Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward

Las Vegas, Nevada; January 29, 1958

We have come here today in the presence of God to join in holy matrimony Paul and Joanne.

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the Art of Marriage: The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say 'I love you' at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an angel. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

Paul, will you have Joanne to be your lawful wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live?

Joanne, will you have Paul to be your lawful wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, keep him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live?

This ring I give in token and pledge as a sign of my love and devotion, with this ring I thee wed.

56 Comments

  • psychologist, minister

    We think we have created new ideas and behaviors, but those two had it all 60 years ago. Both of them were such a gift and it seems they lived those words throughout their lifetime

    Helen Weiser 2021-09-04


  • Genuine love

    A couple who demonstrated genuine love and mutual value in a relationship. The marriage vows captive my boyfriend and me.

    Carolynn 2014-09-17


  • Meaningful

    My husband is officiating my niece's wedding. I think this one they will like. I've been married 29 years and it pretty well sums it up.

    Karen 2014-03-22


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