What’s wrong with the classic civil ceremony? Nothing at all. For almost five hundred years, whether religious or non-religious, millions of couples pledged their devotion using essentially the same vows. Sure, some variation exists. But the essence has held constant. A “Dearly beloved….” introduces a reminder to couples about the responsibilities and joys of marriage, the couple offers their consent, exchanges vows, exchanges rings, and then the officiant wishes them well. A priest or reverend adds a blessing or sermon. That’s it. Tried, true, and timeless. The classic ceremony connects the couple to others couples on a genuine historical continuum that declares “marriage is a commitment to be the best person you can be to help and encourage your partner to do the same.”
“Will you have this man/woman to be your wife to live together in the (holy) bonds of matrimony? Will you love, honor, (respect), and comfort him/her, and forsaking all others, keep yourself faithful only unto him so long as you both shall live?”
“(In the name of God), I, N., take you N., as my (lawfully) wedded wife/husband to have and to hold, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, and to love (honor), and cherish….for all the days of our lives / for as long as we both shall live/until death do we part.”
“With this ring, I thee wed (in the name of God).”
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