Every faith, race, and culture worthy of recognition has traditional wedding vows which they are well associated with. These are common wedding vows which are heartfelt, intimate, and spiritual, bringing to fore the intensity of the couple’s commitment. So, you’re getting married, and you know deep down that you dig the “for better or for worse wedding vows?
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We’ve got you covered from Cherokee to Catholic, Protestant, and Apache, plus tips on how to write traditional wedding vows. See post for samples of wedding vows, whether you need to borrow or write yours from the scratch.
Quick Navigation
- Protestant Wedding Vows
- Jewish Wedding Vows
- Catholic Wedding Vows From The Bible
- Eastern Orthodox Vows For Wedding
- Hindu Traditional Wedding Vows
- Muslim Wedding Vows
- Non-Denominational Wedding Vows
- Examples Of Quaker Wedding Oath
- Unitarian Wedding Ceremony Vows
- Vows For Baptist Wedding
- Buddhist Wedding Vows
- Celtic Vows For Wedding
- Non-Religious Vows That Also Can Be Traditional
- Apache Wedding Vows
- Cherokee Wedding Vows
- Wedding Vows That Include Child
- Gay Wedding Vows
- Courthouse Wedding Vows
- Wedding Vows For Second Marriage
- Most Touching Wedding Vows
- Personal Wedding Vows
- Bonus: Ring Vows
Brides Often Ask
What is the traditional order of wedding vows?
The traditional order of wedding vows often involves the officiant prompting the couple to recite vows, starting with declarations of love and commitment, followed by the exchange of rings.
What are the 7 promises of marriage?
The 7 promises of marriage can vary culturally and individually, but they often include commitments to love, cherish, honor, provide, protect, be faithful, and support each other.
What are the traditional wedding vows to obey?
Traditional wedding vows to obey are becoming less common, as modern couples often prefer vows that emphasize equality and partnership. However, in some traditional ceremonies, the phrase “to obey” may still be included.
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Protestant Wedding Vows
Protestantism is a rich religion and the second largest form of Christianity worldwide, comprised of over 900 million followers around the globe. Because these followers are divided among many different branches, it’s a fertile area for vow inspiration, with many different Christian wedding vows to choose from.
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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.”
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Episcopal Vows
Episcopal wedding vows are another popular choice, not only among the nearly two million Episcopalians in the United States but for others looking for non religious wedding vow inspiration, which can be done by taking out mentions of God.
“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.”
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Methodist Vows
There are two lovely traditional takes on the Methodist wedding ceremony. One option is to say the traditional Methodist wedding vows, while the other is to have the officiant speak, with the couple answering with the simple and classic, “I do.”
“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
The traditional Presbyterian wedding vows are another beautiful take on the traditional Christian wedding vows — again, the couple can speak their vows or simply respond to the officiant.
“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.”
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Lutheran Vows
Lutheran wedding vows offer a poetic, powerful alternative to other Christian-based wedding vows. Though clearly in the tradition, the language of the Lutheran vows is perfect for a couple looking for a more modern feel.
“(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
The traditional Jewish wedding vow is beautiful and an important part of the elaborate, joyful Jewish wedding ceremony. The bride and groom say one simple sentence that ties them to their religion and to each other.
“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.”
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Catholic Wedding Vows From The Bible
If you’re looking for biblical wedding vows or traditional wedding vows found in the Bible, it’s best to look at the Catholic tradition — one that you probably recognize, as it’s become encapsulated in popular culture as representative of many Western weddings.
“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
Traditional Eastern Orthodox wedding vows are unique because often the vows are completely silent. The couples privately contemplate their commitment to their faith and to each other. However, in some Russian ceremonies, a spoken vow is included.
“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.”
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Hindu Traditional Wedding Vows
Vows, as we think of them, are not part of the complex and layered Hindu wedding ceremony, but the Seven Steps — also known as the Saptha Padhi — is a beautiful part of the ceremony where the couple makes promises to each other.
“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
Muslim weddings are an elaborate, three-day affair — with the bride often not leaving her house for the week beforehand. Muslim weddings do not always have traditional vows, instead, there is a Nikah ceremony. Some weddings include vows and they are unique in that the bride and groom have separate lines that they speak.
