Declaration of Intent vs Vows (When Wedding Wording Counts)

Ask AMM: Wedding Declaration of Intent vs Vows?

 

We get this question a lot from first time wedding officiants, and even seasoned professionals can be unsure of the rules: 

 

“Declaration of Intent vs Vows… What’s the difference between the two, and do we need both in the wedding ceremony?” 

 

This is a great question, and one that’s easy to overlook. So let’s get into it! 

 

 

Wedding vows vs Declaration of Intent: This simple guide will help you understand the difference between wedding vows and the declaration of intent. (Photo: Malekfoto Weddings / Unsplash)

 

 

Declaration of Intent vs Vows: What’s the Difference Between Vows and Declaration of Intent, and Do We Need Both?

 

TL;DR: A declaration of intent is required for a legal wedding ceremony, but vows are not. A declaration of intent is a spoken part of the marriage contract, while vows are personal promises. 

 

A declaration of intent and a couple’s wedding vows might sound similar, but they are actually different parts of a wedding ceremony – and only one (the declaration of intent) is legally required during the ceremony. 

 

Let’s take a look at each one to understand the difference between them. 

 

 

What is the declaration of intent in a wedding ceremony?

 

During a declaration of intent, a wedding officiant asks each person getting married some version of the question: 

 

“Do you, (Partner A), take (Partner B) to be your legally wedded spouse?” 

This question can be worded differently, as long as the meaning is the same. And it must be answered affirmatively by each partner for the wedding to continue, for example with a familiar, “I do!” 

 

In this way, both people ‘declare’ their intent to marry in front of the wedding officiant (hence a declaration of intent).

 

This part of the ceremony is legally required in some states as a verbal confirmation that both partners understand what’s happening and are willingly entering into the marriage contract. Wedding officiants in some states are legally required to ask this question as part of their official duties before they can sign the written marriage contract – the couple’s marriage license.

 

Read Next: Creative ‘Declaration of Intent’ Wording for Your Wedding Ceremony

 

 

What are wedding vows? 

 

Wedding vows, on the other hand, are expressions of love and commitment that a couple makes to each other as they enter into marriage. Exchanging wedding vows is an optional part of the wedding ceremony.

 

Vows don’t have a legal meaning, but they often have spiritual, religious, or sentimental meaning. Wedding vows include personal promises for the future and are a reflection of each partner’s personality, feelings, values, and intentions. For example:

 

“I vow to love and cherish you every day of our lives. I vow to care for our family as it grows larger and we grow old together, building a home together and following our dreams. I promise to give you veto powers on movie night, to put my socks in the hamper – because it’s right there, I know – and to make sure that every night, even the tough ones, end with ‘I love you.’ Because I do! I love you today, tomorrow, and always.”

 

See? Wedding vows are lovely, but they aren’t required for a legal wedding ceremony. A declaration of intent is required, however.

 

Browse Wedding Vow Examples for wedding vow ideas and inspiration!

 

 

Sometimes a wedding officiant will combine the wedding vows and declaration of intent. This is usually done during a short wedding ceremony or simple traditional wedding. (Photo: Fly View Productions / iStock)

 

 

Combining the Declaration of Intent and Wedding Vows: ‘Repeat After Me’ 

 

Sometimes, wedding officiants will combine the declaration of intent and wedding vows. This is most common in a short wedding ceremony that uses ‘call and response’ or ‘repeat after me’ vows. 

 

For example, the wedding officiant will ask each partner to ‘repeat after me,’ and recite a simple declaration and vows: 

 

Officiant to Partner A
"(Partner A), please repeat after me. 
I, (Partner A), take (Partner B) to be my lawfully wedded wife. 
To have and to hold from this day forward, 
For better, for worse, 
For richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish, till death do us part.  
In the presence of our beloved friends and family, 
I make this vow.”

 

In the example above, the partner repeats each line, declaring their intention to enter into marriage and then repeating traditional wedding vows to their partner. 

 

Usually, this type of combined wedding vows and declaration of intent replaces a personal vow exchange. (No personal wedding vows are exchanged afterward.) The couple might choose to have a private vow exchange, however (exchanging vows privately before the ceremony or after the ceremony).

 

 

Declaration of Intent: Before or After Vows in the Ceremony?

 

Now that you know the difference between vows and declarations of intent, you’re probably wondering which comes first in the wedding ceremony! 

 

Which comes first declaration of intent or vows?

 

If you want to include both, the declaration of intent usually comes before the wedding vows. 

 

The wedding ceremony order often looks something like this: 

 

• Wedding Processional
• Welcome & Invocation
• Declaration of Intent
• Exchange of Vows
• Exchange of Rings
• Closing Words / Officiant’s Blessing
• Pronouncement of Marriage
• Wedding Recessional

 

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You might also like: 

 

'We do' vs 'I do' - A Modern Twist on the Declaration of Intent and Joint Wedding Vows

 

 

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Why AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expires.

 

Officiating weddings is an incredible honor, and a great way to show your love and support for the people getting married. As a wedding officiant, you will help to create memorable ceremonies and memories that last a lifetime.

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