Wedding ceremony script: declaration of intent vs exchange of rings

Rings are separate from vows. Vows are promises to each other, so they fit into the declaration of intent. Depending on the state, certain words/phrases must be said for the ceremony to be legally binding. That is where your officiant comes in to school you on the legal requirements.


Some weddings have personal vows in addition to the “do you take this person of your free will?” and others may choose to have the traditional repeating vows. As long as you follow legal guidelines, you can decide whether to include anything beyond that or not.

Talking with your officiant should be able to help you figure out the order of things. Im actually having lunch with ours today now that we are 2 months out to sit down and go over the ceremony and what we want etc. Maybe you could schedule a meeting with yours and go over the ceremony with them.

After vows you can easily do the classic, with this ring I thee wed.