Statement of Intent
Statements of Intent are spoken affirmations in a wedding ceremony where each partner publicly declares their commitment to one another before their witnesses. These are typically introduced by the officiant and concluded with the response: “I will” or “I do.”
Unlike vows, which are personal promises exchanged between the couple, Statements of Intent are formal acknowledgements of the decision to enter into marriage.
Officiant:
Having freely and thoughtfully chosen one another as partners for life, and in recognition of your commitment, I invite you to face one another and join hands.__________, will you take __________ to be your wife/husband/partner, to live together in marriage? Will you love them in times of health and sickness, support them through all of life’s seasons, and remain faithful to them, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?
Response: I will
2. Officiant:
__________, will you take __________ as your wife/husband/partner and your lifelong companion? Will you treat them with love, respect, and devotion, standing beside them through both triumphs and challenges, as a loyal and caring partner?Response: I will
3. Officiant:
On this day and in all the days ahead, do you choose __________ to be your partner, your best friend, and your only love? Do you promise to celebrate one another’s joys, support each other through life’s challenges, and continue choosing each other with intention and care?Will you nurture your relationship with honesty, communication, patience, and trust? Will you make space for growth, adventure, laughter, and a shared life built on mutual respect and understanding?
If so, say: “I do.”
4. Officiant:
__________, do you take __________ to be your wife/husband/partner? Do you promise to love, honor, encourage, and stand beside them in both good times and difficult moments, remaining a faithful and devoted partner for the rest of your lives together?Response: I do
5. Officiant:
__________, do you take __________ as your wedded wife/husband/partner?Response: I do
6. Officiant:
__________, will you take __________, whose hands you now hold, choosing them as your partner in marriage? Will you offer them your love, kindness, understanding, and respect throughout your shared life?Response: I will
6. Officiant:
__________, will you take __________ to live together in marriage, remaining faithful and devoted? Will you love, comfort, and support them, and share your life with them for as long as you both shall live?Response: I will
7. Officiant (to the couple):
__________ and __________, are you ready to enter into this marriage, trusting in the love you share and the commitment you bring to one another?Response: We are
8. Officiant:
__________, do you take __________ to be your wife/husband/partner? Do you promise to love, respect, and care for them in all circumstances, and to remain a faithful and devoted partner throughout your lives together?Response: I do
9. Officiant (to the couple):
You may have found each other by chance, but you stand here today by choice. You have chosen someone who complements you, supports you, and brings joy into your life.Will you, __________ and __________, continue to choose one another as your favorite person, supporting each other through challenges, celebrating each other’s successes, growing together, and creating a life filled with love, laughter, and shared purpose?
Response: We will
10. Officiant:
__________, you have chosen someone who brings light and meaning into your life. Will you continue to choose __________ as your partner, standing beside them in both joy and hardship, supporting their growth, and cherishing them as your lifelong companion?Response: I will
11. Officiant:
__________, will you take __________ as your wife/husband/partner, pledging your love, faithfulness, and devotion, and promising to cherish them throughout your lives together?Response: I will
12. Officiant:
__________, will you cherish __________ as your lawful spouse, protecting, supporting, and caring for them through both illness and adversity?Will you strive to understand them, offer comfort when needed, communicate with kindness, and approach each day with renewed appreciation for your partnership?
Response: I will
13. Officiant:
__________, do you welcome __________ as your wife/husband/partner, offering your love, trust, respect, and encouragement as you build your future together?Response: I do
14. Officiant:
We gather today to celebrate the love that __________ and __________ share and to recognize their decision to commit their lives to one another.__________, do you take __________ as your lawfully wedded spouse, to share your life openly, supporting one another through joy and hardship, in health and in sickness, in ease and in challenge, and to cherish them for all your days?
Response: I do
15. Officiant:
__________, do you promise to love, respect, and share your life with __________, building a home together grounded in love, commitment, growth, and mutual support?Do you promise to stand beside them in all of life’s successes and struggles, offering unwavering support and encouraging them to be their truest self?
Response: I do
16. Officiant:
__________, do you take __________ to be your wife/husband/partner, promising to love, honor, comfort, and care for them for the rest of your life?Response: I do
17. Officiant:
__________, do you come here today before these witnesses with a sincere desire to unite in marriage with __________? Do you commit to supporting one another’s growth, and to offering your love, encouragement, and partnership as you build your life together?Response: I do
18. Officiant:
__________, do you declare your love and commitment to __________, choosing them as your life partner and accepting the commitment they offer in return?Response: I do
19. Officiant:
On this day and in the days ahead, do you choose __________ to be your partner, your best friend, and your only love? Will you support one another, communicate openly, embrace growth, and continue choosing each other each and every day?Response: I do
20. Officiant:
__________, do you choose __________ to be your partner in life—your best friend and your love?Will you share your life with them, grow alongside them, support them in all circumstances, and continue to nurture your relationship with care and intention?
Response: I do
21. Officiant:
__________, do you come before this gathering to declare your love and commitment to __________? Do you promise to respect, support, and remain faithful to them through all of life’s moments?Response: I do
22. Officiant:
Why do you choose marriage?__________ and __________, you have expressed that your marriage is not rooted in possession, control, or expectation, but in partnership, generosity, and mutual support. You recognize that the strength of your relationship comes not from what you receive, but from what you give to one another.
You enter this marriage not to complete one another, but to walk alongside each other as equals—offering love, understanding, compassion, and encouragement so that both of you may grow and thrive.
Is this your understanding?
Response: It is
Renewal of Intent
23. Officiant:
__________, do you reaffirm your commitment to __________ as your spouse? Will you continue to live openly with them, communicate with honesty and love, and cherish and support them throughout your shared life?Response: I will
Officiant (to couple):
__________ and __________, do you reaffirm your commitment to remain married, continuing to love and support one another, celebrating your differences and building upon your shared experiences?Do you promise to continue growing together, adapting to life’s changes, and approaching your future with mutual understanding and respect?
Response: We do
Officiant:
Do you acknowledge your expectations of one another with a grounded understanding of reality, choosing acceptance, patience, and continued partnership?
Response: We do
24. Officiant:
Officiant:
__________, having experienced the journey of marriage together, and with a deeper understanding of its meaning, do you still choose __________ as your spouse, reaffirming your love and commitment to them?Response: I do
Do you continue to desire a life of love, companionship, and partnership with them above all others?
Response: I do