When it comes to wedding vows there is no right or wrong way to conduct them. Your vows are unique to your ceremony and your relationship. There are several options on how to conduct your wedding vows. I have outlined three popular options below - with examples!

Repeat After Me

The first is to repeat your vows after the officiant. This is helpful if you want to speak your vows and think you may need a little help. This is a very popular way to conduct vows – just watch any movie or TV show with a wedding!

Read to Your Partner

The second is to read your vows to your partner. The vows can be standard, or each partner can write their own. This can be a very special way to conduct your wedding vows if both partners are up for the challenge. Each partner needs to agree on a theme and length before starting the writing process. Bel Amour has a DIY Vow Worksheet and a helpful blog post for our couples and we are always available to help with the writing process.

Say I Do

The third option is the simplest but also very effective- just say “I do” or “I will.” Your officiant will read the vows to each partner, and they say “I do” if they agree to the vows. This option is helpful if you are nervous or think you will be too emotional to speak clearly. 

What about the vows themselves? There are countless wordings and styles of vows out there. A quick internet search will bring up hundreds of articles. Here are some of our favorite “traditional” vows.

The Traditional (Secular)

Repeat after officiant:

“I [YOUR NAME] take thee [YOUR SPOUSE’S NAME] to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part.”

The Traditional (Christian)

Officiant (to each partner)

“Will you have this woman/man as your lawfully wedded wife/husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love her/him, comfort her/him, honor, and keep her/him, in sickness and in health; for richer and for poorer, forsaking all others, and keep yourself only to her/him, so long as you both shall live?”

Partner says “I do”

The Modern (Secular)

Each partner to repeat, or read:

“With all my heart, I [Partner 1's Name] take you [Partner 2's Name] to be my [wife/husband].
I promise to be your lover, companion, and friend.
Your partner in parenthood.
Your ally in conflict.
Your comrade in adventure.

Your greatest fan.
Your comfort in disappointment.
Your accomplice in mischief.
Your strength in times of need.
I will listen with understanding and trust you completely.
All the days of my life.”

The Modern (Christian)

Each partner to repeat or read:

“From this moment, I, _____ take you, _____ as my best friend for life. I make these vows in front of God, friends, and family. I pledge to honor, encourage, and support you through our walk together. When our way becomes difficult, I promise to stand by you and uplift you, so that through our union we can accomplish more than we could alone. I promise to work at our love and always make you a priority in my life. With every beat of my heart, I will love you. This is my solemn vow.” 

Bonus Modern (Secular)

Each partner to read:

“Today, surrounded by people who love us, I choose you, ____. I am proud to become your wife/husband/partner and to join my life with yours. And I vow to support you, push you, inspire you, and above all; love you, for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, as long as we both shall live.”

We do have one last tip, invest in cute vow books or nice cards if you are going to read your vows – it looks nicer in photos. I’m sure however you choose to conduct your vows, and what you have to say, will be perfect for you and your partner!

Want to become a Bel Amour couple and have us help you with your ceremony? Schedule a free consultation today!