Traditional Wedding Vows

If you're engaged to be married, then you've likely got a lot of planning to attend to. You will need to set a date, find a location, plan the details of the wedding and reception, choose a dress and of course, select your vows. While some couples choose to write their own vows, others prefer traditional wedding vows. Here is a sample of the most traditional of vow choices that can be modified to suit your ceremony:

(MINISTER) Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God to join this man, and this woman in holy matrimony. Not to be entered into lightly, holy matrimony should be entered into solemnly and with reverence and honor. Into this holy agreement these two persons come together to be joined. If any person here can show cause why these two people should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Marriage is a sacred union between husband and wife and shall remain unbroken. It is the basis of a stable and loving relationship and is a joining of two hearts, bodies and souls. The husband and wife are there to support one another and provide love and care in times of joy and times of adversity.

We are all here today to witness the joining in wedded bliss of (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name.) This joyous day celebrates the commitment and love with which (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name) start their lives together. Through God, you are joined together in the most holy of bonds. Who gives this woman in holy matrimony to this man?

(BRIDE'S FATHER or FATHER AND MOTHER) I/we do.

Exchange of Vow between Bride and Groom:

(MINISTER) Do you, (Groom's Name) take (Bride's Name) to be your lawfully wedded wife and live together forever in the estate of holy matrimony? Do you love, comfort, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse for as long as you both shall live?

(GROOM) I do.

(MINISTER) Do you, (Bride's Name) take (Groom's Name) to be your lawfully wedded wife and live together forever in the estate of holy matrimony? Do you love, comfort, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse for as long as you both shall live?

(BRIDE) I do.

Ring Exchange:

(MINISTER) The wedding ring is an unbroken symbol of the everlasting love and commitment between man and wife. (Hands ring to groom.) Repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed.

(GROOM) With this ring, I thee wed. (Groom places ring on bride's finger)

(BRIDE) With this ring, I thee wed. (Bride places ring on groom's finger)

What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. With the power vested in me by God and the state of (insert locality here) I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.