It is inevitable and predictable, but I've heard of medieval fanatics who marry ordering replicas of the One Ring. From The Lord of the Rings. Yes, just like we saw in Shrek 2, but without the dwarves. I have also heard of the ring being replaced by Evenstar pendants. The one which Arwen gives to Aragorn in the film.
Truth be told, as with most notions we have today about medieval ages, our notion about medieval wedding rings is a bit too romanticized.
In our real medieval era, only nobles could afford the cost of a ring. Most commonly a coin was split in two, one half kept with the bride, the other with the groom.
When rings could be afforded, they most often were not as ornate as we usually see depicted in popular culture. Of course, there were exceptions, and these are probably the ones you are looking for. Diamonds as centerpieces, like we often see today, were not as common as other colorful and large stones, like rubies, peridots, amethyst and sapphires. Bands that feature intricate carving are also a good choice, mainly for those looking for something that do not stray too much from modern rings.
Now, finding acceptable medieval-style rings can be difficult. A good option would be to search for a professional smith, one who works with medieval weapon replicas. A ring crafted with authentic medieval techniques should look and feel very authentic!
When rings could be afforded, they most often were not as ornate as we usually see depicted in popular culture. Of course, there were exceptions, and these are probably the ones you are looking for. Diamonds as centerpieces, like we often see today, were not as common as other colorful and large stones, like rubies, peridots, amethyst and sapphires. Bands that feature intricate carving are also a good choice, mainly for those looking for something that do not stray too much from modern rings.
Now, finding acceptable medieval-style rings can be difficult. A good option would be to search for a professional smith, one who works with medieval weapon replicas. A ring crafted with authentic medieval techniques should look and feel very authentic!
OK, So you have great medieval-style rings. You want to have a great medieval-style ring exchange to match. You want to be as faithful as possible to the historical tradition, and reproduce an exchange of your wedding rings as it actually occurred in a real medieval wedding, right?
Well, then we shall resort to nothing but reliable sources. In this case, Emilie Amt and her book Women's Lives In Medieval Europe (Routledge, Chapman, and Hall Inc.: New York, 1993).
"The ceremony proceeds with the priest saying, 'N[ame] wilt though have this woman to thy wedded wife, wilt the love her, and honor her, keep her and guard her, in health and in sickness, as a husband should a wife, and forsaking all others on account of her, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live? (Amt, p.84)' Then the priest, changing the wording of 'as a husband should a wife', asks the same of the woman. Both the man and the woman should answer by saying 'I will (Amt, p.84-5). 'At this time the woman is given by her father. The wedding continues with the saying of vows. Both the man and the woman, with the exception of the words wife and husband, say, 'I N. take thee N. to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, till death do us part, if the holy church will ordain it: And thereto I plight thee my troth (Amt, p. 85).' At this time the are given to the priest to bless them. He gives them back and the ring exchange occurs. They bow their heads and the priest gives them a blessing. As husband and wife they enter the church, where they kneel before the altar. At the altar the priest gives a prayer and a blessing, thus ending the marriage ceremony (Amt, p.85).
Well, then we shall resort to nothing but reliable sources. In this case, Emilie Amt and her book Women's Lives In Medieval Europe (Routledge, Chapman, and Hall Inc.: New York, 1993).
"The ceremony proceeds with the priest saying, 'N[ame] wilt though have this woman to thy wedded wife, wilt the love her, and honor her, keep her and guard her, in health and in sickness, as a husband should a wife, and forsaking all others on account of her, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live? (Amt, p.84)' Then the priest, changing the wording of 'as a husband should a wife', asks the same of the woman. Both the man and the woman should answer by saying 'I will (Amt, p.84-5). 'At this time the woman is given by her father. The wedding continues with the saying of vows. Both the man and the woman, with the exception of the words wife and husband, say, 'I N. take thee N. to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, till death do us part, if the holy church will ordain it: And thereto I plight thee my troth (Amt, p. 85).' At this time the are given to the priest to bless them. He gives them back and the ring exchange occurs. They bow their heads and the priest gives them a blessing. As husband and wife they enter the church, where they kneel before the altar. At the altar the priest gives a prayer and a blessing, thus ending the marriage ceremony (Amt, p.85).
READ OUR COMPLETE SERIES ON MEDIEVAL WEDDING:
Medieval Wedding - Introduction
Medieval Wedding - Part 1 - The Medieval Bride
Medieval Wedding - Part 2 - Guests
Medieval Wedding - Part 3 - Medieval Wedding Venue
Medieval Wedding - Part 4 - The Ring
Medieval Wedding - Part 5 - Medieval Wedding Gifts
Medieval Wedding - Part 6 - Feast
COMING SOON:
Medieval Wedding - Part 7 - Table etiquette
Medieval Wedding - Part 8 - Clothing
Medieval Wedding - Part 10 - Dress the Bride
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