25 Traditional Wedding Vow Examples That Will Make You Cry (In a Good Way)

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It is wild to think that the standard wedding vows we hear today actually originated from a prayer book written in England way back in 1549. That means millions of couples have stood in nervous anticipation, speaking those exact same words for centuries. I remember sitting down to write my own vows and feeling completely paralyzed by that history. It’s a lot of pressure! If you are looking for traditional wedding vow examples to inspire your ceremony, knowing this lineage actually helps—it reminds you that you’re joining a massive, timeless tradition.

I wanted to say something meaningful, but every time I tried to be original, it felt a little shallow compared to the classics. If you’re feeling that pressure to find the “perfect” words, you aren’t alone. WeddingWire points out that while guests love the open bar, the vows are usually the part of the day couples remember most vividly.

Quick Resources:

• Customize traditional wording with the Wedding Vow Generator
• Explore the full suite of planning support in All Wedding Tools

TL;DR

• Check the Fine Print: Before you fall in love with a specific text, check with your officiant. Some religious venues require specific wording and don’t offer much wiggle room.

• Pick Your Vibe: Do you want the formal “thee/thou” Shakespearean drama, or do you want a modern take on the classics?

• Know the Format: Decide if you want to read a paragraph to your partner (requires holding it together while crying) or just answer “I do” to questions (easier on the nerves).

• Think Long Term: Try to pick words that will sound just as true in 50 years as they do right now.

• Get Help: You don’t have to do this alone; professional help is available to refine your words and calm your nerves.

Things to Consider Before You Choose

Before you pick a specific script, let’s look at the logistics. A marriage promise is basically a verbal contract that carries a lot of emotional weight. You need to know if your venue or officiant has strict rules (the Catholic Church usually does) or if you have the freedom of a civil ceremony to say whatever you want.

For more guidance on getting your head in the right space, check out these 6 things to know before you write your wedding vows.

Feature	Traditional/Formal Style	Modern/Contemporary Style
Language	Uses “Thee,” “Thou,” and “Plight thee my troth.”	Uses “You,” “Yours,” and “Commit my life.”
Structure	Rigid, set scripts. You stick to the book.	Flexible. You can add personal stories or jokes.
Focus	Duty, obedience, and religious covenant.	Partnership, equality, and emotional support.
Delivery	Often “Call and Response” (you repeat after the officiant).	Often recited from a vow book or card.

Think about the formality you want. You might love the vintage “thee and thou” style, or you might prefer modern English that flows a bit easier. You also need to decide on the dynamic. Some couples speak directly to each other, while others prefer the “Call and Response” method where the officiant does the heavy lifting (a lifesaver if you hate public speaking).

Also, be honest with yourself about your memory. If you think you might blank out from the emotion, stick to short phrases you can repeat.

Adapt classic wording to your comfort level with the Wedding Vow Generator

The Ultimate List of Traditional Vows

I’ve broken these 25 examples down by style and tradition to help you find the right fit. Here is the text and a quick breakdown of why it works.

Category A: Christian Denominational Vows

These are the classic promises you’ll recognize from every rom-com you’ve ever seen. They cover the bases: sickness, health, money, and loyalty. If you are interested in how these scripts have shifted over the years, looking into redefining “I do” and the evolution of Christian wedding vows gives you some cool context on why these remain the gold standard.

Here are the specific scripts used across various denominations.

Modernize traditional vows gently using the Wedding Vow Generator

1. The Classic Episcopal Vow

“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 in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”

This is the “Big One.” It covers every scenario and works for almost any Christian service. It’s timeless for a reason.

2. The Roman Catholic Vow

“I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”

Short, sweet, and to the point. This focuses heavily on fidelity. It’s a requirement for Catholic masses, but honestly, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants simplicity.

3. The Methodist Vow

“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 in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”

Very similar to the Episcopal vow. In Methodist ceremonies, this is often done as a “Call and Response,” which takes the pressure off you to memorize it.

4. The Presbyterian Declaration

“I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my wife/husband, and I do promise and covenant, 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.”

I love the use of “plenty and want” here—it feels a bit more poetic than just talking about being rich or poor.

Real Talk: The “Obey” Clause
In really old texts, the bride was often asked to promise to “obey” her husband. Most modern couples (even religious ones) find this super outdated.

• The Fix: If you love the old-school text but hate that word, just swap “obey” for “support,” “respect,” or “cherish.” Most officiants are totally happy to make that tweak.

