traditional wedding vows

A look at traditions:

Courthouse weddings can be a rather unique way to declare your love to your partner if you want to skip traditional wedding venues and keep your wedding simple (and affordable). In courthouse weddings, an officiant will preside while you declare your affections and commitment to your partner.

With no fancy processional or lengthy ceremony, this intimate and legally binding preceding will leave you with an unforgettable courthouse ceremony for the rest of your lives. With that in mind, here are some vows that might be spoken in a courthouse wedding.

Courthouse Wedding Vows Examples:

“I have no foreknowledge of anything that could prevent me, (partner’s name), from marrying (partner’s name). She/he is the light of my life and is my partner, my lover, and my best friend.”

“I am unaware of any reasons why (partner’s name) cannot be mine today. She/he has made me happier than I could have ever imagined and has made me feel more loved than I ever thought possible.”

A look at traditions:

Falling in love with your soulmate can include more than just yourself and your partner – it can also introduce the children from either of your previous relationships. Of course, this dynamic sets this type of relationship apart from other couples who have no such ties, since it means that your decisions will also have an impact on the lives of your kids. These kinds of mutual fellowships are made up of two conjoined families, rather than just two people.

Lifelong unions that include children can be the start of beautiful, lifelong relationships between step siblings, allowing for an unbreakable and lasting friendship for everyone involved. Because of this, many people opt to have their wedding vows written to honor the presence of their children. Below are some somewhat non-traditional wedding vows that might be spoken when including children and stepchildren.

A look at traditions:

Wedding vows for a second marriage symbolize the faith and hope of a couple after a previous marriage has ended, or after the loss of the spouse. It is very common to marry a second time, and writing down your vows for your second marriage is just as important and meaningful as the first.

Telling your significant other how much you love them and how special they are in your life will make your wedding ceremony as husband and wife the most memorable one yet. Below are some vows that might be spoken in a second marriage.

Vow Examples:

“In my right mind, I stand before you expressing my love for you. Thank you for being my confidante, my friend, and my love. Nothing could be better. Our children have grown up, and we are starting all over again–and I can’t wait to do it all with you.”

“I promise you will not be sorry for agreeing to be my spouse. I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to make you happy, encourage you, honor you, protect you, provide for you, and assist you in any way you require.”

“I'll grieve with you as well as laugh with you. My soulmate is you. I shall be loyal to you. I swear I'll never let anyone or anything come between us.”

A look at traditions:

Brides and grooms that want a contemporary wedding might choose to recite more modern wedding vows, even if they follow a faith. Modern wedding vows allow you to follow tradition–but add a personal twist important to you and your partner.

Modern wedding vows will help religious and non-religious couples alike express their love in the most romantic way possible. Below are some somewhat less traditional wedding vows that might be spoken at a modern wedding.

Vow Examples:

“I promise to grow old with you and keep our relationship exciting and alive, no matter how many challenges we might face. I’m ready to embark on adventures together, and create new memories, and above all–to show you every day how lucky I am to have you by my side. I can’t wait to start building our life together.”

“I promise to always encourage your dreams, keep myself open to all your suggestions, and go through life with you no matter the hardships. To laugh with you, love with you, cry with you, grow with you, and create with you. I promise to choose you every day, to love you in both deed and word, and to do the work necessary to turn now into always. To honor the divinity in you, of you, and around you. Deeply loving what I know of you and trusting what I don’t know yet, I give you my hand, I give you my love, and I give you myself.”

A look at traditions:

In many aspects, including both non-denominational and more religious views, marriage is the merging of two lives. Diverse religions have different wedding customs which might leave couples of various faiths wondering how to best incorporate the two into a single ceremony timeline.

Luckily, there are several approaches to planning an interfaith wedding, all of which culminate in a celebration that precisely reflects what makes your relationship special in the first place. Below are some vows that might be spoken in an interfaith wedding.

Vow Examples:

“I, (partner’s name), take you, (partner’s name), into my hand, heart, and spirit in the name of the spirit of God that resides within us all, and the love that resides inside my heart.”

“Our love has brought us back to the worlds we knew as children. I have a great amount of respect and admiration for your beliefs, even though I am not a part of them. We've promised to spend the rest of our lives together as adults, and I promise to respect your views as you do mine.”

A look at traditions:

Even though Christianity is divided into numerous denominations, nearly all Christian weddings have traditional Biblical wedding vows that are observed by all. Here are some sample vows that are referenced from the Bible that you can utter before the congregation gathered for your wedding.

