Traditional wedding vows carry centuries of meaning and cultural significance. From the timeless “to have and to hold” to the enduring promise of “in sickness and in health,” these classic wedding vows have united couples across generations. Whether you’re planning to use these time-honored words exactly as they’ve been spoken for centuries or adapt them for your ceremony, discover the beauty and meaning behind traditional marriage vows.
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Try Free Vows Generator βClassic Traditional Wedding Vows
Protestant Version
“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.”
Civil Ceremony Version
“[Name], I take you to be my [husband/wife]. In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, staying true to you is my promise. Loving you and honoring you all the days of my life will always be my commitment.”
Understanding Traditional Vows
“To Have and To Hold”
Represents physical presence and emotional support throughout life’s journey. This phrase dates back to medieval English marriage ceremonies.
“For Better, For Worse”
Acknowledges that marriage endures through both joyful and challenging times, emphasizing unconditional commitment.
“In Sickness and In Health”
Promises to care for each other regardless of physical or mental wellbeing, highlighting the depth of marital commitment.
“Till Death Do Us Part”
Emphasizes the lifelong nature of marriage vows, representing the permanent bond between spouses.
Cultural Variations
Catholic Traditions βοΈ
Includes additional references to God and the sacrament of matrimony
Jewish Traditions ποΈ
Centers around the sacred marriage contract and seven blessings
Anglican Traditions πΏ
Based on the Book of Common Prayer with specific ceremonial elements
Orthodox Traditions π―οΈ
Focuses on the mystery of marriage and crown ceremony
Adapting Traditional Vows
Keeping the Core
- β’ Maintain key promises
- β’ Preserve formal language
- β’ Honor traditional structure
- β’ Include timeless elements
Adding Personal Touch
- β’ Insert personal anecdotes
- β’ Update language style
- β’ Add specific promises
- β’ Include shared values
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the traditional wedding vows with obey? π
Traditional vows, such as those from the Book of Common Prayer, often included the word “obey” for the bride. Today, many couples choose to omit or modify this for a more modern feel.
What is a traditional wedding ceremony script? π
A traditional wedding ceremony script typically includes an opening prayer or welcome, the exchange of vows, the ring ceremony, and a closing blessing or pronouncement.
What are the three promises of marriage? π
The three common promises in marriage vows often include love, honor, and cherish (or obey, in some traditional scripts). These symbolize the couple’s commitment to each other.
What are the vows for marriage in the US? πΊπΈ
In the US, marriage vows can vary by religion or preference, but commonly include phrases like “to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer.”
Additional Wedding Vow Resources π
Religious & Cultural Traditions
Wedding Planning Resources
Legal & Ceremonial Resources
These external resources have been carefully selected to provide additional guidance and inspiration for your wedding vows. While we strive to recommend quality content, please note that external websites are not under our control and may change over time.
