Wedding Ring Vows

 
Wedding Vows Overview
Wedding Ring Vows

"Do we have to have two wedding rings?"

No. You can use one ring, two rings, or no rings. Some people, such as electricians and mechanics, find that a wedding ring could be dangerous. You will be just as married with or without a ring.

"What do we say when we put on our wedding rings?"

Most couples say brief vows when they exchange rings. If you are going to have one or two wedding bands, you will probably have two sets of vows during your wedding ceremony: wedding vows and ring vows. The ring vows will probably be the simpler of the two sets of vows, and there are sample vows for one ring and example vows for two rings. There is an overview of wedding vows on the Vows Page.

"Can we combine our wedding vows and ring vows?"

Absolutely! Combining vows is one option for people who want a very short ceremony. Your ring exchange could also be combined with a Handfasting.


Sample wedding ring vows

The following are a very few of the dozens of possible ring vows. In general, ring vows tend to be of the repeat-after-me style, and any vows can be rewording into "Do you ...?", "I do." vows. When we meet to plan your wedding ceremony, I will give you more examples.

Ring vows for exchanging two wedding rings

"Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is unbreakable, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring I take you to be my trusted partner for life."


"This wedding band, without beginning or end, is a symbol of my love for you. Just as it is made of pure metal, so I give you my pure love."


"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."


"With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow."


"[Name], wear this ring as a sign of my love and dedication that will last the rest of my life."


"[Name], I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded [wife | husband | spouse]. I give you this ring to be a daily reminder of my love and our promises."


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Ring vows for giving / receiving one wedding ring

Single-ring wedding ceremonies are coming back in vogue. If only you or your spouse will giving a ring, you may choose to have the giver speak and the receiver respond, as in these ring vow samples. Please remember, these are just two samples; I will have many more samples for you when we meet!

"With this ring I thee wed. Wear it as a symbol of my abiding love for you."

"I accept and cherish this ring. I will wear it as a symbol of my devotion to you."


"In pledge of our constant fidelity and abiding love, with this ring I thee wed."

"May it keep you ever in my heart and mind when we are apart."

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"Is it OK to have one ring as both an engagement ring and a wedding ring?"

Certainly! This is an especially popular thing to do with a ring of your own design, a Claddagh ring, an heirloom ring, or other one-of-a-kind ring.

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A child's ring vows

Some couples include children in their weddings by giving each child a ring. Other couples give children a necklace, so that the children will not grow out of it.

Ring vows to children should be simple, but heart-felt.

"I promise to help you with your homework, to drive you to your sports games, and to wait a block away when picking you up from school. Most importantly, I promise to take good care of your other parent."


Special Wedding Ring Designs

Design your wedding rings yourselves

Designing your own wedding rings has gotten a lot easier in the twenty-first century! You could create your own wedding rings from wood, glass, metal, or many other materials. Some couples have drawn designs and then taken them to a jeweler to have their rings made. One friend carved her wedding rings out of wood. Another friend filed and shaped stainless steel for his wedding bands. One of my recent brides melted down broken family jewelry and cast her own wedding rings.


Claddagh Rings

The Claddagh (pronounced "clad uh" or "clad duh") is an Irish wedding ring. (Some people would say it's a Celtic wedding band.) The legend of the Claddagh is interesting, and you can find a lot of information (and misinformation) on the Web.

Basically, the significance of the design is that the two hands represent friendship, the heart symbolizes love, and the crown signifies loyalty.

It is traditional that a Claddagh ring is given as a gift; one never buys one's own Claddagh. Sometimes a Claddagh is given in friendship, without any romantic intent. Parents give children Claddaghs, often passed down through generations. Some people get a Claddagh as an engagement ring, and then continue to wear it as a wedding ring.

One tradition, especially in the United States, says that the Claddagh is worn on the right ring finger with the point of the heart outward when one is single and romantically available. When the wearer is spoken for, and is engaged or otherwise unavailable, the point of the heart is inward. As the Claddagh is placed on the hand during the wedding ceremony, it goes with the heart pointing inward on the ring finger of the left hand.

Claddaghs are available in silver or gold, with or without precious stones, delicate or robust. You are welcome to examine mine!

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Pictures of your wedding ring vows

One of the two must-have photos at your wedding!

Nathan says his ring vows as he puts on Lindsey's wedding ring Nathan says his ring vows as he puts on Lindsey's wedding ring Lindsey repeats her wedding band vows while she puts on Nathan's wedding ring Lindsey repeats her wedding band vows while she puts on Nathan's wedding ring

Lindsey and Nathan's guests and their professional photographer got good clear pictures of Lindsey and Nathan's rings and hands. After the ceremony several people thanked me for showing Lindsey and Nathan how to pose. Thanks to Sandi for these photos!

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How to write your own Wedding Vows   —   Other example Wedding Vows

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Version 7.00   12 May 2015