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Religious or Secular Vows

If you're having any sort of ceremony involving a clergyman, the presence of God will be acknowledged at some point. Even if you forget to include Him in your vows, your officiant will certainly mention Him, and ask Him to bless your marriage. However, if you're having a civil ceremony and you're not a religious person, you may have a hard time deciding whether to mention a higher power in your vows. The same advice that holds true for writing your vows is appropriate here: Do what feels right for you.

There's a reason for that old adage, “Never discuss religion or politics in mixed company.” Each person has a truly unique and highly personal belief system, whether that includes believing in a higher power, belonging to an organized religion, embracing one without the other, or cringing at the thought of any of these. When it comes to your wedding vows, however, you should express your true feelings on the issue.

If you want to mention God or otherwise refer to your religion, then by all means, do. If not, then don't. Don't worry about who is present and how you will be judged. While marriage is one rite of passage into adulthood, asserting your beliefs is another.

  1. Home
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  3. Writing Your Own Vows
  4. Religious or Secular Vows
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