The promise of love - as personal as you are

Ideas for exchanging your vows

Every love story is unique

Every couple is different. Every love story is wonderful, magical and unique in its own way. And the moment in which you make your promise to each other can be just as individual.
In my role as a wedding officiant, I accompany couples from different countries and cultures, often in several languages, in front of an international audience. I always try to get a feel for your personalities - so that together we can find a way to make this important moment of your wedding ceremony as personal as possible.

Your stage - your moment

If you are stage people, like to be the center of attention, love to speak and show your feelings openly - then of course your vows should be spoken out loud into the microphone in front of all your guests.

If one of you is a little more reserved, why not whisper the promise quietly into your partner's ear?
Or - if you both prefer to keep the moment very intimate - simply say your words without a microphone, accompanied by soft music in the background.

Symbolic forms of the marriage vows

There are also beautiful symbolic variations:
For example, you can give each other a flower or a branch - a gesture full of meaning that matches your personality and your love story.

Your promise could be enclosed as a small message on a note or in a roll of paper
and you only read it after the ceremony, in a quiet moment for two, while your guests are already toasting with a glass of champagne.

Here are some inspiring examples:

• Sunflower - stands for joie de vivre, warmth and light. It always turns towards the sun - just as you turn towards each other.

• Lavender - symbolizes peace, trust and serenity. A sign of a relationship that is at peace with itself and radiates harmony.

• Amaryllis - stands for strength, self-confidence and passion. Perfect for couples who support each other in their strength.

• Olive branch - stands not only for peace, but also for constancy, loyalty and balance. The olive tree often lives for centuries - a symbol of love that stands the test of time.

• Cherry blossom - a reminder of the transience and preciousness of the moment. It stands for renewal and the beauty of living in the now.

• Lotus flower - symbolizes purity, spiritual growth and rebirth. It grows up from the mud and blossoms untouched in the light - a strong sign of the power of love that grows beyond challenges.

• Eucalyptus branch - stands for protection, healing and renewal. Its fresh energy brings lightness and vitality to your new life together.

• Lemon tree - symbolizes joie de vivre, freshness and fertility. In Mediterranean countries, it is considered a lucky charm for a marriage full of energy, humor and sunny moments.

• Rosemary - stands for remembrance and loyalty, and has been a classic wedding herb for centuries.

• Vine - embodies abundance, pleasure and solidarity - like vines that twine around each other and grow together.

• Myrtle - is a traditional symbol of love and fertility and has accompanied wedding ceremonies since ancient times.

Not afraid of big feelings

As you can see, there's no need to get nervous if the thought of speaking out loud in front of everyone makes you uncomfortable. Just talk to your wedding officiant - we always have a creative and loving solution that suits you.

The language of love - taken literally

As a wedding officiant I specialize in multilingual secular wedding ceremonies - in German, English, French, Dutch, Danish and Italian - I often encourage my couples to say their vows in their native language.
Or - even more touching - in the language of their partner.
This not only shows appreciation, but is also a beautiful sign of love, even if the accent resonates charmingly.

As this is a very personal moment, I do not translate the vows live.
Instead, I prepare a small roll of paper with the translation for your guests - lovingly laid out on each seat or distributed before the start. When the moment arrives and all guests open the parchment at the same time, a very special, festive atmosphere is created:
Everyone feels that they are witnessing your unique moment of love.

If you say YES ...

And if you say YES - in Brussels or somewhere in Belgium, in Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Koblenz, along the Moselle and the Rhine and the Belgian-German border region, in the north of Europe, Copenhagen, somewhere in Denmark, in Paris and surroundings, in Champagne, in the south of France, in Luxembourg or at your very personal favorite destination - then I look forward to celebrating your story and your vows in a ceremony that truly reflects you and your love.

True to my motto:
"More than words" - festive and cheerful with a dash of humor
Your Katja Nielsen

Please contact me for a non-binding introductory meeting. There are still free wedding dates for 2026 and 2027

If symbolic gestures appeal to you, discover my ideas for the candle ritual in the secular wedding ceremony - a moment full of warmth and light.

For couples who like to actively involve all their guests, I recommend the Ring Warming Ritual - a loving gesture with deep meaning.

More about multilingual secular weddings and international weddings can be found here - with many examples from Brussels, Denmark and France.