The ring exchange is another part of the wedding ceremony that can make you feel a little nervous. This is because you will have to talk and speak in front of all of your family and friends. This can be a little nerve wracking for the best of us.
The ring exchange is also the part of the wedding where you start to complete the process and actually say I do, before you are officially married and ready to embark on the next steps of your life.
So, you may be thinking – what am I going to say to my partner during this special moment? Well, most people just repeat after the officiant or priest the traditional vows, but some people choose to say their own words during the ring exchange.
If you want it to be a little more personal, but you can’t quite put pen to paper, then we can help you. With this guide, we’ll go over 38 ring exchange wording examples that you can choose from or take inspiration from.
About The Ring Exchange
Exchanging rings has long been entwined within the notion of marriage. Initially, during Roman times, a ring would have been given to the bride’s father as a symbol of purchase (of the bride) during the engagement.
In modern times, rings are exchanged between the wedded couple as part of the vows they make to one another. Presenting a ring was initially completed by the groom, and only given to the bride.
Nowadays, the ring exchange is performed between the couple, where both partners get a ring as a symbol of their love and commitment to one another.
However, some believe exchanging rings goes back much farther than that. It is said that Egyptians would use rings as symbols of their love for their partners, and as a signifier of a romantic bond or relationship.
These rings were often made of reeds at first, and given as gifts to partners. As these could deteriorate quickly, it is said that stronger rings were then made of bones, or leather.
As time passed, this opened up opportunities for ring makers to create stronger rings that could be everlasting for the exchange. Today, and in the past, rings are a sign of status and wealth. The bigger, better the ring the wealthier you are, but also the stronger your commitment is meant to be.
Do You Have To Do A Ring Exchange?
You may be wondering if a ring exchange is actually necessary. Exchanging rings at the altar is definitely traditional, and has been done for centuries now.
However, as we always say, it is your wedding day, so if you don’t like certain traditions, you don’t have to adhere to them.
For instance, you may want to do a private ring exchange with just you and your partner, or perhaps you don’t like wearing rings at all for whatever reason. In addition, typically speaking, one partner often gets an engagement ring when the question is popped, so may not feel the need to have a wedding ring as well.
If you don’t feel keen on having a ring exchange ceremony, then it’s fine to skip over it. Simply do your vows, and be pronounced officially married instead.
Alternatively, some couples choose to use this moment to read a letter from their partner, or read their letter to the partner as a moment to show how much they appreciate them. In other cases, you can exchange something of value or something meaningful to you instead of the rings.
38 Ring Exchange Wording Examples
If you are thinking of doing your own ring exchange wording, then check out some of these examples to get some inspiration.
In general, the length of the ring exchange shouldn’t exceed around two minutes or it may feel like it’s dragging on forever, and your audience may get bored quickly.
Instead, try to keep them short and sweet, because this also makes them easier for you to remember.
Ring Exchanges Wording About Love
- Take this ring as a symbol of my never ending commitment, love and devotion to you.
- This ring is a token of my love for you. I am yours today, now and forever.
- With this ring, we will begin our path together. I love you as always, my best friend.
- This ring is a reminder that I will always be close by, and you will always be in my heart.
- This ring is a token of my love for you. I offer you all that I have, all that I am, and all that I will ever be.
- With this ring, I join my life to yours as your husband/wife forever.
- Take this ring as a symbol of my love and vows to you. I will be your faithful partner in life and in marriage.
- This ring is a reminder of our wedding, and all of our hopes and dreams for our future together.
- With this ring, I remind you that our love lasts forever. I am always with you, behind you, and by your side.
- May this ring be a reminder and symbol of our love, and that you are always in my heart.
- Take this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you. In all ways, in all times, in all places, forever.
- Take this ring as a promise that I will love, respect and honor you. I will be there for you, with you, and beside you. As I have given you my hands to hold, so I give you my life to keep.
- This ring I gift to you, as a sign that you shall always be surrounded and encircled by my love.
- With this ring, I marry you, and bind my life to yours. This ring is a symbol of our eternal love, everlasting friendship and the promise of all of my tomorrows.
- This ring symbolizes my loyalty, my love, and my commitment to our life together.
- With this ring, I promise you my unwavering love, devotion, compassion and loyalty for the rest of our lives.