Bible Wedding Vows Example 1:

“(Groom’s name), you are mine, and I am yours. From this day forward, I promise to love you without end. With this ring, I choose you to be my partner and my husband, whom I will love and cherish from this day on. I solemnly vow to give to you my faithfulness and love, just as Jesus has loved us and died for us for our salvation. In His sight, we shall be one forevermore.” (Inspired by Song of Solomon 2:16)

Vow Examples:

“(Bride’s name), you are the most inspiring woman I have ever met. Your intellect and beauty are far above the price of rubies, and I am so lucky to have you in my life. On this blessed day, I take you to be my wedded wife so we may live our lives together according to God’s plan. With His guidance, I promise to be a strong spiritual leader to you, until death do us part. With this ring, I profess my love to you in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Inspired by Proverbs 31:10)

“My beloved, I know that God has blessed this marriage between us, and I have no doubt that it is His will that we spend the rest of our lives together, loving one another without falter. As one, we will serve the Lord and carry out this union, just as He has ordained. Where you go, I will go; and where you rest, I will rest. Your people shall be my people, and you God my God. No matter what happens in our lives, I vow to remain faithful and devoted to you throughout the rest of our lives.” (Inspired by Ruth 1:16)

A look at traditions:

Traditionally in Christian weddings, the bride wears a white dress and veil. The bride enters the church and walks down the aisle to meet her groom and the priest at the front of the church where the ceremony will take place. A few unique traditions that may or may or may not be incorporated into the wedding are the braiding of the cord of three strands and foot washing.

The cord of three strands is essentially three separate pieces of rope meant to represent the bride, groom, and God that are then braided together by the bride and groom to represent how the three individuals will come together as one.

A foot-washing ceremony may also take place where the bride and groom wash each other’s feet, which references the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.

Below are some examples of traditional Christian marriage vows that may be spoken at your wedding.

Christian Wedding Vows Sample 1:

Officiant: “ ________ do you take ________ to be your husband/wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him/her, forsaking all others and holding only to him/her forevermore?”

Groom/Bride: “I do.”

A look at traditions

Catholic weddings are full of tradition and historical practices. The act of getting married is one of the seven holy sacraments of the faith. The Sacrament of Matrimony is the precise terminology. To make it a true, traditional Catholic wedding, the marriage ceremony should take place in a Church and follow a certain formula of Bible readings and prayers. There are also traditions that involve the bride being walked down the aisle by her father, rings being exchanged, and even select days of the year where the Church will not host a wedding, such as Good Friday.

Catholic Wedding Vows Sample 1:

“I, ________, take you, ________, 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 do us part.”

Catholic Wedding Vows Sample 2:

“I, ________, take you, ________, 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.”

A look at traditions

In general, a Baptist wedding looks similar to a traditional Christian wedding. The father of the bride will give away his daughter, hymns are sung, prayers are read, rings are exchanged, religious wedding vows are exchanged, and the married couple is announced. There are a few subtle nuances, such as the tradition of having a white carpet laid down for the bride to walk down the aisle on. The wedding reception may be void of alcohol and dancing.

Baptist Wedding Vows Sample 1:

Officiant: “Will you, ________, have ________ to be your husband/wife? Will you love him/her, comfort and keep him/her, and forsaking all others remain true to him/her as long as you both shall live?"

Wedded couple (together or individually): “I will.”

Baptist Wedding Vows Sample 2:

Repeat: “I, ________, take thee ________, to be my husband/wife, and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true husband/wife.”

A look at traditions

There are some common traditions that are uniquely present in Eastern Orthodox weddings. A procedure of performing tasks three times, to represent the Holy Trinity, can be found throughout the ceremony. For example, wedding Stefana crowns are moved in the pattern of the sign of the cross three times over the bride and groom. Wedding rings are passed back and forth between the marriage couple three times. And the priest will also guide the married couple around the altar three times after receiving the Eucharist. Another staple element to an Eastern Orthodox wedding is the lighting of candles that will be held by the bride and groom for the duration of the ceremony, which symbolize how God will light the way for their future together.

Eastern Orthodox Wedding Vows Sample:

“I, ________, take you, ________, 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 do us part. So help me God, one in the Holy Trinity and all the Saints.”

Note: Most traditional Eastern Orthodox weddings have silent vows during the ceremony, during which the wedded couple privately commit to being good, faithful spouses. However, in Russian ceremonies these vows are spoken aloud.

Episcopal Wedding Vows Sample 1:

“I, ________, take thee ________, to be my wedded husband/wife, to have an to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death do us part, according to God’s ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my troth.”

