Vows to Children
Vows to the children are generally made from the "new" parent to the other parent's children. They can be repeated after the officiant, or read.
1. (Insert names of children here) as I promise my love, support, and loyalty to your mother/father, I also offer the same to you. From the moment I stepped into your lives, the warmth and caring I see your mother/father give you has made me so happy, and your presence in my life makes this union that much more precious to me. I promise to be there for you when you need me, to support you in all you do, to give you a warm and comfortable home, and I look forward to adding something special to your life for all the days to come.
2. Today, I have promised to love your mother/father will every beat of my heart. But in my heart, there is also room for you. I promise to be patient and loving and to try to understand. I will care for you as my own children and love you just the way you are. I vow to stand side by side with your mother/father to be your strength and your emotional support. I will love you with all my heart from this day forward.
3. We are a family now-- a whole of which you are a part, And you are just as much my child as if I'd given you life.. I do not love you differently, nor would I give up less of all that life has given me to bring you joy. There is no limit to my love--no boundary you might cross. No price you might be asked to pay. There is no need to fear the loss of my love for we are now one family-- the (insert number in family) of us. I promise, as long as I have life and breath, you will never be alone.
Officiant may follow with these words:
As family members, you will bring both happiness and sorrow to one another, you will be each other's strength and on occasion, you will be each other's trial. Remember, though, that even if you are far apart, you will always belong to one another. You are bound together on this wonderful, yet challenging journey that we call life. On this special day, we pray that the light of love always guide the path of this family's journey. May Groom's and Bride's love continue to grow from this day forward and may they, as parents, raise (insert children's names here) with mutual love and respect.
Presentation of necklaces or family medallions
Bride and groom, today is not only the celebration of the start of your married life, but is a time when we rejoice in the family you have created. We recognize (insert children's names here) and the significant role they play in this marriage being celebrated today Bride/Groom would like to present (ring, necklace, etc.) as a symbol of family unity and in the hope and joy made visible through this marriage.
Additional Options
In addition to vows to the children, there are additional ways to include children (both young ones and the adult children of the bride and groom). Many of these ideas are scattered throughout our components (in the Sand Ceremony and Unity Candle Ceremony for example). Other options include:
*Have your children walk the bride down the aisle (all or part way). At the front, the officiant can ask, "Who brings Bride to be married?" and the oldest child can answer, "My brothers and sisters and I do." or all of the children can answer, "We do."
*Have the children line the aisle and as the bride (or the bride and groom) come down the aisle, each child will present them with a flower. These can then be tied together with a ribbon and serve as the bride's bouquet.
*Children can sign the license as part of the ceremony. They do not need to be of legal age. In fact, a baby can "sign" with his or her ink print.
*As mentioned above, the Unity Candle, Sand and Salt ceremonies can be easily modified to include the children. See those components for wording.
*Older children can do a reading or recite the final blessing.
*After you are married, you can all walk out together (if the aisle is wide enough!)