Writing Meaningful Marriage Vows

When I meet with couples as their wedding officiant, I am frequently asked what to do about marriage vows.  This is one area where prospective brides are often as confused as prospective grooms.  What is it about this element of the marriage ceremony that intimidates so many couples? Maybe it's because deep inside they recognize the importance of the words they will share with each other.  Intuitively, we know that promises are a big deal.  Not to be broken.  A binding agreement.  But wedding vows, unlike everyday promises, are made on the premise of our love for just one other person.  Marriage transcends every other earthly relationship, and it stands to reason that vows made in this context need to rise to the occasion.  That's why the words that are said should embrace the ebb and flow of life.  We promise our love through good AND bad, richer AND poorer, sickness AND health.  Wedding vows need to reflect this unwavering commitment through the totality of life together.  They are more than mere sentiment or a list of things we like about the other person.  So it's reasonable to think that a lot of thought needs to go into the choosing of the right wording.  Tom Hamel and My West Michigan Wedding can assist you in writing wedding vows that reflect this level of commitment to the one you love.  For samples of some tried and true marriage vows click here.