10 Anglican Wedding Vow Phrases and What They Really Mean

There is something quietly powerful about standing side by side, speaking words that have been spoken for generations. Not flashy, not loud—just sacred promises wrapped in tradition and whispered with love.

The moment feels still, but everything is changing. Hearts are opening, futures are forming, and two lives begin to blend into one. Some phrases may sound old-fashioned, almost poetic… but they carry weight. Real weight.

“To love and to cherish,” “for better, for worse”—these are not just words; they are anchors. They hold steady when the days are heavy, and the road is long. Anglican wedding vows​ have a rhythm and depth that goes beyond ceremony.

They echo beliefs, commitment, and something deeply human. Whether someone is hearing them for the first time or the fiftieth, they tend to stay with you. They ask us to mean what we say—and say what truly matters.

What are Anglican wedding vows?

Anglican wedding vows come from a place of deep faith, tradition, and quiet strength. They are not just lines in a ceremony—they are promises, spoken out loud, with intention.

Usually taken from the Book of Common Prayer, these vows are part of what gives an Anglican wedding its distinct, reverent feel. There is no fluff, no over-explaining… just honest words that have stood the test of time.

Words about love, loyalty, patience, and walking through life side by side. Anglican church wedding vows​ hold a kind of sacred simplicity; they say what needs to be said, and they leave space for love to do the rest.

Why are Anglican wedding vows still relevant today?

Even as weddings evolve and couples make their own rules, some things remain constant. Traditional vows, especially those passed down through faith, continue to speak to the heart.

There is something grounding about words that have lasted for centuries—something quietly reassuring. That is why traditional Anglican wedding vows​ still have a place, even today.

• They offer timeless guidance during life’s biggest shift

When everything around a couple is changing—names, homes, routines—these vows remain steady. They give shape to a commitment that can feel overwhelming at the moment.

The words help calm the nerves and center the heart. Even when life moves fast, these old lines slow things down just enough to say, “This is sacred.”

• Their simplicity speaks louder than over-explaining

There is no need for fancy language or grand performances. Wedding vows Anglican couples say are often simple and steady—just as promises should be.

They get right to the point without losing their emotional depth. In a world full of noise, this quiet clarity feels like peace.

• They root the ceremony in shared faith

For many couples, their faith is not just part of life—it is part of their love story. These vows connect their union to something greater than the two of them.

Saying the same words as those who came before creates a deep sense of belonging. It reminds them they are not alone in this promise.

• They remind couples what commitment really means

When emotions run high, it is easy to focus on the moment instead of the meaning. But these vows gently bring the couple back to what matters: patience, loyalty, and showing up every day.

They hold both joy and hardship in the same breath. That balance makes them feel real, not just romantic.

• They continue to resonate across generations

There is a reason people still remember the vows they heard at their grandparents’ weddings. These words stick. They age well.

Even when the world changes, the message stays the same—love, faith, and the promise to keep choosing each other day after day. That kind of staying power is rare… and worth holding on to.

10 Anglican wedding vow phrases and what they really mean

Anglican wedding vows hold a quiet power. They may sound formal at first, but within them are promises that speak directly to love, resilience, and faith.

Whether someone is preparing for an Anglican church wedding or simply wants to understand what these sacred words truly mean, taking a closer look can help make each phrase more personal and deeply felt.

These are not just ceremonial lines—they are heartfelt commitments shaped by tradition, yet alive with meaning for each couple who speaks them. Here are 10 Anglican wedding vow phrases and what they really mean:

1. To have and to hold

This phrase opens the vows with warmth and closeness. It might sound simple, but it captures a deep sense of connection—emotional, physical, and spiritual.

• Example vows

“I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my [wife/husband]. I promise to have and to hold you from this day forward, to remain faithful to you in love and support.”

• What it means

“To have and to hold” is about being present for one another, day in and day out. It means saying, “I am here with you and for you, no matter what.” It is not just about physical closeness but also about emotional intimacy—being a safe place for each other.

It reflects tenderness, commitment, and the simple but powerful act of staying near. This part of the vow promises ongoing affection, presence, and comfort, even in life’s most ordinary moments.

2. For better, for worse

This part speaks to the heart of resilience. It promises that love does not walk away when things get difficult—it digs in deeper.

• Example vows

“I promise to stand by you for better, for worse, in joy and in sorrow, in laughter and in tears, knowing that we will face everything together.”

• What it means

Every marriage has seasons of joy and challenge. This vow recognizes that from the very beginning. It says, “Even when things go wrong—when we are stressed, tired, or facing loss—I will not leave.” It makes room for life’s imperfections and calls for grace during hard times.

Loving someone through the worse means showing up when they are at their lowest and believing that love can still hold firm. It is about walking through life hand in hand, not only when the sun shines.

3. For richer, for poorer

Finances can test even the strongest relationship. This vow offers a grounding truth: love should not rise and fall with money.

• Example vows

“For richer, for poorer, I promise to walk beside you, to manage what we have together, and to build a life rooted in contentment and generosity.”

• What it means

This phrase promises that love will not be dependent on wealth, comfort, or lifestyle. Whether times bring abundance or hardship, the relationship remains the priority. It invites couples to share openly, plan wisely, and remain grateful—no matter the financial situation.

There is strength in choosing simplicity when needed and in celebrating even small victories. Anglican church wedding ring vows​ are often exchanged during this part, symbolizing love that is not measured by material things but by devotion and trust.