Episcopal Wedding Vows Sample 2:

“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.”

Episcopal Wedding Vows Sample 3:

Groom: “In the name of God, I, ________, take you, ________, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”

Bride: “In the name of God, I, ________, take you, ________, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”

Presbyterian Wedding Vows Sample 1:

“I, ________, take thee ________, 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.”

Presbyterian Wedding Vows Sample 2:

Officiant: “________, 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?”

Wedded couple: “I do.”

Lutheran Wedding Vows Sample 1:

“________, 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.”

Lutheran Wedding Vows Sample 2:

“I, ________, take you, ________, 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.”

Methodist Wedding Vows Sample 1:
(United Methodist Declaration of Consent)

“I take you, ________, 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.”

Methodist Wedding Vows Sample 2:

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?”

Wedded couple: “I do.”

Protestant Wedding Vows Sample:

“I, ________, take thee, ________, 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.”

A look at traditions

Non-denominational weddings occur when the wedding couple want to break away from the traditional confines of a structured wedding routine and include some non-traditional elements. They can also occur when the wedding couple shares two different religious backgrounds or one or both parties are atheists.

An officiant leads the marriage ceremony, which can draw from traditions preferred by the wedding couple. For example, the bride could opt to wear a dress that isn’t white, there could be religious references from multiple beliefs, and the wedding guests could be asked to each hold candles. The ceremony is molded by the wishes of the couple getting married and could include some basic wedding vows, such as those listed below.

Non-Denominational Wedding Vows Sample 1:

“I ________, take thee ________, 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.”

A look at traditions

Muslim weddings are also called a “nikah.” If you are attending a Muslim ceremony and see a program of events, understand that the nikah is the actual event where the couple is married. Dating back centuries, it is common for the groom to gift the bride something significant, which is called the Mahr. This can be thought of as a dowry of jewelry, money, or property given to the wife. While a Muslim reception will be full of dancing and excitement, do keep in mind that alcohol will not be served. Here is a sample of the classic wedding vows said at a Muslim wedding:

An officiant leads the marriage ceremony, which can draw from traditions preferred by the wedding couple. For example, the bride could opt to wear a dress that isn’t white, there could be religious references from multiple beliefs, and the wedding guests could be asked to each hold candles. The ceremony is molded by the wishes of the couple getting married and could include some basic wedding vows, such as those listed below.

A look at traditions

Buddhist weddings are known for elaborate colors and attire. While brides are traditionally dressed in white in other religions and cultures, it is not uncommon in a Buddhist ceremony to see the bride dressed in layers of bright colors and fabric adorned in gold jewelry. The groom is often dressed in a brocade garment made of beautiful silks and threads. If the ceremony takes place near a Buddhist temple, often times there will be candles lit, incense burned, and offerings presented in honor. When it comes to the marriage oath at a Buddhist wedding, here are some things that might be spoken:

Buddhist Wedding Vows Sample 1:
Repeat After Officiant

“I, ________, take you, ________, 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.
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.”

A look at traditions

The date for a Hindu marriage ceremony is traditionally selected through an astronomical assessment of the wedding couple’s birthdates. On a related note, you may enjoy our roundup on all the different options to weigh when selecting a wedding date. Once a date is set, there is usually a grand party called a sangeet hosted before the actual wedding ceremony where families can dance and sing for each other. Garlands of flowers are also very prominent at a Hindu wedding. The wedding couple will give each other wedding garlands to wear and then later in the ceremony, those garlands are joined together as one. Some of the wedding ceremony vows that may be spoken at a Hindu wedding include the following:

Buddhist Wedding Vows Sample
The Seven Steps

“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.”

Wedding Vows in Spanish Sample 1:

Groom: “Yo, ________, te quiero a ti, _______, como esposa, y me entrego a ti, y prometo serte fiel en las alegrías y en las penas, en la salud y en la enfermedad, todos los días de mi vida.”

Bride: “Yo, ________, te quiero a ti, ______, como esposo, y me entrego a ti, y prometo serte fiel en las alegrías y en las penas, en la salud y en la enfermedad, todos los días de mi vida.”

Wedding Vows in Spanish Sample 2:

“Hoy, ‘nombre del novio o la novia’, uno mi vida a la tuya, no solo como tu marido/mujer, sinó como tu amigo/a, tu amante y tu confidente. Déjame ser el hombro en el que te apoyas, la roca sobre la que descansas, el/la compañero/a de tu vida. Desde este día caminaré junto a tí.”

