Vows for those of us who believe in nothing, Lebowski! (XP Vows & Ceremony)

pesematology

So, my partner and I are atheists, so we don't really believe marriage is "sacred". We are also both divorced, and while we take marriage very seriously, we both agree that a marriage is essentially just an arrangement that exists to serve the needs of the people involved. Since we can't see the future and we don't believe that divorce is unacceptable, we're uncomfortable saying things like "forever" or "always" or "until death" in our vows and readings. We don't want to make promises we don't intend to keep, but we also don't want our guests to wonder why we don't just wear black turtlenecks and smoke cloves instead of having a wedding. Help?

pesematology

Aww, those are great, thanks for sharing!

pesematology

Yeah, I've been able to find a lot of readings. Vows have been a little harder to find.

Divinewords

We are also atheists and we are writing our own vows. I am going to focus on our connection, commitment, and the merging of our families. Our ceremony won't involve any prayers, unity candles, or any type of "spiritual rituals". 

We are going to add the traditional: For better and worse, sickeness and in health, etc, etc... at the end. 

Perhaps you can look up a quote about love and use it to inspire you to write what's in your heart. What is it that you really want to say/pledge to your partner?

nellybellycat

I'm an atheist, my FI is not. He is ok with not having religion in the wedding (we aren't being married in a church and a friend is performing the service) and I told him that if he wants to have one of his parents (who are also believers) recite a prayer before dinner that was fine. I found some great atheist wedding vows on Pinterest of all places. Very loving w/out the mention of religion.