November 10th, 2020

Understanding the Declaration of Intent: The Key to a Legal Michigan Wedding CeremonyHello, lovebirds! As you plan your dream wedding, you might come across the term "Declaration of Intent." Don't worry if you haven't heard of it—you're not alone. Let's dive into what it is, why it's essential for your Michigan wedding ceremony, and how hiring me, Nichole Bertucci of A Simple I Do, ensures your ceremony is both legal and filled with love (and a little laughter!).
What is the Declaration of Intent?Think of the Declaration of Intent as the "I Do" moment. It's the part of your wedding ceremony where you officially declare that you intend to marry your partner. Without it, your marriage isn’t legally recognized in Michigan. So, yes, it’s pretty important!
Here’s the deal: the Declaration of Intent is required by law. It’s the magical phrase that transforms your romantic vows into a legally binding agreement. In simpler terms, it’s what stops your wedding from being just a fancy party with really good cake.
The Legal Nitty-Gritty: Why It’s Required in MichiganIn Michigan, the Declaration of Intent is a non-negotiable part of your wedding ceremony script. According to state law, for a marriage to be legally valid, both parties must publicly declare their intention to marry. This usually happens right after the vows and before the ring exchange.
Picture this: You’re standing at the altar, gazing lovingly into your partner’s eyes. The officiant (hopefully me) asks you both a simple question, like, “Do you take this person to be your lawfully wedded spouse?” Your answer—“I do” or “I will”—is your Declaration of Intent. It’s that easy!
Why Hire Nichole Bertucci of A Simple I Do?Now that you know the importance of the Declaration of Intent, let’s talk about why you should hire a professional (like me!) to officiate your ceremony.

1. Expertise and Experience: With years of experience as a wedding officiant, I know the ins and outs of Michigan’s marriage laws. I’ll make sure your Declaration of Intent is legally sound and seamlessly integrated into your ceremony.
   
2. Personalized Ceremonies: I work closely with couples to create a ceremony that reflects their unique love story. From the romantic moments to the humorous ones, your ceremony will be truly one-of-a-kind.
   
3. Keeping It Light: Weddings can be stressful, but they should also be fun! I bring a warm, friendly presence and a touch of humor to help you and your guests relax and enjoy the moment.
   
4. Stress-Free Process: I handle all the legal requirements, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Just focus on saying “I do” and leave the rest to me.
   

A Little Laughter to Lighten the MoodLet's face it—weddings can be a bit nerve-wracking. So, here’s a fun little snippet from one of my ceremonies:
Officiant: "Do you promise to love, honor, and share your dessert even when they said they weren’t hungry and now want a bite of yours?" You: "I do!"
ConclusionThe Declaration of Intent is a crucial part of your Michigan wedding ceremony, but it doesn't have to be daunting. With Nichole Bertucci of A Simple I Do as your officiant, you can rest assured that your ceremony will be legally binding, beautifully personalized, and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor.
Ready to tie the knot with a ceremony that’s both legal and lovely? Contact me today at A Simple I Do to start planning your perfect wedding.