How do you choose faith-based wedding vows for an interfaith ceremony?

Begin with an open conversation about what your vows mean to each of you. Some couples write personal promises that speak to shared values such as kindness, patience and loyalty. Others include short passages from each partner's scripture or tradition. A third option is to keep the vows entirely secular and add readings or blessings from each faith later in the service.

Talk to your celebrant, registrar or religious leader early. In England and Wales, civil ceremonies cannot include religious content such as hymns, prayers or religious readings unless the registrar agrees, so check what is allowed before you write anything. Humanist ceremonies are not legally binding on their own in England and Wales, so couples usually add a civil ceremony. Check GOV.UK for the current position. In Scotland, religious and belief celebrants, including humanist celebrants, can conduct legal weddings, so the rules differ there.

Keep the vows short and clear. You do not need to recite long passages that guests may not understand. If you include a line from another faith, explain its meaning briefly in the programme. The most important thing is that both of you feel the promises are true to who you are.