The Corpse Bride Vows: Sweet Pledges from the Grave

The Vows

“With this hand, 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. And with this ring, I ask you to be mine.”

It’s not uncommon for couples to include excerpts from media as readings, but adapting the Corpse Bride vows for a marriage ceremony could be the right move.

Exploring the Corpse Bride Vows

Here are some of the things that make the vows from Corpse Bride special:

• Romantic imagery: The vows make use of metaphor, a figure of speech that refers to one thing by mentioning something else that is distinct. In these vows, Victor uses evocative metaphors, such as describing himself as the wine to his bride’s cup. These metaphors paint a vivid picture of undying devotion and support. Wine, in particular, is something that is also associated with romance and marriage.
• Emotional honesty: “Honesty is the best policy” is an adage that proves its worth when it comes to interpersonal relationships. The emotional honesty of the Corpse Bride wedding vows speaks to a genuine desire for connection and acceptance. The earnestness of these words can resonate with anyone regardless of age, gender, or background.
• Dramatic flair: In the film, Victor makes this pledge to Emily, a ghost bride. Her otherworldly presence and the gothic setting add a dramatic flair that makes these vows stand out. The simplicity of these words and the dramatic setting make a striking combination.

Adapting the Corpse Bride Marriage Vows

If a couple loves “Corpse Bride” or wants a ceremony with a gothic theme, the Corpse Bride vows could be used directly for the wedding. As an officiant, you’ll come up with vows or help the couple draft their own. Here’s how you can incorporate these vows into a wedding script:

• Refashion the language: The spirit of the vows is what’s key. Maintain that spirit with new, appropriate metaphors and promises that suit the couple’s unique relationship and their values. Some people have a complicated relationship with food and drink, so a wine-based metaphor may not work.
• Emphasize shared values: Lifelong support is a critical element of marriage vows as a couple usually commits to each other through the good and the bad. Use language that highlights shared strengths, common values, and how the couple will support each other through life’s triumphs and trials.
• Personalize the references: Use symbols and themes that hold special meaning to the couple and their circles, where possible.

There’s no one right way to incorporate these vows; however, focusing on the emotional core of the Corpse Bride vows is a great way to help create new sincere promises that are unique to the couple’s love story.

Lighting the Way Forward

In “Corpse Bride,” Victor pledges the vows as part of a candle ceremony. The vows themselves reference the lighting of a candle. Consider modifying or including the Corpse Bride vows as part of a unity candle ceremony. In this type of wedding, individual candles are lit and then used to light a single candle together. It symbolizes the joining of two lives and families. This resonates with couples looking to express their commitment to building a shared future. As an alternative to a candle, other unity elements can serve as the basis for the wedding and vows, such as a unity shot or planting a tree.

Inspiration is wherever you find it, and “Corpse Bride” provides an example of heartfelt vows expressed to a bride-to-be. Whether or not the dark aesthetic of the 2005 film is in line with the couple’s plans or not, the Corpse Bride vows express love and devotion in a way that is both simple and romantic. Feel free to use it as a go-by to help a happy duo mark the beginning of their journey as spouses.