“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
For those who want traditional wedding vow examples but don’t want to adhere to a particular religion, non-denominational wedding vows are a good place to start. Many of them include the familiar for richer or for poorer vows, but some are more modern.
“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
Unitarians are some of the most open and accepting of all religions, making their vows perfect for religious and non-religious vows alike. Some follow the call-and-answer pattern, while others are more traditional vows for weddings.
“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.”
Vows For Baptist Wedding
Baptists are a branch of Christianity started in America, with a heavy emphasis on the Biblical authority and the importance of the Baptism process. Traditional Baptist vows to look similar to other branches, but replace the traditional “I do” with “I will”.
“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
Celtic wedding vows tend to be incredibly poetic, making them a great option for couples of any background hoping for romantic wedding vows or just looking to incorporate some stunning romantic quotes.
“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
There are plenty of non-religious wedding vows that are full of tradition and history. Love quotes, poetry, and even popular culture can all be turned into wedding vows — these Shakespearean quotes are always popular choices.
“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
If you already had kids before the wedding, this is a beautiful time for them. They get to see how lovely your wedding is. They also have lots of responsibilities that they will enjoy like the photos, unity rituals, and walking down the aisle. But the highlight of the moment is acknowledging them in your wedding vows. Whatever you choose, don’t pressure them. Make sure they’re on board. Below are wedding vows for couples with children.
“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
In the case of blended families, it’s always beautiful to make them a part of your wedding. It is no more about the couple, but family wedding vows. You should be sure that they are comfortable with getting involved in your wedding.
The children can have their separate vows or not. Having them play a role in the wedding gives them a sense of togetherness. See a general vow and one from the children below.
“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
More gay couples are getting married today. So, the vows are very deep, emotional, and with soul. Whether men or lesbian wedding vows, you have to give it meaning and make it memorable.
If you’ll be writing your vows, then you both will first decide when you choose to call each other. Husband, wife or partner? You must come to this agreement even before writing your vows. This will reflect in your vows and it’s very essential to avoid a clash.
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
Civil wedding vows are prayers and pledges said at the courthouse. No matter the celebration and money spent on guests, a standard courthouse vow is what makes it all valid. You must say these vows in front of an authorized officiant and at least two witnesses. These are vows of love and commitment. One that pledges to devote yourself to someone till death. These vows are sacrosanct and recognized everywhere in the world.
The beauty of it all is that in some cases, the couples are well allowed to personalize. But the keywords and tonality remain preserved in speech.
“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
A second marriage can happen due to the death of a spouse or a divorce. But the good thing is getting up, finding love again, and moving on. Everyone deserves happiness and we assure you the second time is just as beautiful as the first. So you must put your heart into saying your vows.
Getting married a second time shows that you still believe in love and have hope in the institution of marriage. You’ve also found. So your wedding vows must reflect that. It must talk about the joy you feel, the love in your heart, and hope for the future.
“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
Wedding vows are a dime a dozen on the internet. While some stimulate our tear ducts, others leave us bland. Again, weddings are quite heralded by extravagant spending, state-of-the-art venues, and drop-dead gorgeous dresses. But all those are garnishes that aren’t all that.
The core of the wedding day is the vows exchanged. This is what makes it all worth it. The couple comes into the understanding that what they feel for each other is a lifelong commitment. They have decided to give themselves to each other without conditions and reservations. So the words are touching and meaningful.
“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
Personalized wedding vows for the couple goes both ways. The vows must be specifically tailored to the recipient. So, it’s very okay to include the names and point attributes of your spouse. This is why we advise that couples get a little creative in order to personalize. See wedding vows for him and her examples below.
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.”
Go all romantic and lyrical on your husband with these personalized vows. They’re sure to touch his soul and engrave your beautiful promises.
“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”
Traditional wedding vows are not just deep, but powerful, meaningful, and very personal. They are also classic wedding vows that have stood the test of time through many generations. The vows in this post are drawn around from different, races, cultures, faiths, beliefs, and rituals. You can use traditional wedding vow samples as posted, extract bits to your liking, or totally write yours. This is a huge help we’ve rendered to ensure you get your vows right, so stay inspired!
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