Your marriage vows

You must choose from one of the following standard sets of declaratory and contracting words (these are a legal requirement and cannot be altered) which will form part of your marriage ceremony.

Ceremony A

Declaratory Words

I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I ………….. may not be joined in matrimony to …………..

Contracting Words

I call upon these persons here present to witness that I ………….. do take thee ………….. to be my lawfully wedded wife/husband.

Ceremony B

Declaratory Words

I declare that I know of no legal reason why I ………….. may not be joined in marriage to …………..

Contracting Words

I ………….. take thee ………….. to be my wedded wife/husband.

Ceremony C

Declaratory Words

The Officiating Registrar will ask 'Are you ………….. free lawfully to marry …………..?' to which you must reply, 'I am'.

Contracting Words

I ………….. take you ………….. to be my wedded wife/husband.

Exchanging rings

If you and your partner are exchanging rings you may wish to incorporate some additional words. Our recommendation is:

'I give you this ring as a symbol of our marriage and as a token of my love.'

If however you wish to use your own words, these will need to be approved in advance by The Superintendent Registrar.