20+ Best Traditional Wedding Vows 2024 [Examples & Tips]

If you’re looking for some traditional wedding vows to inspire your own, we’ve got you covered. Here are 20+ best examples of traditional wedding vows that will help you create the perfect ceremony for your big day. Whether you want to include a religious component or not, these vows will give you some great ideas for what to say and how to say it. And if this article has given you any ideas for what might be important to include in your ceremony, be sure to share it with all of your friends and family members who will be attending.

Brides Often Ask

Protestant Wedding Vows

With over 900 million followers around the world, Protestantism is a rich religion and the second largest form of Christianity around the globe. As these followers are divided into many different branches, it is a good place for vow inspiration, with many different Christian wedding vows to choose from.

“In the name of God, I, ______, take you, ______, to be my (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, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”

After the vows are repeated, the cleric blesses the union and rings are exchanged with the accompanying words:

“I give you this ring as a symbol of my love; and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

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, ___, 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.”

Episcopal Vows

Episcopal wedding vows are a favored option, not only for the nearly 2 million Episcopalians in the US, but for those seeking 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.”

Methodist Vows

The Methodist wedding ceremony has two variations. In one, the couple recites traditional Methodist wedding vows, while in the other, the officiant declares “I do” on their behalf.

 

“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.

Option 1

Partner 1 says:

I, Name, take you, Name, to be my wife/husband; and I promise, before God and these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful husband/wife; in plenty and in want; in joy and in sorrow; in sickness and in health; as long as we both shall live.

Partner 2 says:

I, Name, take you, Name, to be my husband/wife; and I promise, before God and these witnesses, to be your 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.

Option 2

Partner 1 says:

Before God and these witnesses, I, Name, take you, Name, to be my wife/husband, and I promise to love you, and to be faithful to you, as long as we both shall live.

Partner 2 says:

Before God and these witnesses I, Name, take you, Name, to be my husband/wife, and I promise to love you, and to be faithful to you, as long as we both shall live.

Lutheran Vows

Lutheran wedding vows provide a poetic, powerful alternative to other Christian-based wedding vow types. Despite being clearly Lutheran vows in the tradition, the language of the vows is perfect for modern couples looking for a modern feel.

“I take you, ______, to be my wife/husband from this day forward, to join with you and share all that is to come, and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us.”
“I, ______, take you, ______, to be my wife/husband, and these things I promise you: I will be faithful to you and honest with you; And 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.

Reform
“Do you, ______, take ______ to be your wife/husband, promising to cherish and protect her/him, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and to seek together with her/him a life hallowed by the faith of Israel?

 

Conservative
“Do you, ______, take ______ to be your lawfully wedded wife/husband, to love, to honor, and to cherish?”

 

Other Jewish Vows
“With this ring, you are made holy to me, for I love you as my soul. You are now my wife.
“With this ring, you are made holy to me, for I love you as my soul. You are now my husband.”

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, ___, 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 does us part.”

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, ________, 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.”

 

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, ________, 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.”

 

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.

“______, will you take ______ to be your wife/husband? Do you commit yourself to her/his happiness and self-fulfillment as a person? Do you promise to love, honor, and trust her/him in sickness and in health, in adversity and prosperity, and to be true and loyal to her/him so long as you both shall live?”

 

“______, I promise to be faithful, supportive, and loyal and to give you my companionship and love throughout all the changes of our life. I vow to bring you happiness, and I will treasure you as my companion. I will celebrate the joys of life with you. I promise to support your dreams, and walk beside you offering courage and strength through all endeavors. From this day forward, I will be proud to be your wife/husband and your best friend.”

 

“I choose you, ______, to be my wife/husband, as my friend and love. On this day I affirm the relationship we have enjoyed, looking to the future and to keep and strengthen it. I will be yours in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in failure and in triumph. Together, we will dream, and live as one while respecting one another, we will stumble but restore each other, we will share all things. I will cherish, comfort, and encourage you, be open with you, and stay with you as long as I shall live.”

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.”

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.

“I, _____, take you, _____, 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, have _____ to be your (wife/husband)? Will you love (her/him), comfort and keep (her/him), and forsaking all others remain true to (her/him), as long as you both shall live?”

Bride/Groom: “I will.”

The other option is a shorter version of vows—one line said by both partners:

“I, _____, take thee, to be my (wife/husband), and before God and these witnesses, I promise to be a faithful and true (husband/wife).”

The ring exchange follows along with the following words:

“With this ring, I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, till death do us part.”

 

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 GROOM/BRIDE, take thee, GROOM/BRIDE to be my Husband/Wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my Husband/Wife, for as long as we both shall live.

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

Option 1
You are blood of my blood, bone of my bone. I give you my body, that we might be one. I give you my spirit, until our life is done.

 

Option 2
You are the star of each night,
You are the brightness of every morning,
You are the story of each guest,
You are the report of every land.
No evil shall befall you, on hill nor bank,
In field or valley, on mountain or in glen.
Neither above, nor below, neither in sea,
Nor on shore, in skies above,
Nor in the depths.
You are the kernel of my heart,
You are the face of my sun,
You are the harp of my music,
You are the crown of my company.

 

Option 3
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 pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night.
And the eyes into which I smile in the morning.
I pledge to you the first bite from my meat,
And the first drink from my cup.
I pledge to you my living and dying, equally in your care,
And tell no strangers our grievances.
This is my wedding vow to you.
This is a marriage of equals.

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

For couples with children who were born prior to the wedding, the event can be a special occasion for them. They can witness the beauty of your wedding and take part in meaningful moments such as photo taking, unity rituals, and walking down the aisle. The highlight, however, is when you include them in your wedding vows. Avoid putting pressure on them and ensure they are comfortable with their involvement. Here are some wedding vow options for families 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

An increasing number of same-sex couples are tying the knot. Their vows tend to be heartfelt, meaningful, and personal. Whether for a male or lesbian wedding, it’s crucial to give the vows significance and make them unforgettable.

Before crafting your vows, it’s important to determine what you’ll call each other. Will it be husband, wife, or partner? This agreement should be reached before writing the vows to ensure they reflect your choice and avoid any misunderstandings.

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 declarations of love and commitment made in front of an authorized officiant and at least two witnesses in a courthouse setting. These vows, which consist of prayers and promises, are legally binding and valid regardless of the size or cost of the celebration. They symbolize a lifelong commitment to another person until death. These vows are considered sacred and are recognized globally.

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 result from the loss of a spouse or a divorce, but it’s also an opportunity for starting fresh and finding happiness again. The second time around can be just as beautiful as the first, so it’s important to put your heart into your vows.

Getting married for a second time demonstrates your continued belief in love and the institution of marriage, and your wedding vows should reflect this. Your vows should express the joy you feel, the love in your heart, and your hopes 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 readily available online, but their quality can vary greatly. Some evoke emotions while others are uninspired. While lavish spending, stunning venues, and beautiful dresses are often highlighted in weddings, they are only embellishments.

The real essence of the wedding day lies in the exchange of vows. This is what truly makes it all worth it. The couple acknowledges and affirms their lifelong commitment to each other, freely giving themselves without any conditions or reservations. This is why the words used in the vows are so powerful and significant.

“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.

“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.”

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.”

 

“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.”