17 Traditional Wedding Vows to Inspire Your Ceremony

There’s something timeless about the moment two people promise their lives to each other. Maybe it’s the quiet certainty in their voices, or the way their eyes seem to say, “I choose you… always.”

Words have a way of carrying love across years, even decades, especially when they’ve been spoken for generations before. Traditional marriage vows can feel like a bridge between past and present, holding not only the promise of commitment but the weight of history and hope.

Whether whispered softly or spoken with joyful confidence, they remind us that marriage is more than a single day; it’s a journey. And in that journey, these words become both an anchor and a light, guiding two hearts forward together.

What are traditional wedding vows?

Traditional wedding vows are the promises couples have spoken for generations, often passed down through faith, culture, or family tradition. They’re not just beautiful words… they’re declarations that carry the weight of history, love, and commitment.

Whether spoken in a quiet chapel, beneath an open sky, or before a sacred fire, these vows connect two people to something greater than themselves.

From traditional marriage vows in the Bible to sacred promises in other faiths, each carries a unique history and meaning.

Traditional marriage vows can be poetic, sacred, or simple, but they all share the same heart — a pledge to walk through life together, in love, through every joy and challenge that comes.

21 traditional wedding vows from around the world

Love is celebrated in countless ways, yet some promises seem to echo across time and borders. From sacred words whispered beneath a canopy to blessings spoken under open skies, every culture has its own way of sealing a union.

These vows carry stories, traditions, and the hopes of generations before us. Some are poetic and symbolic, others simple and heartfelt… but all hold the same truth — a promise to walk together through life’s joys and challenges.

Here are 21 beautiful vows from around the world, each with its own unique history and heartfelt meaning.

1. Christian (Protestant) wedding vows

In many Protestant Christian traditions, wedding vows are heartfelt promises exchanged before God and the congregation. They often focus on love, faithfulness, and mutual support, reflecting biblical principles of marriage.

The wording varies by denomination, but the most common form stems from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, which has been adapted over the centuries.

A traditional Protestant vow might be:

“I, [Name], take you, [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 myself to you.”

Here’s how to bring it into your ceremony:

• Keep the original structure, but add one personalized sentence that reflects your unique relationship.
• Use “to love and to cherish” as the centerpiece of a shorter, modern vow.
• Recite the vow together in unison for a more symbolic unity moment.

2. Catholic wedding vows

Catholic vows are part of a sacred sacrament, spoken during the Nuptial Rite in the presence of a priest or deacon.

These vows affirm the couple’s free will to marry, commitment to love and honor each other, and openness to children. The wording is fixed and consistent worldwide, emphasizing the lifelong covenant.

The standard Catholic vow is:

“I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawful [husband/wife], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

Here’s how to bring it into your ceremony:

• Keep the vow verbatim to honor its sacred meaning, even in a non-Catholic wedding.
• Incorporate a brief pause after each phrase so guests can absorb the words.
• Frame the vows in a decorative print as a keepsake or altar display.

3. Eastern Orthodox (Greek) wedding vows

In many Greek Orthodox weddings, vows as we know them are not exchanged verbally by the couple. Instead, the commitment is expressed through rituals — including the crowning (Stefana), the common cup, and the ceremonial walk.

Some branches of Orthodoxy do include spoken vows, often short promises of lifelong faithfulness and love.

A common verbal expression is:

“I pledge myself to you, [Name], as your husband/wife, and I promise to be faithful to you in good times and bad, in joy and in sorrow, for as long as we both shall live.”

Here’s how to bring it into your ceremony:

• Incorporate the crowning ritual for its powerful symbolism, even without an Orthodox officiant.
• Use a short, heartfelt promise to accompany a unity ritual like candle lighting or wine sharing.
• Invite family elders to bless the couple after the vows, echoing Orthodox tradition.

4. Jewish wedding vows

In Jewish weddings, vows are not always spoken in the Western sense. Instead, the commitment is expressed through the ketubah (marriage contract) and the recitation of the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) under the chuppah.

Some couples also exchange personal vows after these traditional elements, blending ancient custom with modern practice.

