Choosing Your Vows: Three Options for Your Wedding Ceremony
Today, I’m going to take you through three options for the "vows" part of your wedding ceremony. While there are many ways to approach your vows, I’ve found that one of these three choices suits most of my couples.
1. Legal Vows Only
In Australia, a set of legal vows must be spoken to make your marriage official. You can read more about what makes a ceremony legally binding here. At the very least, you are required to say the following:
"I call upon the people here present to witness that I (Name) take you (Name) to be my lawful wedded (wife/husband/spouse)."
This is a perfectly good option, and I’ve had plenty of couples who aren’t keen on public speaking choose to stick with the legal vows only. Even with these simple words, your ceremony can still be deeply moving. I make sure to share your perspectives on love and marriage throughout the ceremony and create a heartfelt lead-up to this moment, ensuring that these words, though brief, carry real emotional weight.
2. Personal Vows
This is the most popular option among my couples. With this choice, you still begin with the legal vow, but then you continue with personal vows—speaking from the heart about your love, your journey together, and the promises you want to make for your future.
Personal vows can be as long or as short as you like. Some couples choose to pour their hearts out, while others keep it brief and meaningful. If you’d like some guidance on writing your personal vows, I offer tips here.
I love this option because standing in front of your loved ones and sharing these words is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (hopefully!). It’s also a beautiful gift to your spouse.
3. Traditional Vows
The third option sits somewhere between the first two. You start with the required legal vow, followed by a short, traditional vow, such as:
"I call upon the people here present to witness that I (Name) take you (Name) to be my lawful wedded (wife/husband/spouse)."
(Legal vow)
"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part."
I recently married a family member and they went with this option - and I loved how it kept things simple while still making the moment feel significant.
In Summary
Legal vows only – A great option for those who prefer to keep things simple and let the rest of the ceremony tell their love story.
Personal vows – The most popular choice, allowing you to express your love and commitment in your own words.
Traditional vows – A classic and meaningful option that adds a sense of timelessness to your ceremony.
Whichever option you choose, your vows will be a special and memorable part of your day. If you need help deciding or crafting your words, I’m always here to guide you!
