Examples of Vows and Promises

There are several ways of saying wedding vows, commitments or promises.

 

You may want to pour your hearts out in front of everyone, or you may not. In my ceremonies there are no rules. There are no expectations. We decide how we're going to work it during our ceremony planning meeting.

 

You could choose to say:

 

Repeat after me words.

I Do or I Will

Modern promises or traditional wedding vows.

You can write your own vows, or secret letters.

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What matters most is agreeing what is most important to you as a couple,

meaning what you say, and feeling comfortable with how it's said.  

 

I can guide you through the whole process, both in writing the vows and delivering them on the day. You can be solemn, sentimental and romantic. You can stick to tradition. You can also raise a smile or a laugh.

 

There are no rules with a humanist wedding. You do you. And I can help you.

Here are a few splendid examples, but I can give you more guidance when we meet!

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I’ve known this girl for fourteen years,

At first we were mates, just after-work beers.

You’d loiter by my desk, looking for food in our London sweatshop,

You saw your chance, and before I could say “stop,”

You’d skewered a tortellini with an old chopstick,

I laughed and said, “I use that to scratch my… back.”

 

We went to the beach, I thought as mates,

I did wonder if you often tricked guys into dates.

You showed up dressed like an extra from Top Gun,

It was wet, windy, and a coat, you didn’t have one.

You leaned in for a kiss, I pretended I didn’t see,

I knew from that moment you were into me.

 

Back in London, we met the best wingmen in the game,

Poppy and Alex convinced you you’d missed your last train.

If we’re honest, you knew the TFL timetable,

They played a part, but you were willing and able.

When you were skint, I helped you out,

Like all financial aid, repayment was in doubt.

So I thought I’d better see this investment through,

It paid off: you said, “I really, really like you,” and I said, “I love you too.”

 

You ran to Indonesia for a change of track,

I planned a rescue mission to try and bring you back.

I found you playing rock and roll bingo on lead vocals,

No shoes, necking Bintangs with Balinese locals.

We’re now in Dubai and got Bruce on board,

Two messy boys who’ve got you adored.

 

You plan the world with maps and schemes,

While I deal in practical, more grounded dreams.

You’re my highlight reel; you push me to do more,

You get me off the sofa to live life and explore.

 

I’ll pour the whisky when days go wrong,

I’ll stay by your side, where I belong.

I’ll keep you laughing when times get tough,

I’ll admit I am wrong when you’re in a huff.

I’ll tie your laces when you can’t reach,

I’ll cross the world if you ever breach.

I’ll fetch you from wherever you roam,

Because with you, I’m already home.

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I’ll never forget during the early days when we were on zero-hour contracts, being paid buttons, and they wanted to cut our pay further for a particular type of work. We were in the pub and I had said how I had refused to take on the work. Just then, they called you with the same offer. Even though it meant you losing out on money, without hesitation, you also refused the work in solidarity. When you left the table, our friend said “She’s a keeper that one!”. I couldn’t have agreed more.

I am so proud of you. I’m inspired by how you push yourself and try new things, from;

• Training to become a qualified yoga instructor; 

• That night trail in the Amazon jungle when you accidentally stood in a tarantula nest(!); to 

• Going to your first football match wondering who are these 50 odd thousand nutters, who are now your clan as an adopted Geordie – and where Dan Burn picks you out of the crowds for a wave!

Despite this, you are grounded and humble – letting me beat you at that squatting competition at Cosy Joe’s 😊

I’m also really thankful for what we have achieved together:

• supporting each other through loss and other times when things have been really hard 

• never giving up on our dog Arthur despite the tough challenges – providing the three of us brilliant memories and experiences as a true pack.

Whenever I have been mentally or physically on the ropes, you have always been there to give empathy, encouragement and love.

I promise to remember how lucky I am to have you in my life and I will always be with you, just as you have been for me, as we walk our paths ahead together.

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Firstly, I know I am incredibly lucky to be marrying you.  You try, and succeed, to make me laugh every day, even if its sometimes due to quantity rather than quality. You really know me like  you knew me enough to suggest and encourage that we move to Wakey because you knew it was proably the best thing for us but that I wouldn’t suggest it. You sometimes talk about radiators and drains but you are better than a radiator you’re literally human sunshine full of warmth and kindness.

 

I promise to try harder at the mug exchange programme, and to make less mess in the kitchen. I promise to always notice all your efforts to make me happy.

 

I promise to try to make you feel as loved, as you make me feel.