When it comes to your wedding vows, there is no one size fits all. You can either write your own vows or go with traditional vows that have been used for centuries. If you are looking for traditional wedding vows, we have compiled a list of 50+ examples for you to choose from. These vows come from different faiths and cultures, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your ceremony.
Protestant Wedding Vows
When it comes to finding the right wedding vows, Protestantism offers a wealth of options. With over 900 million followers worldwide, there is no shortage of inspiration to be found. And because these followers are divided among many different branches, you can be sure to find vows that reflect your own personal beliefs. Whether you are looking for traditional Christian wedding vows or something a little more unique, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your special day.
Basic Protestant Vows
The basic vows make up some of the most popular standard Christian wedding vows. In addition to the traditional ring ceremony, a unity candle is sometimes included in the service.
“I, (name), take thee, (name), to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith [or] pledge myself to you.”
Some people might choose to keep the key parts of these romantic vows, even in a non-religious ceremony.
“I, (name), take thee, (name), to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”
Episcopal Vows
An Episcopal wedding is a beautiful ceremony that is rich in history and tradition. The vows are a crucial part of the service, and can be customized to fit the couple’s beliefs. Many couples choose to omit mentions of God, and instead focus on their love for each other. This makes the vows more personal, and allows the couple to put their own spin on the ceremony.“In the name of God, I, (name), take you, (name), to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”
“I vow to be your faithful husband/wife, understanding that marriage is a lifelong union, and not to be entered into lightly, for the purpose of mutual fellowship, encouragement, and understanding; for the procreation of children and their physical and spiritual nurture. I hereby give myself to you in this cause with my sacred vow before God.”
Methodist Vows
When you say your Methodist wedding vows, you’re not just promising to love and cherish your spouse until death do you part. You’re also vowing to uphold the traditions and values of the Methodist church.
If you’re looking for a traditional religious ceremony that is laced with meaning and symbolism, then a Methodist wedding may be the perfect choice for you. Here’s a look at some of the vows you may exchange on your wedding day.
“I take you, (name), to be my husband/wife from this day forward, to join with you and share all that is to come, and I promise to be faithful to you of God and this congregation to declare your intent.”
“Officiant: Will you have this woman/man to be your wife/husband, to live together in holy marriage? Will you love her/him, comfort her/him, honor, and keep her/him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her/him as long as you both shall live?
Couple: I do.”
Presbyterian Wedding Vows
When it comes time to say “I do,” Presbyterian couples have a few options for their wedding vows. They can recite traditional vows, use vows that are specific to the Presbyterian Church, or write their own vows. No matter which route you choose, your wedding vows should be a reflection of your love and commitment to one another.
“I, (name), take thee (name), to be my wedded husband/wife,
and I do promise and covenant, before God and these witnesses,
to be thy loving and faithful wife/husband; in plenty and in want,
in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health,
as long as we both shall live.”
“Officiant: (Name), wilt thou have this woman/man to be thy wife/husband, and wilt thou pledge thy faith to him/her, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with her/him, and cherish her/him, according to the ordinance of God, in the holy bond of marriage?
Couple: I do.”
Lutheran Vows
In the Lutheran Church, both men and women make vows during their wedding ceremony. These vows are promises to God and to each other, and they are made in front of witnesses. The vows are a way of affirming one’s love and commitment to the other person, and they are taken very seriously.
If you’re planning a Lutheran wedding, you’ll need to know about the vows. Lutheran weddings typically include a vows exchange between the bride and groom. The vows are promises made to each other, and to God, about the life they will live together.
“(Name), our miracle lies in the path we have chosen together. I enter into this marriage with you knowing that the true magic of love is not to avoid changes but to navigate them successfully. Let us commit until death parts us.”
“I, (name), take you, (name), to be my wife/husband and these things I promise you: I will be faithful to you and honest with you; I will respect, trust, help, and care for you; I will share my life with you; I will forgive you as we have been forgiven; and I will try with you better to understand ourselves, the world, and God; through the best and worst of what is to come, and as long as we live.”
