A traditional Jewish wedding, that is, one conducted strictly in accordance with
Jewish law, has no recitation of wedding vows.
As the groom gives the bride a ring during the Jewish public wedding ceremony,
he says to her (in Hebrew if at all possible): "Become holy to me on account of
this ring, according to the customs of Moses and Israel." Except for that, no other
words are spoken by either party.
Another part of the wedding process, however, does involve a formal 'contract',
signed by the groom and witnesses in advance of the ceremony. It details the
groom's responsibilities to provide for the bride's material well-being. The text
and format are specified in detail in Jewish law. The document is read publicly,
usually by an honored guest, during the ceremony.
Yes, many people do.
That's optional - it depends what kind of wedding you want.
I wouldn't call it preferences. It would depend on the individual wedding situation itself. Some people write their own wedding vows.
Some people prefer to steer away from traditional vows for something more unique for their special day. Some prefer to make their vows much more personal, endearing, and to more accurately describe their priorities as a spouse.
No they had traditional vows, minus the word obey.
Most couples that are getting married are very nervous and most don't remember the vows they are taking, but there is a small booklet of your marriage vows that you will receive and it's advisable to go over those vows because they are important. A few couples are quite calm and make up their own wedding vows to each other. No, men are not lying when they say the wedding vows because they are too nervous just like the bride.
A couple in any State can say their own vows to each other if they so choose, but the Minister will say what he needs to say to legally marry you after you have said your own vows to each other. It's a nice touch to make up your own vows.
Yes and no. Orthodox Jews follow ALL Jewish wedding traditions while Reform Jews make their own decisions.
Hebrew (and Yiddish) is written from right to left. It has its own alphabet. In addition, most Jews read and write the language of whatever country they live.
It is nice to write what you wish for the bride and groom. This can include bible verses, quotes and your own personal thoughts.
marriage
Gay marriages are the same as couples of the opposite sex getting married. The gay couple may make a few changes of their own when they take their vows as do straight couples.