Traditional Ring Exchange Wordings
- With this ring, I thee wedd, and with it I bestow thee all the treasures of my heart, mind and hands.
- I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love.
- I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity.
- I give you this ring as a symbol of my everlasting love for you.
- Let this ring be a reminder of my promises and vows, and the unwavering bond between us.
- With this ring, I vow to love and honor you from this moment forward.
- With this ring, I wed you, and pledge you my love, now and forever.
Ring Exchange Wording For Religious Ceremonies
- I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, of the Son and the Holy Spirit. With this ring, I thee wed.
- I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.
- In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, take and wear this ring as a token of my love and faithfulness.
- With this ring, I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In poverty or wealth, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.
- With this ring, I pledge my faithfulness and love, and promise to honor our marriage every day of our lives.
- Wear this ring as a reminder of the vows you have just taken.
- I give you this ring as a symbol of my faith and our united strength.
- With this ring, I give you a reminder of my love. I seal my promise to be your faithful and loving wife/partner, as God is my witness.
Funny & Cute Ring Exchange Wording
- I give you this ring because…I love you and that’s what we’re meant to do in the wedding ceremony!
- Take this ring as a reminder of my love. I really hope it fits!
- Take this ring, because you’re the love of my life, my best friend…and you’ve waited long enough!
- With this ring, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine.
- You have always been the love of my life, but with this ring…I’m making it official.
- With this ring, I want to show you how much I love you. I am elated to call you my husband/wife and start spending the rest of eternity together.
- With this ring, I promise to love you forever, and never forget our anniversary.
- This ring is a symbol of our love. You are the person I want to be with, and the person I can’t be without.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Practice The Wedding Ring Exchange?
It is a good idea to practice the ring exchange part of the wedding ceremony. You don’t have to do this with your partner if you want your vows to be a surprise, but you can do it with your partner if you want the whole thing to go smoothly.
It’s a good plan to practice the ring exchange beforehand, especially if you are saying your own exchange wording, as you don’t want to fumble and mess it up on the day.
This way, you can rehearse what you want to say, and when you will place the ring on the finger for an easy-going experience.
As easy as it sounds, putting the rings on each other’s fingers can be more difficult than it looks, so be sure to work on this beforehand.
Also, make sure the ring actually fits and try them on a few times before the actual ceremony!
When Does The Ring Exchange Happen?
Traditionally, you will exchange your wedding vows, and then the officiant will start the ring exchange.
They may say something along the lines of: Wear these rings as a reminder of the vows you have taken, and then instruct you to place the ring on your partner’s fingers, and they will place the ring on your finger.
Your wedding ceremony can go ahead however you want it to. However, typically speaking, the ring exchange will take place after the wedding vows have been completed and before you are pronounced a married couple.
What Do We Do After The Ring Exchange?
After the ring exchange takes place, the next step is for the officiant to officially pronounce you married.
Soon after the rings are exchanged, you have said what you want to say, and placed a ring on your partner’s finger, the officiant will say something along the lines of: I now pronounce you husband and wife, to complete the wedding ceremony.
If Getting Married In A Church, Do We Have To Have A Religious Ring Exchange?
You may be worried that you have to have a very religious ring exchange, or that the wording will have to be religious if you are getting married in a church, but this is not always the case.
It’s a good idea to speak to the officiant or priest beforehand, as they can let you know if there are template ring exchange wordings that you will have to do. However, in saying that, more often than not, they will allow you to say your own ring exchange wordings as it is your wedding after all!
Summary
To summarize, there is so much to consider when planning your wedding. It’s not just the party, but the ceremony too. You may have considered writing your own vows, but what about writing your own ring exchange vows?
The ring exchange is a short part of the wedding ceremony itself, and should only last around two minutes long, so you don’t have to say much. Just keep it short and sweet like our examples.
The important thing to remember is to just speak from the heart, and say something that shows your partner how committed you are to them, and how important this moment is for you both.
Finally, once the ring exchange is over, all that’s left for you to do is say I Do, and begin your beautiful marriage together.
My husband proposed to me in spring and it was a very lowkey setting, in our backyard without anyone else around to see it. It was a perfect proposal. But then everything got real, and I was suddenly thrust into planning mode.
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