traditional wedding vows
The classic wording, what each tradition actually requires, and exactly where your own words fit. Pages marked as awaiting review are kept out of search indexing until a qualified reader has checked the tradition-specific language.
The wording most vows descend from
I take thee to my wedded 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 us do part.
Each page covers the traditional wording, what is fixed versus flexible, and how personal vows fit inside the ceremony.
Classic vow wording with faith-centered personal promises, and where scripture fits best.
Read the guideThe Order of Celebrating Matrimony wording, what dioceses typically require, and where personal words still belong.
Read the guideThe betrothal formula under the chuppah, double-ring options, the ketubah, and where personal vows fit.
Read the guideSaptapadi, the seven steps and their promises, and adding personal wording with your priest's guidance.
Read the guideThe legal declaration, the contracting words, and short personal vows that suit a registry ceremony.
Read the guideThe blessing tradition behind Irish-inspired vows, and how to combine a blessing with your own promise.
Read the guideUsually yes, but the rules differ by tradition and venue. Civil ceremonies fix only the legal declaration; some churches and dioceses set the vow wording itself. Confirm with your officiant before finalizing anything.
From the Book of Common Prayer, first published in 1549, which shaped most English-language wedding vows. The wording is public domain and still used, with small variations, across many denominations.
A common and effective pattern is to keep the traditional sentence intact and add one personal sentence before or after it, so the ceremony honors the tradition while still sounding like you.