Jewish Wedding Vows
For centuries, Jewish weddings have been steeped in tradition, with couples reciting ancient vows as they become husband and wife. Today, many couples still choose to say these time-honored words as they exchange their nuptial vows. Here are a few of the most popular Jewish wedding vows, along with their English translations.
“Haray at mekudeshet lee beh-taba’at zo keh-dat Moshe veh-Yisrael.”
Translated into English, this means:
“Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel.”
In Jewish ceremonies, especially more modern occasions, you can also sometimes find a ring vow.
“With this ring, you are made holy to me, for I love you as my soul. You are now my wife.”
Catholic Wedding Vows From The Bible
If you are looking for traditional Catholic wedding vows, there is no better source than the Bible. While the Bible does not specifically mention marriage vows, there are numerous passages that discuss the importance of faithfulness, love, and commitment in a marriage. Here are some of the most popular Bible verses about marriage that can be used as wedding vows.
“I, (name), take you, (name), for my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death does us part.”
“I, (name), take you, (name), to be my husband/wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life.”
Eastern Orthodox Vows For Wedding
When it comes to tying the knot, there are a variety of religious vows that couples can choose from. For couples who practice the Eastern Orthodox faith, there are specific vows that are used during the wedding ceremony. These vows are meant to be a declaration of love and commitment to one another, and they are often very beautiful and moving. If you are planning an Eastern Orthodox wedding, here is a look at some of the vows you may want to use.
“I, (name), take you, (name), as my wedded wife/husband and I promise you love, honor, and respect; to be faithful to you and not to forsake you until death does us part. So help me God, one in the Holy Trinity and all the Saints.”
There is also a traditional prayer that is recited three times, binding the couple together.
“For the servants of God (name) and (name), who are now being joined to one another in the community of Marriage, and for their salvation; let us pray to the Lord.”
Hindu Traditional Wedding Vows
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world and has a rich tradition of wedding vows. The vows are an important part of the Hindu wedding ceremony and are a way for the couple to express their love and commitment to each other.
Here are some of the most popular Hindu wedding vows that you may hear during a ceremony.
“Let us take the first step to provide for our household a nourishing and pure diet, avoiding those foods injurious to healthy living.
Let us take the second step to develop physical, mental, and spiritual powers.
Let us take the third step to increase our wealth by righteous means and proper use.
Let us take the fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love and trust.
Let us take the fifth step so that we are blessed with strong, virtuous, and heroic children.
Let us take the sixth step for self-restraint and longevity.
Finally, let us take the seventh step and be true companions and remain lifelong partners by this wedlock.”
Muslim Wedding Vows
After years of dating, you’re finally getting married to the love of your life. The two of you have always been drawn to each other’s cultures and religions, and you want your wedding to be a reflection of that. As you stand together at the altar, you recite traditional Muslim wedding vows that express your deep love and commitment to one another.
“Bride: I, (name), offer you in myself in marriage in accordance with the instructions of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessing be upon Him. I pledge, in honesty and with sincerity, to be for you an obedient and faithful wife.
Groom: I pledge, in honesty and sincerity, to be for you a faithful and helpful husband.”
The idea of the bride and groom being each other’s clothing is threaded throughout the ceremony, so it’s common to hear a related wedding Quran passage, one that could be incorporated into any romantic wedding vows.
“They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them.”
— [Quran 2:187]
Non-Denominational Wedding Vows
Though it may not be traditional, more and more couples are opting for non-denominational wedding vows. This allows the couple to personalize their vows and tailor them to their own beliefs, rather than those of a specific religion. Whether you’re looking to write your own vows or just want some inspiration, this collection of vows will have you covered.
“I (name), take thee (name), to be my husband/wife.
To have and to hold,
in sickness and in health,
for richer or for poorer,
and I promise my love to you forevermore.”
“I, (name), take you, (name), to be my husband/wife. To share the good times and hard times side by side. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as a sanctuary of warmth and peace and pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed.”
Examples Of Quaker Wedding Oath
Quaker wedding ceremonies are lovely and open, with moments of silence where anyone who is moved to speak can share their thoughts. There is a traditional wedding oath and Quaker readings are also often included.