4. In sickness and in health

This part of the vow touches something raw and sacred. It speaks to the quiet courage required to care for one another when life takes an unexpected turn.

• Example vows

“In sickness and in health, I will care for you, comfort you, and remain by your side with patience, faith, and love every step of the way.”

• What it means

Illness can change the shape of a relationship, sometimes slowly, sometimes overnight. This promise says, “I will not let go, even when things get hard.” It is about being a steady hand when the other feels weak, showing compassion instead of frustration, and celebrating healing when it comes.

But it also honors moments of wellness—of enjoying health together with gratitude. It is a vow that recognizes the sacred in caring and being cared for, even when words are few.

5. To love and to cherish

Love is at the center of every vow—but to cherish someone? That takes daily choice, awareness, and tenderness.

• Example vows

“I promise to love and to cherish you, to honor the person you are and the person you become, with kindness, patience, and devotion.”

• What it means

To love is to feel connected, but to cherish means to value deeply. This vow is not about grand gestures; it is about daily gratitude, speaking gently, and treating your partner with care. It asks you to hold each other in high regard, especially when routines threaten to dull appreciation.

It is a commitment to never let your partner feel invisible. Cherishing someone means they are not just loved—they are treasured. It turns ordinary moments into something sacred.

6. Till death us do part

This phrase carries a solemn weight. It brings finality to the vow—not in sadness, but in a deep sense of enduring love.

• Example vows

“I will remain faithful to you, to love, comfort, and honor you, until death parts us and beyond, trusting in the eternal bond we share.”

• What it means

This is not a casual promise. It says, “I am in this for life.” It honors the reality that we are mortal, but love can be lasting.

This vow gives the relationship a sense of sacred permanence—it is not something to be tested or discarded but something to be protected and nourished.

Through every change, this line reminds couples that their commitment is not temporary. It is rooted in loyalty, presence, and a shared journey that lasts a lifetime.

7. According to God’s holy law

Marriage in the Anglican tradition is not just a contract—it is a covenant, a spiritual act made in the presence of God.

• Example vows

“I make these promises according to God’s holy law, seeking His grace and wisdom to guide us in love, faithfulness, and humility.”

• What it means

This part of the vow brings God into the center of the relationship. It reflects a belief that love grows best when grounded in spiritual truth and humility. It is a reminder that marriage is not only about personal happiness but also about living in alignment with sacred values.

This phrase can offer comfort during uncertainty and clarity when choices become difficult. It roots the relationship in something steady, inviting faith to be a quiet strength along the way.

8. With my body, I honor you

Physical intimacy is deeply personal—and in this vow, it becomes sacred. It is not only about desire but about respect and trust.

• Example vows

“With my body, I honor you, and I promise to treat you with gentleness, respect, and affection, cherishing the bond we share.”

• What it means

This is a vow of physical presence and emotional safety. It promises to use your body not just for closeness but also for comfort and care. It reflects faithfulness—not just in what is done but in how it is done.

It says, “I will not harm you with my hands or distance, but hold you with love and respect.” This phrase reminds couples that physical connection is not separate from spiritual love—it is a reflection of it, tender and true.

9. All that I am, I give to you

Few lines are as vulnerable as this one. It speaks of complete emotional honesty and a willingness to share your whole self.

• Example vows

“All that I am, I give to you—my heart, my hopes, my flaws, and my dreams—trusting that we will grow in love together.”

• What it means

This vow is not about perfection. It is about truth. It means offering your past, your present, and your future, saying, “This is who I am, and I choose to share it with you.”

It reflects trust—that you will be seen and loved fully. And it also asks for courage—to keep growing and showing up, even when it feels vulnerable. This line is about emotional generosity and the willingness to be known in the deepest way.

Watch this video where Matthew Hussey, a relationship coach and author, talks about forming a deeper connection:

10. And all that I have I share with you

This closing vow is not just about things—it is about life. It brings everything into one shared space with trust and openness.

• Example vows

“And all that I have I share with you—my time, my home, my energy, my heart—so that together we may build a life of joy, grace, and peace.”

• What it means

This vow is about partnership in its truest form. It says, “I am no longer living only for myself—we are in this together.” It includes material things, yes, but also emotional labor, plans, and responsibilities.

It is a promise to carry the load together and to celebrate the wins as one. It teaches that sharing does not diminish either person—it creates something stronger. It is about generosity, unity, and building a life that feels like home for both.

Can couples personalize Anglican wedding vows?

Yes, couples can personalize their Anglican wedding vows—but with a gentle balance. Because the Anglican Book of Prayer wedding vows​ hold deep spiritual and traditional meaning, many churches ask couples to keep the core structure intact.

That said, there is still room for something personal. Some couples choose to add a few words after the official vows, write private promises to share during the ceremony or include special readings or blessings.

It is a beautiful way to honor tradition while letting your unique love story shine through. If you are unsure how much you can adapt, speaking with your officiating priest can help. They are often happy to guide couples in creating something meaningful and reverent at the same time.

To sum up

Anglican wedding vows are more than words spoken on a special day—they are gentle promises meant to echo through everyday life. Each phrase, whether simple or deeply profound, carries a quiet strength and tenderness that grows with time.

When couples understand what they are really saying, those vows become even more personal and powerful.

Whether someone is preparing to say them soon or reflecting years later, there is comfort in knowing that these words were never meant to be perfect—they were meant to be lived. One steady step, one shared a smile, one quiet act of love at a time.