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Statutory Vows
Even though the wedding vows make up the legal part of a civil ceremony, you still get to choose a version that suits you and can choose any combination of the following legal declarations and contracting words (England & Wales only).
legal declarations
- Traditional - 'I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I (your name) may not be joined in matrimony to (your partner's name).'
- Modern - 'I declare that I know of no legal reason why I (your full name) many not be joined in marriage to (your partner's name).'
- Simplified - The registrar will ask 'Are you (your full name) free lawfully to marry (your partner' name)?' To which you reply 'I am.'
contracting words
- Traditional - 'I call upon these persons, here present, to witness that I (your full name) do take thee (your partner's full name) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband.'
- Modern - 'I (your full name), take you (your partner's full name) to be my wedded wife/husband.'
- Simplified - 'I (your full name), take thee (your partner's full name) to be my wedded wife/husband.'
If you're getting married in Scotland - 'I solemnly declare that I know of no legal impediment why I (your name), may not be joined in matrimony to (your partner's full name).
If you're getting married in Northern Ireland - 'I know of no lawful impediment why I (your full name), may not be joined in matrimony to (your partner's full name), to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife.'