“In the presence of God and these our friends, I take thee to be my wife/husband, promising with divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband/wife so long as we both shall live.”
“Marriage has always been regarded by Friends as a religious commitment rather than a merely civil contract. Both partners should offer with God’s help an intention to cherish one another for life. Remember that happiness depends on an understanding and steadfast love on both sides. In times of difficulty remind yourself of the value of prayer, of perseverance, and of a sense of humor.”
Unitarian Wedding Ceremony Vows
In a Unitarian wedding ceremony, couples have the opportunity to write their own vows to each other. This means that the vows can be as unique as the couple themselves, and can be tailored to their individual relationship. While there are no set rules for what must be included in the vows, there are some common themes that often appear. These themes can be used as a starting point for creating your own vows, or can be used as is.
“Officiant: (name), will you take (name) as your wife/husband, will you pledge to share your life openly with her/him, to speak the truth to her/him, in love? Will you promise to honor and tenderly care for her/him, to encourage her/him fulfillment as an individual through all the changes in your lives?
Couple: I do.”
“I, (name), take you, (name), to be my wife/husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish always.”
Baptist Wedding Vows
Baptist wedding vows are promises made by the couple to each other and to God. They are a public declaration of the couple’s commitment to their marriage. Baptist wedding vows are often very traditional and include promises to love, honor, and cherish each other.
“Officiant: Will you, (name), have (name) to be your husband/wife? Will you love him/her, comfort and keep him/her, and forsaking all other remain true to him/her as long as you both shall live?
Couple: I will.”
“Repeat: I, (name), take thee (name), to be my husband/wife, and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true husband/wife.”
Buddhist Wedding Vows
Buddhist wedding ceremonies tend to be very simple and sacred, with the vows taking a particularly important place in the ceremony. The language is very different than other vows, so it’s great if you’re looking for inspiration.
“I, (name), take you, (name), to be my husband/wife, my partner in life, and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.
And I will trust you and honor you,
I will laugh with you and cry with you.
Through the best and the worst,
Through the difficult and the easy.
Whatever may come I will always be there.
As I have given you my hand to hold
So I give you my life to keep”
“Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of protecting life.
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of taking only what is offered.
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of cultivating loving-kindness and honesty as the basis for speaking.
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of using sexuality wisely and using it to protect our commitment to each other.
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of avoiding substances or practices that may cloud my perception of the present moment.”
Celtic Vows For Wedding
Whether you’re of Celtic heritage or just love all things Irish, adding a few Celtic traditions to your wedding can make for a truly unique and memorable day. From Claddagh rings to Celtic knots, there are lots of ways to infuse your wedding with Celtic culture. And what could be more romantic than saying your vows in Gaelic? If you’re looking for a way to add a little Celtic flair to your wedding, read on for some inspiration.
“Ye are the blood of my blood, and bone of my bone.
I give ye my body, that we two might be one.
I give ye my spirit, ’til our life shall be done.
You cannot possess me for I belong to myself
But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give
You cannot command me, for I am a free person
But I shall serve you in those ways you require
and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.”
“I vow you the first cut of my meat, the first sip of my wine, from this day it shall only your name I cry out in the night and into your eyes that I smile each morning; I shall be a shield for your back as you are for mine, not shall a grievous word be spoken about us, for our marriage is sacred between us and no stranger shall hear my grievance. Above and beyond this, I will cherish and honor you through this life and into the next.”
Non-Religious Vows That Also Can Be Traditional
Are you planning on getting married, but don’t want a religious ceremony? Or maybe you and your partner are of different religions and want to find a way to compromise? Either way, you’re in luck! There are a number of non-religious vows that can also be traditional. From “I do” to “to have and to hold,” these vows can be beautiful, personal, and meaningful.
“Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height is taken.
Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle’s compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me prov’d,
I never writ, nor no man ever lov’d.”
“My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.”
Apache Wedding Vows
These are nondenominational typical wedding vows for couples who want to reverence the land, elements of nature and celestial bodies. Apache vows are basic wedding vows perfect for atheists, couples from a different religion or same-sex couples who want to do traditional vows. They’re heartfelt, and intimate without invoking any deity.
“Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness,
For each of you will be a companion to the other.
Now you are two bodies,
But there is one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.”
Cherokee Wedding Vows
These are standard wedding vows originating from native Indian Americans. These vows are deep, moving through generations, and paying homage to their indigenous ancestry. They transcend beyond traditional to spiritual. So if you’re having a grand Cherokee wedding or fascinated by the rituals, make them your official wedding vows.
“God in heaven above please protect the ones we love.
We honor all you created as we pledge
our hearts and lives together.
We honor mother-earth – and ask for our marriage to
be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons;
We honor fire – and ask that our union
be warm and glowing with love in our hearts;
We honor wind – and ask we sail through life
safe and calm as in our father’s arms;
We honor water – to clean and soothe our relationship –
that it may never thirsts for love;
With all the forces of the universe, you created,
we pray for harmony and true happiness as
we forever grow young together. Amen.”
Wedding Vows That Include Child
For many couples, their wedding vows are a chance to express their love and commitment to one another in front of their family and friends. However, for couples with children, their vows may also include a pledge to their children to always be there for them and to always put their needs first. Whether you are including your children in your wedding vows for the first time or renewing your vows after having children, these tips will help you write vows that are meaningful and memorable.
“Bride/Groom: I, (name), take you, (name of spouse), to be my beloved partner in life. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you until the end of time. I also commit myself to (children’s names), promising to help guide you through life, during good times and bad. I promise to love and support your (mother/father) as long as we all shall live.”
“I, (name), take you, (name of spouse), to be my loving spouse. For better or worse, I pledge to you my heart and my life. As you have been a loving (mother/father) to (children’s names), now let us come together as a family – mother, father, children, together with from this day on. I promise to love, guide, and respect (children’s names) and (spouse’s name) as long as we all shall live.”
Wedding Vows To Include Stepchildren Examples
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to include your stepchildren in your wedding vows. Maybe you want to show them how much you love them, or maybe you want to make a commitment to them as their parent. Whatever your reasons, there are some great examples of wedding vows to include stepchildren that can help you get started.
“Children: (I/We) pledge to honor the new family, brought together on this day. (I/We) promise to respect (bride/groom’s names), for (she/he) has brought our (mother/father) much joy. (I/We) will act with respect to our (mother/father’s spouse) and will work together as a family.”
“Everyone: Together, we promise to love and respect the newly created (last name) family, brought together in love. Poor or rich, sick or healthy, happy or sad, we commit ourselves to each other today. Let us rejoice in the happiness we have found and be a foundation of strength to one another as we establish family ties that will not be broken.”
Gay Wedding Vows
We all know that love is love, but when it comes to gay weddings, the vows can sometimes be a little bit different. Whether it’s two men or two women getting married, these gay wedding vows are sure to tug at your heartstrings.
That said, see two wedding vows that you can absolutely adapt and use as if for your wedding below.
“This ring is a token of my love. I marry you with this ring, with all that I have and all that I am.”
“I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you.”
Courthouse Wedding Vows
When it comes to getting married, many couples choose to do so in a courthouse. For these couples, their courthouse wedding vows are just as important as if they were getting married in a church. While the setting may be different, the love and commitment is still the same. Here are some tips on how to write your own courthouse wedding vows.
“I, [name], take you, [name], to be my beloved [husband/wife], to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life.”
“I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become. I promise to listen to you and learn from you, to support you and accept your support. I will laugh with you, cry with you, grow with you, and create with you. I will love you and have faith in your love for me, through all our years and all that life may bring us.”
Wedding Vows For Second Marriage
If you’re getting remarried, you might be wondering what to say in your wedding vows. While traditional vows are always an option, there are also many other beautiful and meaningful vow options for you to choose from. Whether you want to keep things lighthearted or share a deep and personal sentiment, there are plenty of ways to craft the perfect wedding vows for your second marriage.
“I offer myself to you as a partner in life. I vow to love you in sickness and in health. I commit myself to encourage you in good times and in bad. I will cherish and respect you all the days of our life together. Starting anew once again, I give thanks that I have found you. May our marriage be a gift to the world and our families, as your love is a gift to me.”
