How to Find Same-Sex Commitment Ceremony Vows Online

Since gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies are based more on love than on law or tradition, it can be fun and meaningful to write your own vows. A little help with style and structure is always nice, however, so here's how to find some sample vows online that you can use or modify in any way you like.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers

1. Find a nice collection of vows and love poems on the Web site of the International Commitment Ceremonies Registry (unionoflove.com).
2. Stop by the site of Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples (buddybuddy.com) and find even more sample vows, as well as the unique stories of some couples and lots of other resources about both legal and ceremonial marriage.
3. Visit the Web site of Cathedral of Hope (cathedralofhope.com). The Dallas-based congregation is the world's largest predominantly gay and lesbian church, and it includes its "holy union" choices online.
4. Look to the straight world for even more inspiration. There are many sites out there with vows and other resources aimed at straight couples, but they could provide inspiration for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Of course, the person who officiates at your ceremony may want to see the text of your vows before you deliver them - just make sure they don't say anything that would offend or embarrass him or her. If your vows aren't acceptable, you have two choices: Change the vows or change the officiant.
• If you use a member of the clergy as the officiant, be aware that he or she may not be legally allowed to call your union a "wedding" and may also not allow the use of a phrase like "with this ring, I thee wed."