It doesn't matter about the vows, it has to do with the people making them.

In my experience, all vows are worthless.

I officiated a wedding recently. As an atheist, I was ideal to do the ceremony because while they were leaning spiritual, they were not religious. Their families on the other hand were. I was able to strike the balance between meaningful linguistic beauty and symbolism without envoking God or spirit and it seemed to go over very well with all involved. Folks didn’t seem to miss the references to Adam and Eve or “like is blind, love is ...” references at all. Plus it was funny, and their vows were both sweet.

All of that being said, they are divorcing less than a year later. Vows that can’t be kept are worthless by themselves, it’s the people saying them, whatever they are, that really matter.

Nah, one says stupid thing on ones wedding day. Things that are sometimes impossible to act upon. Just two people with rose colored glasses who think that "their love is different".

Vows are vows. You either mean them or you don't

People either grow together or grow apart and there is nothing uttered or printed on paper that will keep people together if there is no longer any wish on the part of one or the other to remain so.

If you would marry suitably, marry your equal.
Ovid (43 BC – 17 AD)

None believers are both free and more thoughtful, and therefore less likely to make or be forced into an inappropriate marriage in the first place.

I personally do not see the strength in the vows, as different! The people that are agreeing to follow their vows will determine the gravity of them! Some people are totally committed to one another, and never took any vows!

I don't know, I haven't heard many atheist vows, but I would assume so. Because if I get married again my vows will be based in reality and actually mean something to us.

Atheists are stronger than religious vows. There is no fairy tales beliefs with slight variations to get in the way of your journey together.

If you really care about your partner, your and his/her happiness, health and work as a true partner in any endeavor you agree upon, understand and accept expectations, I believe there is no need for the following:

1. any vows
2. any greeting card
3. any expenses except for a county marriage license or a registration card for domestic partners
4. a rock in the ring
5. any expenses you cannot easily afford (not more than one person's weekly pay)

A real commitment that lasts will come from each partner's "daily actions" (not words) that validate the bond, the love.

There are many cultures around the world that never use greeting cards, thank you and I love you 20 times a day, a diamond ring and a show off to others about your relationship but have 60, 70 years of marriage with tons of gratitude for what they have enjoyed and endured in their lives.

In short, a true commitment does not need vows and a lot of other BS built into our culture. Cut yourself some slack and be real.

[humanism.org.uk]

Well it looks like humanist vows are

I, personally take my vows/ commitment to someone very serious. It's just him, no one else.

The difference between wedding vows of theists and atheists in my opinion is that one of them brings an invisible friend into the picture. Otherwise it's all about the same. Currently single here and in some way or another all my wives were believers. You know how that goes. People say "I believe in my own way." LOL

saw an article yesterday that claimed non-believers were less likely to divorce.

Not sure that is a positive, yet.

Probably.

No one is getting married just so they can have sex without fear of going to hell.

Divorce Rates for Atheists Are Among the Lowest in America

[thoughtco.com]

The institution of marriage is dying people..... forget the vows, start loving each other.... and be happy every day for real........ That's all you need.

There are no "atheist vows" because there is no atheist holy book or clergy.

In truth all there ever is, are the vows any two individuals actually make and the authenticity and commitment behind those vows. And that varies independently of religion or areligion. Who authors the words or officiates at the ceremony makes no actual difference, although it can influence the perceived difference in between the ears of the celebrants.

So the real question is, whose morality tends to be more influential in how they actually live out their lives? Morality rooted in fear of punishment or in obligation -- or morality rooted in convictions concerning what is objectively beneficial or harmful in the actions you choose?

I know which morality I'd choose. I'd take a considered atheist over a mindless theist any day.

Also of course I'd take an empathetic, kind theist over a sociopathic atheist, in that rare and mostly hypothetical situation where I'd run into either of those as a choice.

Our vows were in Sanskrit chanted by Hindu priests that nobody understood.

I was married to a religious woman but we were able to not allow religion come between us because there were higher issues like raising the daughter, parents's sicknesses, settling down etc. Looking back I now think we must have thought religion was a silly thing to deserve any friction. I was able to raise the daughter atheist though.

I am capable of allowing any person in my company to pursue religion and not impose my atheism over others. I think the more energy we give to religion (support or opposition), the more wind it gathers. Starving it off attention can be good strategy. Just take the glamour and attention away.

For me, wedding vows are very important. A vow is a promise from a partner to be always near, support, and help me in a difficult moment.

I made the mistake of marrying a Christian.... She damaged the relationship I had with my only child and did a lot of damage to me as well. My daughter and I are finally starting to have a relationship again after almost 30 years and it was my only marriage.... I was her second husband so figure out what I am telling you for yourself.... FYI all three of her children hate her now and the middle child is a drug addict....

What a great question. Penn Jillette - a well known atheist/agnostic, had this to say about marriage.

Nope. Most people are full of shit lol