Writing Wedding Vows Fit For A Shakespearean Romance

Writing wedding vows in Elizabethan English is no small feat. The language, which was used during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century, is known for its complex structure and extensive vocabulary. To write wedding vows that capture the spirit of this era, here are some key considerations:

Firstly, it is important to understand the cultural context of Elizabethan weddings. During this period, marriages were often arranged, with women having little to no choice in selecting their husbands. Women were expected to be subservient to men and were raised to believe in their inferiority. As such, the tone and content of the vows would reflect this power dynamic.

Secondly, the language of the vows should be formal and elaborate, incorporating the intricate grammar and syntax characteristic of Elizabethan English. This includes the use of thee, thou, and thy when addressing the partner, as well as intricate sentence structures.

When it comes to the content of the vows, certain traditional elements can be incorporated. For instance, the concept of a marriage portion or dowry brought by the bride's family was common. Vows could also reference the expectation that the bride would run the household and bear children, while the groom would have full legal rights over his wife.

Additionally, religious themes were prevalent in Elizabethan weddings, so including references to God or specific religious figures can add authenticity to the vows. The ceremony itself would always be conducted by a minister, so addressing the religious leader in the vows can be appropriate.

Lastly, while the specific tone and content of the vows are a personal choice, some common elements in modern wedding vows can be adapted to fit the Elizabethan context. These include expressions of love, support during good and bad times, and personal stories that reflect the couple's unique connection.

The legal age to marry

In the Elizabethan era, the legal age to marry with parental consent was 12 for girls and 14 for boys. However, it was not usual or traditional for marriages to take place at such young ages. The actual age of consent was 21, and men would generally not marry until they reached this age.

The early modern era in England, from 1550 to 1700, brought about changes in societal norms and values. People began to place more emphasis on individual rights and responsibilities, which led to a greater sense of independence and self-possession. As a result, while parents still had a significant influence on marriage selections, young people were given more latitude to follow their hearts in choosing a spouse.

The Marriage Act of 1653 officially set the marriageable age at 16 for men and 14 for women, with parental consent required for those under 21. However, it is worth noting that relatively late marriages were common for both sexes, especially in the middling classes, as individuals sought to gain financial stability before establishing their own households.

Arranged marriages

In this context, the wedding vows of an arranged marriage might reflect the expectations of the time. Here are some ideas for how to write wedding vows in Elizabethan language, focusing on the theme of arranged marriages:

"My dearest [Partner's Name], today I stand before you, ready to embark on the journey of matrimony. Although our union has been arranged, I am grateful for the opportunity to join my life with yours. I promise to bring honour and prestige to our families and to work tirelessly to increase our wealth and status. I will be a faithful and obedient wife/husband, supporting you in all your endeavours."

"Beloved [Partner's Name], as we come together in this sacred union, I pledge my love and devotion to you. I may not have chosen you, but I am thankful that our paths have been brought together by our families. I promise to be a loyal and devoted wife/husband, always acting in a way that brings honour to our families. May our marriage be a source of joy and prosperity for all."

"My sweet [Partner's Name], on this momentous day, I take you as my wife/husband, knowing that our match has been carefully arranged for the benefit of our families. I may not know you well, but I am eager to build a life with you and to get to know your heart. I promise to be a supportive and faithful partner, always putting the needs of our family first."

"Dearest [Partner's Name], as we stand here today, joined in matrimony, I want to assure you of my commitment to our union. Although I did not choose this path, I am grateful for the stability and security it brings. I promise to be a loyal and devoted wife/husband, caring for you and our future children. May our marriage be a blessing to our families and bring us honour and prosperity."

Remember, in the Elizabethan era, women were considered inferior to men and were expected to be obedient to their husbands. These sample vows reflect the societal norms of the time, but you can always adapt them to fit your own values and beliefs if you are writing vows for a modern-day arranged marriage.

The dowry

The law gave husbands full rights over their wives, who became their property. This dynamic was evident in the wedding vows, where the bride promised to obey her husband. The dowry reinforced this power imbalance, as it was the husband's family that benefited financially from the union. The bride's family, on the other hand, gained social status if the marriage brought them closer to the nobility.

The contents of the dowry varied depending on the bride's social standing. Jewels, gold, and silver thread adorned the garments of wealthy brides, who also carried bouquets. These accessories symbolised the bride's new role as a wife, as unmarried women were forbidden from wearing their hair down or adorning themselves with jewels.

The wedding ceremony

The Preparations

The bride and groom would be attended by their family and close friends. There was no set colour for wedding clothes, as the tradition of wearing white came much later. A bridal procession would move from the family's house to the church, accompanied by musicians.

The Ceremony

The ceremony would be a solemn affair, conducted by a minister. In Elizabethan times, everyone would stand as there were no pews in the churches. Once the marriage ceremony was over, the wedding procession would return to their homes.

The Reception

The families of the couple would sometimes enjoy a wedding feast and were wished a long and happy life. It was customary to celebrate the marriage with a feast, carefully planned with sweet and spicy foods, and exotic dishes such as peacock. The staple drink was ale, but wine was also available and often ordered for the wedding feast.

The Vows

The vows were always religious and varied according to the specific religion. In many religions, the declaration of vows symbolises the moment when a couple becomes husband and wife.

The Rings

The exchange of rings immediately follows the recitation of vows in most ceremonies, sealing those promises. The ring symbolises the unbroken circle of love. In some cultures, rings are not exchanged at all.

The Language

If you are writing your own vows in Elizabethan language, you might include the following:

• A declaration of love: "I love you dearly for all that you are..."
• Reaffirm your unwavering support: "I promise to support you through more ups and downs..."
• Share personal stories: "I knew you were 'the one'..."
• Include real promises: "I will always be there for you..."
• Acknowledge and request additional support from friends and family: "We will need their guidance throughout our marriage..."

The wedding reception

The bride and groom would be attended by their family and close friends, and the bridal procession would move from the family home to the church, accompanied by musicians. The wedding clothes were varied, with no tradition of wearing white, which came much later.

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