A traditional Hebrew vow line is:

“Harei at mekudeshet li b’taba’at zo k’dat Moshe v’Yisrael” — “Behold, you are sanctified and set apart to me as my beloved, joined with this ring, in accordance with the sacred law of Moses and the people of Israel.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Incorporate the Sheva Brachot in English or Hebrew alongside your own vows.
• Use a symbolic chuppah as a canopy of love and unity.
• Write a modern “ketubah” outlining your shared values and display it at the reception.

5. Hindu wedding vows

Hindu weddings are deeply symbolic, blending ancient rituals with spiritual significance. One of the most important traditions is the Saptapadi, meaning “seven steps” or “seven vows.”

After the primary union ceremony—often marked by the exchange of floral garlands in the Jai Mala—the couple walks around a sacred fire (Agni), which represents the divine witness to their marriage.

With each step, they recite a vow that symbolizes a different aspect of married life: nourishment, strength, prosperity, love, family, self-restraint, and lifelong companionship. Traditionally, the vows are as follows:

1. Let us take the first step to provide for our household a nourishing and pure diet, avoiding those foods injurious to healthy living.
2. Let us take the second step to develop physical, mental, and spiritual powers.
3. Let us take the third step to increase our wealth by righteous means and proper use.
4. Let us take the fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love and trust.
5. Let us take the fifth step so that we are blessed with strong, virtuous, and heroic children.
6. Let us take the sixth step for self-restraint and longevity.
7. Finally, let us take the seventh step and be true companions and remain lifelong partners by this wedlock.

Some modern Hindu weddings also include a ring exchange after the garland ceremony, blending traditional customs with contemporary elements.

Here’s how to bring it into your ceremony:

• Use the full Saptapadi vows in English or your preferred language.
• Adapt each vow into a single-sentence promise you and your partner write together.
• Create a symbolic “seven steps” moment, even without a fire, by walking together and stating shared intentions.

6. Muslim (Nikah) vows

In Islamic weddings, vows are often integrated into the Nikah ceremony, which is a binding contract witnessed by two people.

The commitment focuses on mutual respect, kindness, and fulfilling rights and responsibilities as prescribed in the Qur’an and Sunnah. While wording varies culturally, the essence is consent and devotion.

A traditional vow sentiment is:

“With sincerity and faith, I give myself to you in marriage, guided by the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet. I promise to honor, protect, and cherish you, upholding all that is lawful and good, and walking beside you in righteousness and love.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Recite a short Qur’anic verse on marriage before your vows.
• Have both partners verbally give and receive acceptance (ijab and qabul).
• Include a moment of prayer (dua) after the vows to bless the union.

7. Buddhist wedding vows

Buddhist wedding vows focus on compassion, mindfulness, and walking the spiritual path together. They often include promises to help each other grow in wisdom, to be patient, and to treat all beings with kindness.

Some traditions frame the vows as a mutual commitment to the Five Precepts in the context of marriage.

A sample Buddhist vow might be:

“With mindfulness and compassion, knowing we will walk life’s path together, I take you as my [husband/wife]. I promise to honor and support you, to share joy and ease suffering, and to remain patient, kind, and present through every change this life may bring.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Include a moment of silent meditation before the vows.
• Light incense or a candle to symbolize mindfulness in your union.
• Adapt a Buddhist loving-kindness prayer (Metta Sutta) into your vows.

8. Sikh wedding vows

Sikh wedding vows are taken during the Anand Karaj ceremony, centered around the recitation of the Laavaan hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.

Each of the four Laavaan represents a spiritual stage in the marriage journey, from righteousness to divine unity. The couple walks around the Guru Granth Sahib as each hymn is sung.

A central vow theme is:

“I promise to live in harmony with you, walking together in the way of God as taught in the Guru Granth Sahib. In spiritual devotion and worldly life, I will support, respect, and cherish you, keeping our union strong through love, faith, and shared purpose.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Walk together around a symbolic centerpiece (altar, candle) after each vow.
• Read a translation of the Laavaan aloud so that guests can understand its depth.
• Incorporate Sikh music (kirtan) to enhance the vow experience.

9. Celtic/Irish handfasting vows

In Celtic tradition, the handfasting ceremony symbolizes the binding of two lives together. The couple’s hands are tied with a cord or ribbon while they make promises of love, loyalty, and mutual support.

The phrase “tying the knot” comes from this very practice, which has roots in both pagan and early Christian Irish culture.

