Take This Man!

Take This Man, out today from Cleis Press, celebrates the second anniversary of the fall of the Defense of Marriage Act. Since that event has resulted in many, many same-sex marriages around the country, I asked
several of my contributors to share vows they thought might be appropriate for such ceremonies.

From Rob Rosen and Ken Blackwell’s marriage ceremony: 

Rob and Ken

You have joined yourselves in solemn matrimony. May you strive all your lives to meet this commitment with the same love and devotion that you now possess. For love is truly the greatest gift we are given to share; love’s compassion is the glory of life. Delight in each other’s company and never take the other for granted, for you are destined to enjoy the blending of your two lives.

Anne Dove sends vows from the marriage of her friends Andrew and Leo:

"In the name of the spirit of God that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, I take thee to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. I shall keep myself for thee. I shall not seek to change thee. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy house, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself."

Krista Merle suggests two:

I vow that while I may not always like you, I'll always love you.

I promise to remind you to breathe.

Justin Josh vows:

"I vow to itch you in the places you can't reach."

Oleander Plume loves the idea of a Poe-inspired wedding ceremony including these vows, excerpted from the Offbeat Bride website:

Oleander

With this ribbon I'll be binding hearts that will be intertwining

This honored tradition dated back from the Celtic days of yore

The fasting of their hands together symbolizes their forever

So united I will tether as was done in ancient lore

Clasping hands are tied together as was done in ancient lore

To symbolize forever more.

What's your idea of a great vow?