Wedding Vows in Spanish Sample 3:

“Yo, _________, prometo amarte, honrarte y apreciarte siempre. Prometo permanecer junto a ti en lo bueno y en lo malo. Prometo ser un esposo/a fiel y amante. Prometo ser el/la más comprensivo/a en la enfermedad y la tristeza. Prometo entregarte mi alma. Prometo ser tu compañero/a y tu mejor amigo/a. Y prometo amarte con toda mi alma y mi corazón por toda la eternidad. Por favor, acepta este anillo como símbolo de nuestro amor y de nuestra amistad. Te quiero _____________.”

A look at traditions

Most Jewish weddings will have a four-post wedding canopy, called a Chuppah, that the couple will be married under. This canopy represents the home that these two are now creating for one another. Typically, the bride circles the groom under the Chuppah a symbolic number of times. The ceremony concludes when the groom enthusiastically breaks a glass with his right foot. The guests in attendance can then shout “mazel tov,” which translates to “congratulations.”

Jewish Wedding Vows Sample:

There are no standard wedding vows exchanged in a traditional Jewish ceremony, though many couples are now including their own spoken vows. Traditionally, the marriage vow is completed when the groom places a ring on the bride’s finger and recites (in English transliteration), “Haray at mekudeshet lee beh-taba'at zo keh-dat Moshe veh-Yisrael," which, in English, reads, "Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel."

A look at traditions

There are a few Celtic wedding traditions that are often incorporated into wedding ceremonies of various faiths and cultures across the globe. Quite often, bagpipes are a predominant instrument featured at Celtic weddings. The bagpipers traditionally will wear plaid patterned quilts, which will also be worn by the groom and wedding party. An act of handfasting, which involves tying a knot in a ribbon around the bride and groom’s embraced hands, is another iconic event taken from a traditional Celtic wedding.

Below are some traditional vows that might be spoken at a Celtic wedding.

Celtic Wedding Vows Sample 1:

“Ye are 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.”

A look at traditions

If you're seeking a Native American wedding blessing that speaks of unity and joining together with your spouse, traditional Apache wedding vows are a fantastic option. Consider acquiring knowledge on Native American readings in your ceremony if you are members of Native American tribes or descended from Indigenous American Indian groups.

While each tribe has its own set of passages, Apache traditional wedding vows provide beautiful options for your wedding ceremony. Below are some vows that might be spoken in an Apache wedding, whether by the couple or the officiant.

Vow Example:

My dearest (partner’s name)
You will no longer feel the rain,
For I will be your shelter.
You will no longer feel the cold
Because I will keep you warm.
You will no longer feel loneliness,
For I will always be your companion.
Though we are two bodies,
But there is one life before us.
May beauty surround us both in the journey ahead,
And for all the years to come.
Let us go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon this earth.
Our adventure together has just begun!

A look at traditions

Quaker weddings are ingrained with holy ordinance and divine assistance, and they often officiate as a modest ceremony. However, this intimacy and simplicity are what make Quaker weddings special.

Secular vows during Quaker weddings are known to be very traditional, making these kinds of weddings such a joy to celebrate with the closest friends and family. Here are some vows that might be spoken in a Quaker wedding.

Vow Example:

“I, (groom's name), accept (bride’s name) to be my wife in the presence of God and these our Friends, pledging to be unto thee a loving and devoted husband as long as we both live.”

“On this day, in the year of our Lord, myself and (groom’s name) appeared together. With (groom's name) taking me by the hand, he declared on this solemn and joyous occasion that I would be his wife, promising to be a loving and faithful husband to me with Divine assistance.”

A look at traditions

The ancient Cherokee wedding ceremony is not well recorded, but modern Cherokee couples are trying to celebrate their heritage by using these traditional wedding vows at their wedding ceremony.

Getting married the Cherokee way is a wonderful way to pay homage to this sacred and beautiful ceremony lost in time. Below are some vows that might be spoken in a Cherokee wedding.

Vow Example:

“Powers of nature, we honor you. Protect these ones we love.
We honor mother earth and ask that their marriage be abundant and fruitful, growing stronger through the seasons;
We honor wind and ask that they be lifted up to soar through life, safe and calm as in their fathers’ arms;
We honor fire and ask that this union be warm and glowing with love in their hearts;
We honor water to cleanse and soothe this union that it may never thirst for love;
We honor all that is under the great sky as they pledge their hearts and lives.
Of all the powers of nature and the universe, we ask for harmony and happiness as they grow forever together.”

“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.”