“God has given us a second chance at happiness. I come today to give you my love, to give you my heart and my hope for our future together. I promise to bring you joy, to be at home with your spirit, and to learn to love you more each day, through all the days of our lives. My love for you is endless and eternal.”
Most Touching Wedding Vows
When two people come together and declare their love for one another, it is a momentous and beautiful occasion. Celebrate this moment with a collection of heart-felt vows that will inspire any couple. From traditional to modern, these vows express the depth of feeling that is at the core of the wedding day. Choose the perfect words to express your own unique love, and create a moment that you will cherish forever.
“I promise to be your loving friend and partner. I will be here when you need someone to talk to or listen to. I trust and appreciate you. I also pledge to respect and cherish you’re being unique, to strengthen you when you’re in sorrow. I promise to share with you my hopes, thoughts, and dreams as we grow and build our lives together.”
“I pledge to care and love you, until the day I die. I try to be worthy of your love. I promise to be always patient, honest, kind and forgiving with you. And I promise to be on time when we go out on a date. But first and foremost, I promise to be your faithful and devoted friend.”
Personal Wedding Vows
It can be difficult to know what to say when it comes to your wedding vows, but with “Personal Wedding Vows” you can be sure to have the perfect words to express your love for your spouse. This collection provides you with a variety of vows to choose from, all of which are sure to touch the heart of your loved one.
These are vows a husband says to his wife on their wedding day. More heartfelt than mere words, see two examples below.
“By this wedding ring, you’re sanctified to me as my wife and partner in life, in accordance with the traditional of Moses. Wear me as a seal upon your arm, the heart for our love is infinitely strong. Many glasses of water can’t quench love. There’s no flood that can sweep it away. You are my beloved.”
“I take you as my wife and vow to spend my life with you cultivating my love and care for you and for all living things. Our relationship is the most important thing to me. It gives me strength. I vow that I put every effort into strengthening it with honesty, patience, and faithfulness. For all the days, months, and years that we live with each other, I vow to spend every day working to be a truer version of myself. I will make sure that you do the same.”
“I humbly give you my hand, my heart, and my life as I promise my faith and love to you. My love for you is eternal, just like the ring I give you today. It’s a circle without an end. Just like this ring, it’s made of incorruptible substance, my commitment and love to you will never fail.”
“I vow to stay with you for the rest of our lives. I know that it will turn out to be a very long life. I promise to love you but not more than my makeup. But I do promise that I will honor you with all my actions. I will treasure you like you’re an actual treasure. But I won’t bury you. I promise to keep you warm when it’s extremely cold outside. No matter how many books you have, how many times we move, I promise that I will always carry them all each time.”
Bonus: Ring Vows
Ring vows are very popular — whether they come from a religious place or just as a way to seal the couple’s commitment. When couples exchange the rings, they often have a single, romantic line to mark the occasion and make their bond official.
“With this ring, I thee wed.”
“I, (name), give to you (name), this ring, as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you. (name), I offer this ring to you”
There is no greater symbol of eternal love than traditional wedding vows. These are not just pretty words, but powerful promises that will stay with you long after the wedding day is over. They are a reminder of the deep love and commitment you have for each other. Whether you choose traditional vows or write your own, make sure they are meaningful and personal to you.
Brides Often Ask
What Are The Traditional Wedding Vows?
These are vows with roots dated back to generations. They’re focused on love, and commitment, immersed in faith and culture.
How To Write Traditional Wedding Vows?
1.Get clearance from the officiant
2.Reach an agreement with your partner that you’d write your vows
3.Start with who they are to you, and what you love about them
4.Include a memorable and intimate story for effect. But be sure that the story is appropriate for public
5.State your promises and be specific about them.
6.Infuse romance to encompass your devotion, promise, and love. Personalize a little more by adding funny vows.
7.Assure your partner about your eagerness and commitment to a future together.
8.Close your traditional wedding vows with one last promise.
Who Says Vows First – Bride Or Groom?
How Long Does It Take To Say Traditional Wedding Vows?
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