With This Ring...

That golden/platinum/silver/(insert metal here) band. For the Egyptians, the most likely originators of the wedding ring, the circle symbolized eternity, time with no beginning nor an end, and it was revered in the forms of Sun and Moon.

Legend has it that when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt the wedding band custom was passed on from the Egyptians to the Greeks, and then from the Greeks to the Romans. Various materials like hair and hemp and metals have been used throughout the centuries, however, gold and platinum comprise the bulk of today’s wedding rings.

After 13 years of marrying people I still always look forward to the ring exchange. It’s the time in the ceremony when the Bride and Groom express their love through the giving and receiving of a gift.

These ring exchanges are my favorites:

I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you.

This ring I give to you in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love.

With this ring, I thee wed, and with it, I bestow upon thee all the treasures of my mind, heart, and hands.

With this ring, I wed you, and pledge you my love, now and forever.

With this ring I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, till death do us part.

This ring is round and hath no end so is my love unto my friend.

This ring I give to you as a token of my love and devotion to you. I pledge to you all that I am and all that I will ever be as your (husband/wife). With this ring, I gladly marry you and join my life to yours.

I give you this ring to wear with love and joy. As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you. I choose you to be my (wife / husband) this day and forevermore.

Like your wedding vows, the ring exchange wording can be modified to reflect your personal sentiments and beliefs. Be sure to speak directly with your officiant about personalizing your ceremony.