Swap outdated language seamlessly with the Wedding Vow Generator

5. The Lutheran Vow

“I 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.”

This one feels very conversational and human. The explicit mention of “forgiveness” is a nice touch—because let’s be real, you’re going to need to forgive each other eventually.

6. The Baptist Call and Response

Officiant: “Will you, [Name], have [Name] to be your wife/husband? Will you love her/him, comfort her/him, honor and keep her/him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her/him, so long as you both shall live?”

Response: “I will.”

Perfect if you are terrified of public speaking. The officiant does all the talking; you just have to say two words.

Category B: Jewish & Interfaith Vows

These options focus on the sanctity of the union and creating a shared home. They are great for couples blending traditions who want their promises to reflect a union of families, not just individuals.

7. The Traditional Jewish Ring Vow (Haray At)

“Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel.”

Historically significant and very powerful. While traditionally said by the groom, many modern couples have both partners say it to keep things equal.

8. The Conservative/Reform Vow (Ani L’Dodi)

“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.”

From the Song of Solomon. It’s poetic rather than legalistic. It’s a beautiful, short addition to the ring ceremony, especially for interfaith weddings.

9. The Interfaith “Light” Vow

“I promise to share with you in times of trouble and in times of joy. I promise to build a home with you that is filled with love, laughter, and light.”

This avoids specific religious language while keeping a spiritual feel. It grounds the promise in the concept of the home you’re building together.

Category C: Civil & Secular Vows

These focus on the commitment without the religious overtones. They are ideal for City Hall weddings or anyone who wants the solemnity of tradition without the theology.

Create meaningful civil vows with help from the Wedding Vow Generator

If you find the strict civil route a little too dry, compare them against 10 modern wedding vows examples to see if a contemporary twist suits your personality better.

Vow Format	Description	Best For
Recitation	You read the full paragraph to your partner.	Couples who want to make direct eye contact and speak from the heart.
Call & Response	The officiant reads a phrase, you repeat it back.	Couples who are nervous about memorizing lines or getting too emotional to speak clearly.
Question & Answer	The officiant asks “Do you take…”, you say “I do.”	The quickest ceremonies or couples with extreme stage fright.

10. The Standard Civil Vow

“I, [Name], take thee, [Name], to be my lawful wedded 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 to cherish, till death do us part.”

Uses “lawful wedded” to emphasize the legal contract. Fits perfectly for a Justice of the Peace ceremony.

11. The “Short & Sweet” Civil Vow

“I, [Name], commit myself to you, [Name], as your wife/husband, to learn and grow with you, to respect you in everything, as an equal partner, in the foreknowledge of joy and pain.”

Modern and egalitarian. The phrase “equal partner” really sets the tone for a modern marriage.

12. The Ring Exchange Civil Vow

“I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you, as long as I live.”

Focuses entirely on the symbolism of the ring. Simple, low pressure, and easy to memorize.

13. The Justice of the Peace Vow

“Do you take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded spouse? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish them?”

Response: “I do.”

The most efficient option available. It fulfills all the legal requirements in the US without any extra fluff.

Category D: Spiritual & Humanist Vows

These promises focus on the soul, nature, or human connection. They offer depth without adhering to a specific religious doctrine.

14. The Quaker Pledge

“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 wife/husband so long as we both shall live.”

Quakers traditionally have no officiant, so the couple marries each other. It really emphasizes that *you* are the ones making this happen, supported by your community.

15. The Unitarian Universalist Vow

“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.”

This variation removes the “until death” clause and focuses on “always.” It feels very inclusive.

16. The Humanist Vow

“I promise to be an honest, faithful, and loving partner. I promise to encourage you, inspire you, and love you truly through good times and bad. I promise to be there for you when you need me, to fill your days with sunshine, to comfort you and encourage you, to help you reach your goals.”

Focuses on being a good human to another human. It sounds traditional in rhythm but is very modern in content.

17. The Nature/Spiritual Vow

“I take you to be my partner. Like the seasons, I recognize our life will change. I promise to weather the storms with you and bask in the sunlight with you, honoring your spirit and your heart.”

Beautiful imagery here. It acknowledges that change is inevitable, which is a very mature way to look at marriage.

18. The Buddhist-Inspired Vow

“I undertake to help you to be your true self and to let you help me be mine. I undertake to speak the truth to you and to listen to your truth with an open heart.”

