WEDDING SERVICE PLANNER
DECLARATION OF INTENT

This declaration is one of the key parts of the wedding and could be considered to be part of the vows or promises. Notice the language focuses on what you “will”, not on what you “do”. This is very deliberate. It is meant to remind you that your “Will” is key to your relationship.
Normally it is after the declaration that the “blessing of the families” (or the “giving away”) is done. The vows then follow.

STYLE ONE (traditional)
– Name -, will you have this woman to be your wife?
– Rx – I will.
– Name -, will you have this man to be your husband?
– Rx – I will.

STYLE TWO (personalized)
– Name – will you take – Name – to be your wife?
– Rx – I will.
– Name – will you take – Name – to be husband?
– Rx – I will.

STYLE THREE (reformed)
– Name -, will you have – Name – to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honour her and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others remain loyal to her as long as you both shall live?
– Rx – I Will
– Name – , will you have – Name – to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honour him and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others remain loyal to him as long as you both shall live?
– Rx – I will.

Note – with the above style of declaration the vows that are taken will need to be somewhat different than the “traditional style” (number one in the section on Vows)

by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild & Rev. Brett Blair

This article may not be written by an Apostolic author, but it contains many excellent principles and concepts that can be adapted to most churches. As the old saying goes, “Eat the meat. Throw away the bones.”