There are so many ways traditional wedding vows can be used to make your ceremony a richer, more personal experience.
But, what do wedding vows mean?
Well, they can mean whatever you want them to. One of the great trends in weddings that we’ve seen in the past few years — and definitely in 2018 — is couples tailoring vows to really make them their own, as a way to symbolize their commitment to each other through words. Even if you don’t come from a religious background, using traditional vows as the base for your own can help give an amazing sense of tradition and romance.
If you’re interested in writing your own and want to learn more about wedding ceremony vows, here’s where you can start.
How To Write Wedding Vows?
Writing your wedding vows can definitely be intimidating, but once they begin most couples find it a rich and rewarding experience. Following a few simple templates can make the process much easier.
Who says their vows first?
Traditionally, the groom says his wedding vows first, followed by the bride. But you don’t have to stick to this tradition — in some couples, the bride goes first and some even do them together. It’s about whatever feels right for you as a couple.
How long does it take to say wedding vows?
Again, this will be down to you. Some couples want to keep it short and traditional, others want to fill it with personal details. There’s no set rule, but between 30 seconds and two minutes is a good estimate.
If you’re unsure of where to start, here are some traditional wedding vows to give you inspiration.
Protestant Wedding Vows
Protestantism is a rich religion and the second largest form of Christianity worldwide, comprised of over 900 million followers around the globe. Because these followers are divided among many different branches, it’s a fertile area for vow inspiration, with many different Christian wedding vows to choose from.
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.
Example:
“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 [or] pledge myself to you.”
Some people might choose to keep the key parts of these romantic vows, even in a non-religious ceremony.
Example:
“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.”
Episcopal Vows
Episcopal wedding vows are another popular choice, not only among the nearly two million Episcopalians in the United States but for others looking for non-religious wedding vow inspiration, which can be done by taking out mentions of God.
Example:
“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.”
Example:
“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
There are two lovely traditional takes on the Methodist wedding ceremony. One option is to say the traditional Methodist wedding vows, while the other is to have the officiant speak, with the couple answering with the simple and classic, “I do.”
Example:
“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.”
Example:
“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.
Example:
“I, (name), take thee (name), to be my wedded husband/wife,
and I do promise and covenant, before God and these witnesses,
to be thy 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.”
Example:
“Officiant: (Name), wilt thou have this woman/man to be thy wife/husband, and wilt thou pledge thy faith to him/her, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with her/him, and cherish her/him, according to the ordinance of God, in the holy bond of marriage?
Couple: I do.”
Lutheran Vows
Lutheran wedding vows offer a poetic, powerful alternative to other Christian-based wedding vows. Though clearly in the tradition, the language of the Lutheran vows is perfect for a couple looking for a more modern feel.
Example:
“(Name), our miracle lies in the path we have chosen together. I enter into this marriage with you knowing that the true magic of love is not to avoid changes, but to navigate them successfully. Let us commit until death parts us.”
Example:
“I, (name), 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; through the best and worst of what is to come, and as long as we live.”
More vows read here https://www.weddingforward.com/traditional-wedding-vows/
