“...to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer
for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honour, and cherish, ’til death do us part, and thereto I
plight thee my troth...”
— from The Book of Common Prayer, 1559
These are, of course, some of the most beautiful and memorable words ever written. It's no surprise that such traditional vows (and variations on these vows) have survived for centuries.
If it's this style of vows you want, and the solemnity and beauty of a ceremony based upon the traditional English wedding (similar in style to many European, American and Australian weddings), I will be delighted to design your ceremony in this style.
You can add additional elements if you want - the lighting of candles, the performance of a dance, an exchange of gifts between bride and groom, a parade of the close family members, etc. - or keep it strictly traditional. Having a registered Civil Marriage Celebrant means that your choices can be fully realised.
If you want a tradition from a different culture than the English - middle Eastern, central Asian, Slavic, indigenous Australian, anything - I can incorporate such traditions into a fully legal ceremony that uses wonderful cultural elements to unite other traditions and the legal requirements of marriage in Australia.
The pealing of joyous bells, the use of fragrant incense, the full reading of traditional ceremonies - these can be offered without any alteration (or with minimal or more alteration to ensure the ceremony is exactly as you wish).
I am privileged to be able to offer those wishing a traditional Christian designed ceremony the opportunity to be married in the exquisite Lutheran church in Melbourne (the German Lutheran Trinity Church). You do not need to be Lutheran.
A traditional ceremony can be held anywhere; venue is your choice. You can choose to have a completely traditional wedding ceremony held in your living room, your back garden, a beach, a chapel, a hall, or anywhere.
The traditional vows and styles of marriage ceremonies over the centuries show how enduring they are - because they are meaningful, powerful and beautiful.