This is about mindfulness and psychological support rather than just material fidelity.

Category E: Historical & Romantic Traditions

These vows are rooted in history or literature. They give a vintage, “period piece” aesthetic to your ceremony. If you want more inspiration from literature, check out some wedding vow quotes from classic novels to supplement these.

19. The Medieval/Chivalric Vow

“I, [Name], take thee, [Name], to be my wedded wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, for fairer for fouler, in sickness and in health, to be bonny and buxom at bed and at board, till death us depart.”

Old English phrasing at its finest. It definitely provides a distinct, historical feel.

Example: Updating the “Thee and Thou”
If you love the rhythm but feel silly saying “bonny and buxom” (which meant something very different back then!), try a modern translation:

• Original: “To be bonny and buxom at bed and at board.”

• Modern Translation: “To be joyful and spirited in our home and our life.”

Keeps the vibe without the archaic language that might confuse your grandma.

Translate classic vows into modern language using the Wedding Vow Generator

20. The Celtic Handfasting Vow

“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.”

Used during the binding of the hands. It is visceral, intense, and feels very “Outlander.”

21. The Victorian Romantic Vow

“I choose you above all others, to share my life and my love. I give you my hand and my heart, to be your constant companion and your faithful partner from this day forward.”

Elegant and polite. It emphasizes the act of choosing your partner.

22. The “Book of Common Prayer” (Original 1549)

“I, [Name], take thee, [Name], to my wedded 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 to cherish, till death us depart.”

The ancestor of almost all English vows. If you want history, this is it.

Category F: Eastern & Cultural Traditions

These are simplified translations for English-speaking ceremonies. They bring cultural depth to the occasion.

23. The Hindu Seven Steps (Saptapadi) Summary

“We have taken the Seven Steps. You have become mine forever. Yes, we have become partners. I have become yours. Hereafter, I cannot live without you. Do not live without me. Let us share the joys. We are word and meaning, united.”

A powerful declaration of unity. “We are word and meaning” is such a beautiful concept.

24. The Muslim Vow (Nikah)

“I, [Name], offer you 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/husband.”

A formal contract translated into a spoken promise. It is deeply rooted in religious obedience.

25. The Apache Wedding Blessing (Spoken as Vow)

“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other.”

Many couples adapt this blessing into a mutual vow. It is poetic and universally understood.

Example: Blending Cultural Vows
If one partner is Western and the other is Eastern, you can merge traditions.

• The Setup: Start with the standard Civil Vow (Vow #10) to satisfy legal/Western expectations.

• The Addition: Immediately follow it with the Apache Blessing or a line from the Hindu Seven Steps.

• Result: “I take you to be my lawful wedded wife… and I promise that from this day, you will feel no rain, for I will be your shelter.”

Stuck on Words? Here’s the Fix

You might be feeling overwhelmed by these choices or worried that the traditional wording feels too stiff. You want to soften it without losing the gravity of the moment, but you don’t know how. This is where we step in.

Get a polished, ceremony-ready draft with the Wedding Vow Generator

Whether you are struggling to find a script that fits or you are trying to modernize a traditional text, our experts can guide you. We specialize in crafting heartfelt vows without the stress, ensuring your words sound exactly like you.

Jen Glantz and her team are the “wedding fairy godmothers” you need. They offer over 100 AI wedding tools to help you customize your vows in minutes. Jen has attended hundreds of weddings (literally) and knows exactly what lands well with guests and what puts them to sleep.

Aspect	DIY Vow Writing	Professional Vow Assistance
Time Investment	High (Hours of drafting, deleting, and panicking).	Low (Quick consultation and review).
Stress Level	High (Worrying about tone and length).	Low (Confidence in expert guidance).
Originality	Varies (Risk of using clichés).	High (Tailored specifically to your story).
Polishing	Self-edited (Easy to miss flow issues).	Professionally edited for rhythm and impact.

If the stress is getting to you, BFH provides an unbiased support system to calm your nerves so you can deliver your vows with confidence.

Final Thoughts

You have plenty of options here, from the strictly religious to the purely romantic. I hope this list helps you find the words that resonate with your relationship. Whether you choose strict traditional vows or a modified version, remember that the most important thing is the promise you are making, not just the performance of it.

Traditional vows have stood the test of time for a reason—they get straight to the heart of commitment.

Take a deep breath, pick the one that feels right, and focus on the person standing across from you. You’ve got this.