I have used my own "vows" version several times and had many compliments. I will try to post it.
SEEMS IT WILL NOT COPY AND PASTE FROM WORD, I will re-type it later. Jer
I prefer to keep it simple and fairly short.
The Marriage
Dear family and friends, today, we are here to join this man and this woman in marriage. We begin with an explanation of marriage. The Bible explains to us that man and woman each bring a different perspective to the marriage, a different understanding and uniqueness. If you think about it, if a man gives a woman a house, she gives him a home. If he gives her food, she will give him a meal. If he gives her love and affection, she gives him a family. (If he gives her problems, well, she can multiply that TOO!) God made woman from man. He did not make woman from the top of man to be above him, nor below man to be beneath him. He made woman from under his arm, his rib, to be protected by him, and to be loved by him. God understood the differences between a man and a woman and created their unity to make life happier for both, each with their perspective and differences to balance their lives and merge into the family of husband and wife. Men may not always show emotions, and she may not understand him due to their differences, and he will not always understand her. He will NEVER understand why she may cry when she gets flowers for her birthday (hint-hint) or 'just because he loves her' day (hint-hint). The differences must be somewhat understood to be more fully appreciated. It must be understood that their differences are what make a marriage good. It is also understood that man generally lives longer with a wife and a woman is more satisfied with life when she has a husband to share her life with.
Therefore they both benefit from the marriage, again bringing us back to the marriage and the partnership that both receive the benefit of. Love is patient, love is kind, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but reinforces with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails. With that said, let us begin.
Do you (her) take (him) to be your lawful wedded husband? To have and to hold, from this day forward, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, forsaking all others, for so long as you both shall live?
The ring is a symbol of love since it is a neverending circle, it neither has a begining nor an end. It is a bond that unites two loyal hearts in endless love.
RING? Repeat after me...... With this ring I wed thee and promise myself to you for so long as we both shall live, and I give you this ring as a token of my love and devotion to you.
Do you (him) take (her) to be your lawful wedded wife? To have and to hold, from this day forward, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, forsaking all others, for so long as you both shall live?
RING? Repeat after me.......With this ring I wed thee and promise myself to you for so long as we both shall live, and I give you this ring as a token of my love and devotion to you.
WHAT GOD HAS BROUGHT together let no man put asunder. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. (Him) you may kiss your bide.
I PRESENT TO YOU MR AND MRS FRED SMITH.
Written by Jerry Fallin 2008 - This material is NOT copy protected. Feel free to use any/all and/or alter it to fit your desire. Wish you many happy weddings.
(TOAST - May you always be so happy as to NEVER have separate beds)