A sample vow could be:

“You are the stars in my night and the warmth in my days. With this knot, I bind my life to yours, promising love, loyalty, and steadfast companionship, through all seasons and trials, until our days are done and our spirits are forever intertwined.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Use a cord or ribbon in your wedding colors and keep it as a keepsake.
• Invite family members to place the cord over your hands as a blessing.
• Read your vows as the knot is tied for a visual representation of unity.

10. Native American blessing vows

Many Native American wedding ceremonies focus on harmony with nature, respect for ancestors, and balance in relationships.

While vows vary widely between tribes, blessings often call upon the elements, animals, and the Creator to guide and protect the couple.

A well-known Apache blessing includes:

“Now you will feel no rain, for I will be your shelter; and you will feel no cold, for I will be your warmth. From this day forward, we will share one life, walking together in harmony, protected by the Creator and the beauty of the earth.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Use a nature setting, such as a forest or open sky, to echo the blessing’s imagery.
• Have a family elder or friend read the blessing during the vows.
• Incorporate a symbolic gift exchange, like feathers or stones, to honor the tradition.

11. African (Yoruba) wedding vows

In Yoruba tradition, marriage is seen as the joining of two families, not just two individuals.

The ceremony includes prayers, blessings, and symbolic acts — such as tasting honey, pepper, water, and wine — representing the different “flavors” of married life.

A vow sentiment might be:

“I promise to walk with you through the sweetness and bitterness of life, honoring you and our families. I will love you in joy and in challenge, seeking wisdom from our ancestors, and keeping our home filled with respect, laughter, and the blessings of unity.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Incorporate the tasting ritual to symbolize the ups and downs of marriage.
• Invite family representatives to offer blessings during the vows.
• Use traditional Yoruba fabrics or patterns for ceremonial attire.

12. African (Zulu) wedding vows

Zulu weddings are vibrant and full of song, dance, and symbolic gift exchanges between families. Vows often focus on respect, unity, and the responsibilities of partnership.

The couple may exchange promises before elders and community members, solidifying the marriage as a social contract.

A vow example could be:

“I will respect and protect you, walk beside you, and honor our families and ancestors. In times of joy and challenge, I will remain faithful, building our life together with love, courage, and unity, carrying forward the traditions and values that keep our bond strong.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Include a song or dance after the vows to celebrate your union.
• Have family elders present symbolic gifts such as blankets or beadwork.
• Incorporate bright, traditional Zulu colors in your décor or attire.

13. Chinese traditional wedding vows

Traditional Chinese weddings emphasize family honor, respect for ancestors, and the joining of two households. While not all ceremonies involve spoken vows, modern adaptations often blend traditional tea ceremonies with personal promises.

The couple may bow to Heaven and Earth, to their parents, and to each other before speaking words of commitment.

A sample vow sentiment might be:

“With respect and devotion, I promise to honor you, our families, and our shared future. I will cherish our love, uphold harmony in our home, and walk beside you in loyalty and joy, carrying forward the blessings of our ancestors and the hope for lasting happiness.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Incorporate a tea ceremony to honor parents before or after your vows.
• Wear traditional red attire or accessories for prosperity and joy.
• Add a bowing ritual to symbolize respect and humility in your union.

14. Filipino wedding vows

Filipino weddings often blend Catholic traditions with cultural rituals like the veil, cord, and coin ceremony. The vows typically follow Catholic wording, but the added symbolism reflects unity, strength, and shared responsibility.

The cord placed over the couple represents everlasting fidelity, while the coins signify mutual support.

A traditional vow might be:

“I take you as my partner in life, to love and cherish always. I promise to honor you, share all that I have, and keep faith in our union, building a home rooted in love, respect, and the blessings of our families and traditions.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Include the veil and cord ritual, even if you adapt the wording.
• Have sponsors or chosen loved ones participate in placing the items.
• Present symbolic coins to each other as a gesture of shared provision.

15. Shinto (Japanese) wedding vows

Shinto weddings are deeply spiritual, held before the kami (spirits) at a shrine. The couple performs san-san-kudo, a ritual of sharing sake in three sips, symbolizing the union of two families.

Vows are often formal and include promises of mutual respect, harmony, and support.

