The Rose Ritual: A Non-Denominational Exchange of Wedding Rings

Each of the little steps taken during the wedding ceremony is filled with meaning. They are symbols of the joining of two people, and while the steps themselves may differ based on your culture or country, one thing remains the same: you and your partner are standing before people present who recognize the step you two are making.

Overwhelmingly, most married couples will say that the moment of the wedding which was most symbolic to them was the ring exchange. Wedding rings are exchanged after the exchange of vows, and usually just before you’re declared officially married. If you’re having a religious ceremony, your priest, minister, or rabbi will likely say a blessing over the rings … but then, you’re on your own.

Some phrases used during the exchange of rings have been passed down to us through generations, but many couples want to take tradition a step further and add to it a touch that is all their own. The most simple and traditional phrase, “With this ring, I thee wed,” is not always enough anymore.

Traditional Ring Exchange Phrases

With the trend turning toward writing unique wedding vows, it comes as no surprise that many couples are choosing to write their own ring exchange phrases, too.

Before you pull your hair out coming up with your own verse, take a look at what is traditional for various religious ceremonies. Oftentimes, a bit of verse in a traditional phrase will strike your fancy and lead you into your own exchange verse without a single hesitation.

Protestant/Presbyterian: “In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love, with this ring I thee wed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Lutheran: “I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.” OR “Receive this ring as a token of wedded love and faith."

Episcopal: “I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of God.”

Methodist: “I give you this ring as a sign of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.”