Almost everyone is familiar with the sound of traditional wedding vows. For some people, traditional vows are the only sort that will do. There are a few styles of traditional vows to choose from below. You may wish to add your own embellishments.

EXAMPLES OF TRADITIONAL VOWS
I, (Bride/Groom), take (you/thee) (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us.

OR
I, (Bride's Name), take (you/thee), (Groom's Name),
to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] husband,
secure in the knowledge that you will be
my constant friend,
my faithful partner in life,
and my one true love.
On this special [opt: and holy] day,
I (affirm/reaffirm/give) to you
in the presence of God and (all those in attendance/these witnesses)
my (pledge/sacred promise) to stay by your side as your [opt: faithful] wife
in sickness and in health,
in joy and in sorrow, as well as
through the good times and the bad.
I (promise/further promise) to love you without reservation,
comfort you in times of distress,
encourage you to achieve (higher/all of your) goals,
laugh with you and cry with you,
grow with you in mind and spirit,
always be open and honest with you,
and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

I, (Groom's Name), take (you/thee), (Bride's Name),
to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] wife,
knowing in my heart that you will be
my constant friend,
my faithful partner in life,
and my one true love.
On this special [opt: and holy] day,
I (affirm/reaffirm/give) to you
in the presence of God and (all those in attendance/these witnesses)
my (pledge/sacred promise) to stay by your side as your [opt: faithful] husband
in sickness and in health,
in joy and in sorrow, as well as
through the good times and the bad.
I (promise/further promise) to love you without reservation,
honour and respect you,
provide for your needs as best I can,
protect you from harm,
comfort you in times of distress,
grow with you in mind and spirit,
always be open and honest with you,
and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

FULL TRADITIONAL WEDDING CEREMONY - SAMPLE
Celebrant:
We are gathered here today in the face of this company, to join together (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name) in matrimony; which is an honourable and solemn estate and therefore is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly. Into this estate these two persons present come now to be joined. If any one can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Parents:
We do.

Then the bride is given away.

Celebrant to Groom:
(Groom's Name), do you take (Bride's Name) for your lawful wedded wife, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honour, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live?

Groom:
I do.

Celebrant to Bride:
(Bride's Name), do you take (Groom's Name) for your lawful wedded husband, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honour, comfort, and cherish him from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto him for as long as you both shall live?

Bride:
I do.

At this point the couple may improvise by playing a favorite song and/or reading.

Celebrant: addressing the groom who repeats the marriage vows:
I (Groom's Name) take thee (Bride's Name) to be 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, honour, and cherish, 'til death do us part, and thereto I plight thee my troth.

Celebrant: then to the bride who repeats the marriage vows:
I (Bride's Name) take thee (Groom's Name) to be my wedded 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, honour, and cherish, 'til death do us part, and thereto I plight thee my troth.

The Celebrant then asks for the brides ring from the best man.

Celebrant: (about brides ring):
May this ring be blessed so he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in peace, and continue in love until life's end.

Groom: placing ring on bride's finger:
With this ring I thee wed. Wear it as a symbol of our love and commitment.

Celebrant: (about groom's ring):
May this ring be blessed so that she who gives it and he who wears it may abide in peace, and continue in love until life's end.

Bride: placing ring on groom's finger:
With this ring I thee wed. Wear it as a symbol of our love and commitment.

You may want to play a song or some music here.

Celebrant:
May this couple be prepared to continue to give, be able to forgive and experience more and more joy with each passing day, with each passing year. (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name), are now beginning their married life together, we hope that they may have loving assistance from their family, the constant support of friends, and a long life with good health and everlasting love. In so much as (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name) have consented to live forever together in wedlock, and have witnessed the same before this company, having given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and having declared same by the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife.

Celebrant: (to the couple):
You may now seal the promises you have made with each other with a kiss.

Celebrant:
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the loving couple
Mr. and Mrs.…………

Music and Signing of the Register.

These are just three options in the type of wording one may use for traditional wedding vows. The best way to decide on the vows for you is to meet with your celebrant and discuss the myriad of options available in nuptials today.

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This article has been reproduced on Wedding Central Australia with permission. © Cherish Ceremonies 2004. All Rights Reserved.