Q&A: Can we just say the legal requirements and no “Vows”?

Question by miss moose: Can we just say the legal requirements and no "Vows"?
My fiance and I are getting married in March next year, I'm a recovering agoraphobic and have social phobia, it's took us 7 years to get this far and in the end we just though"F it, let's just go for it". I keep getting told it will all "Be Fine", and my fiance has reassured me we will on have the quickest ceremony known to man!

Here in ENGLAND There are 2 legal requirements that each Bride and Groom must say, these are;

Declaration: "I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, ..., may not be joined in matrimony to ..."

Contraction: "I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, ..., do take thee, ..., to be my lawful wedded husband/wife"

Is it possible to just say that and then be pronounced Man and Wife without having to say anything else (All the "I do's" etc)

Thank you

Best answer:

Answer by Stacey80
Why don't you and your fiancee just have a ceremony with the two of you and the celebrant and not worry about having an audience. I am in Australia so I'm not sure how it works over there. I'm sure if you emailed a local celebrant they could help you with your question. Remember, your wedding is your wedding, not everyone else's. Do it how you and your fiancee want to do it, not just pleasing everyone else. Good luck with everything. Hope it goes well. I get married in a week and am soooo excited:)

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7 Responses to Q&A: Can we just say the legal requirements and no “Vows”?

  1. Vanna on January 16, 2012 at 10:51 pm

    Talk to your Registrar about it. If you explain the situation I’m sure he/she can advise you on the quickest way to get the ceremony over and done with.

    Well done for facing your fears and good luck.

  2. nova_queen_28 on January 16, 2012 at 11:24 pm

    As I am in the United States, I’m going to say I think it is possible but you really have to check with the person that will perform the ceremony.

    Here in the US, vows are required by law, but they can be very short and over with quickly. Not like in church where there are multiple “Do You ____ “followed by the “I Do”.

  3. Nox on January 16, 2012 at 11:38 pm

    The legal requirements you’ve stated there ARE the vows. “I do solemnly declare…” and “I do take thee” ARE YOUR VOWS.

    So no, you can not get married without the vows because that IS the legal requirement.

  4. Sondra on January 16, 2012 at 11:52 pm

    And you considered getting married at home?

  5. Perse on January 17, 2012 at 12:36 am

    Those are vows and, yes, you must say them. Beyond that, you do not require more vows, no.

  6. cjsmummy on January 17, 2012 at 1:27 am

    i’m fairly sure that’s possible – you only need to say that sentence and you’ll be married

    @stacey80 – 2 witnesses aged 18+ are required by law in the UK

  7. truefirstedition on January 17, 2012 at 2:08 am

    Sure, of course. You’re not required to say anything except the legal parts that show you willingly consent to the marriage and are legally able to be married.

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