The marriage vows are one of the most important moments of the wedding day. This is the climax of the ceremony, which officially begins a new stage in the life of a couple in love - the stage of marriage! The words of the marriage vows are often uttered in a trembling voice, they evoke tears of emotion. All the attention of the wedding guests is focused on the wedding couple. In such a situation, it is easy to make a mistake. Therefore, before getting married, it is worth practicing the text of the oath. You can read about what it sounds like and what it means in today's post. 

Taking the wedding vows is one of the most important, most awaited moments on the wedding day. The oath is a solemn declaration made before an official (church or civil) which officially confirms the will to marry, accepts the rights and obligations and promises that the future spouses will do everything to keep their word. What are the words of the church marriage vows? And civilian?

What do the words of marriage vows spoken in church mean? 

A traditional church wedding is one of the sacraments of the Christian religion. According to the Catholic faith, the marriage vows are "accompanied" by God, who grants the young people the grace to make their marriage harmonious, successful and last forever. However, before the future spouses say the words of the oath to each other, they must solemnly express their willingness to enter into a relationship. The young couple answers "We want" to the 3 questions asked by the priest: do you want to ...:

• "to marry voluntarily and without any coercion?" 
• "to persevere in this relationship in health and sickness, in good times and in bad, until the end of my life?" 
• with love and catholic upbringing of the offspring that God will give you?” 

After the initial questions comes the moment of solemn declaration of marriage. The priest will ask you to give your right hands, which he will tie with a stole. Then one by one (first the Groom) you will repeat the words of the oath after the priest: 

"I (your name) take you (name of your partner) as my husband/wife and I promise you: love, fidelity and marital honesty, and that I will not leave you until death. So help me, Lord God Almighty, one in Trinity and all the saints. 

The priest confirms the marriage vows by saying: 

 “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. The marriage contracted by you, I confirm and bless by the authority of the Catholic Church in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

 Then you exchange rings and thus you can officially call yourself "husband and wife". 

What do the words of the church marriage vows mean? "Love" is not only showing selfless affection on a daily basis, but also showing readiness to constantly care for the relationship, support in every situation. “Fidelity” involves keeping the relationship together without mocking the other person, undermining their authority, or speaking ill of them in their absence. It is also a renunciation of physical betrayals and the desire of others. “Honesty” means communication, understanding, acceptance and honesty. The words "and that I will not leave you until death" express the desire to stay with the spouse every day, regardless of the situation. 

Words of marriage vows during a civil wedding 

Taking the marriage vows at the Registry Office is similar to that in the church. First the Groom, and then the Bride, repeats the words of the oath after the official. They read as follows: 

"Aware of the rights and obligations arising from starting a family, I solemnly declare that I am entering into marriage with (partner's name) and I promise that I will do everything to make our marriage harmonious, happy and lasting." 

The oath is confirmed by the official's words: 

“In view of the unanimous statement of both parties, made in the presence of witnesses, I declare that the marriage of Mrs. (Bride's name) and Mr. (Groom's name) was concluded in accordance with the regulations. As a symbol of your relationship, please exchange your wedding rings. 

After taking the oath, you will be asked to sign a marriage certificate which will officially make you married. 

The words of a civil marriage vow are an official promise that both parties will do everything in their power to make the marriage permanent and compatible. Every day, they will cherish the relationship, take care of each other, respect and support each other. They will be honest, faithful and honest with each other. 

Own oath - is it possible? 

Own marriage vows (which we most often see in movies) is the quintessence of romance and love. This is a unique way to emphasize the magical nature of the event. However, is it really possible to prepare your own oath? Unfortunately, in Poland you cannot change the words of the declaration. However, you can add something from yourself to the official formula. The consent of an official (civil or church - depending on the nature of the ceremony) is necessary for this.

A humanistic wedding allows you to pronounce your own oath. Weddingy humanistice There isn'tI however, legal force. The conclusion of a marriage must be additionally confirmed with a solemn ceremonyat the Registry Office (or arrange outdoor weddingwhere the official will arrive). 

Do you dream of saying your own oath, and at the same time you don't like the option of concluding a humanist wedding? Nothing lost! In addition to the basic formula in the office or church, you can present your own - na wedding hall. Take it as unusual wedding gift from you for you. Such a gesture will not only make yours wedding party one of a kind, but will also delight and move your guests. The moment of solemnly reading the words of the marriage vows - full of love, respect, flowing straight from the heart - will undoubtedly be magical, unique. You will not forget about him for the rest of your life!