The answer to what is the declaration of intent in a wedding is in the name itself. The officiant is responsible for the Declaration of Intent as they ask the couple about their intention to marry each other.
We will discuss everything to know about the Declaration of Intent and its significance in the wedding and marriage in more detail below. Also, browse our blog for guides regarding the wedding ceremony script.
And since the Declaration of Intent is asked by the wedding officiant, why not read how to be a wedding officiant as well? Some couples might ask a close relative or friend to officiate their wedding, and you should know your responsibilities if you’re the one asked.
What Is The Declaration Of Intent In A Wedding: Everything To Know
The Declaration Of Intent refers to the part of a traditional wedding ceremony where the officiant asks the couple regarding their intention to marry. It is when they declare they want to marry each other, hence the name itself.
This is also seen in a modern wedding ceremony as it verifies the couple’s intention to marry each other. So how does the Declaration of Intent works?
The wedding officiant will ask the bride and groom if they want to marry each other. And depending on the script you’ve planned, you can respond with “I will” or “I do” as you look at your partner.
What Is The Purpose Of The Declaration Of Intent?
The Declaration of Intent during the wedding ceremony is the verbal equivalent of signing the marriage license. Furthermore, it’s a way for the couple to declare to the public that they willingly sign the contract and enter marriage with their consent.
The statements given orally represent their written signatures on the marriage license. So, therefore, it’s essential to have it during the wedding ceremony, not just for the symbolism but for legal reasons.
Is the Declaration of Intent required in a wedding?
It is necessary to have the Declaration of Intent in the wedding ceremony, and some states even require it for the couple to be legally married. But, again, it’s the verbal representation of the couple’s signatures on the marriage to prove that you are consenting and willingly entering the marriage with your partner.
Even if you’re getting married in a place without laws to recite the Declaration of Intent, it’s a symbolic practice to solidify the union. This is also why the Declaration of Intent is usually confused with the wedding vows.
How To Do The Declaration Of Intent
As the wedding officiant, ask the couple the wording they prefer. For example, same-sex marriages and LGBTQIA+ couples may choose terms like “partner” instead of “husband” or “wife.”
Regardless, here is an example of a typical Declaration of Intention that you can modify accordingly.
Officiant: Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and health, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?
Groom: I do.
Officiant: Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and health, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?
Bride: I do.
Is Declaration Of Intent The Same As Vows?
Because of its meaning and importance, understandably, you can confuse the Declaration of Intention with the wedding vows. However, the two are not the same since the Declaration of Intent is a way to vocally declare to the public that you are willingly signing the marriage license.
On the other hand, exchanging wedding vows is a way to explain to your partner why you want to marry them and your promises in your marriage. Therefore, the vows are not mandatory for legal reasons like the Declaration of Intention, but they can serve as the expansion of why you willfully intend to marry your partner.
If you haven’t written them yet, read how long should wedding vows be to prepare for the wedding ceremony.
Who Does Declaration Of Intent First In The Wedding?
The order of the vows and the order of who goes first in declaring their intention in the wedding should be the same. Since the groom traditionally goes first, they’re usually the first ones asked by the officiant for the Declaration of Intent.
Do You Exchange Rings Before Or After The Declaration Of Intent?
Will the Declaration of Intent be before or after the wedding vows? It usually goes after the wedding vows since the former are your promises for each other regarding your marriage, and the Declaration of Intent is to legally announce to the public that you are signing the marriage contract.
If your ring exchange doesn’t happen simultaneously with your vow exchange, most weddings have it after the vows. Then, after the ring exchange, you will have the Declaration of Intention.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You just learned what is the Declaration of Intent in a wedding, which is the verbal representation of the signing of the marriage contract.
It is required to have the Declaration of Intent in the wedding ceremony to be legally married since you’re vocalizing your consent in entering the marriage. We hope this was helpful; let us know if you have more questions below.