A traditional sentiment:

“With sincerity and respect, I pledge to walk beside you in harmony, honoring the way of the kami and our shared path. I will cherish our life together, care for our family, and keep our hearts united through every season that unfolds before us.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Adapt the sake-sharing ritual with non-alcoholic drinks if preferred.
• Wear symbolic accessories like white headpieces or family crests.
• Include a moment of silent gratitude to honor your ancestors.

16. Korean Paebaek ceremony vows

The Paebaek is a Korean post-wedding ritual that emphasizes respect for elders and family unity. The couple offers bows to their parents and receives words of wisdom and blessings in return.

While the Paebaek focuses less on direct vows between partners, modern ceremonies often incorporate personal promises here.

A vow might be:

“I promise to honor our families, care for you faithfully, and build a life of harmony together. I will support you in all challenges, celebrate our joys, and pass on the values and love that will guide our family for generations to come.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Include a Paebaek table with symbolic foods like chestnuts and dates for prosperity and fertility.
• Wear traditional hanbok attire for authenticity and color.
• Invite elders to share blessings after you exchange vows.

17. Hawaiian/Polynesian wedding vows

Hawaiian and Polynesian weddings are infused with nature-based blessings, music, and chants.

The exchange of leis is a common tradition, symbolizing love, respect, and the circle of life. Vows often draw upon the land, ocean, and sky as sacred witnesses to the union.

A vow example could be:

“I give you this lei as a symbol of my love and respect, promising to walk with you through all the tides of life. As the ocean is endless and the land enduring, so will my devotion remain steadfast, guided by the spirit of aloha.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Exchange flower leis instead of rings, or alongside them.
• Have your vows accompanied by a traditional chant (oli) or song.
• Hold the ceremony outdoors where the natural setting becomes part of the blessing.

18. Quaker marriage promises

In a Quaker wedding, the couple marries each other without an officiant, speaking their promises before God and the gathered meeting.

The ceremony is often silent until the couple stands to make their declaration. The words are simple, humble, and deeply personal, reflecting the Quaker value of equality.

A traditional Quaker promise is:

“In the presence of God and these our friends, I take you as my beloved, promising with divine assistance to be loving and faithful. I will honor you in truth, walk with you in peace, and keep our union grounded in simplicity, kindness, and mutual respect.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Exchange vows in a moment of intentional silence before speaking.
• Invite guests to share short blessings or reflections afterward.
• Keep the language plain and heartfelt, in line with Quaker tradition.

19. Interfaith blended wedding vows

In interfaith ceremonies, vows often weave together language, symbols, and blessings from two or more faith traditions.

The goal is to honor each partner’s heritage while creating a shared spiritual foundation. These vows are often written collaboratively to reflect mutual respect.

A sample interfaith vow:

“I promise to honor your faith as I honor my own, to learn from our differences, and to cherish the love that unites us. I will build with you a life that celebrates our traditions, our families, and the shared values that strengthen our bond.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Include readings or blessings from both traditions.
• Have two officiants or spiritual leaders participate together.
• Use symbols (candles, flowers, fabrics) that represent each faith.

20. Australian Aboriginal blessing vows

Australian Aboriginal wedding traditions vary across communities but often center on a deep spiritual connection to the land, ancestors, and the

Dreaming (creation stories). Blessings may call upon the natural elements to guide and protect the marriage.

A vow sentiment could be:

“With the land as our witness, I promise to walk with you in respect, love, and shared spirit. I will honor our ancestors, care for our family, and keep our connection to the earth alive, guided by its wisdom and the strength of our heritage.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Hold your vows outdoors to connect with the natural world.
• Use earth, stones, or water as symbolic elements in the ritual.
• Invite an elder or cultural representative to offer a blessing.

Watch this TED Talk in which Jen Siomacco, co-owner of Catalyst Wedding Co., shares how to make weddings more inclusive, celebrating all identities while reshaping traditional narratives for greater acceptance:

21. Pagan/Wiccan wedding vows

In Pagan and Wiccan handfasting ceremonies, vows often invoke the elements — earth, air, fire, and water — as witnesses.

The couple’s hands are bound with cords, and promises focus on love, respect, and partnership in harmony with nature.

A traditional Pagan handfasting vow might be:

“You are my beloved, my partner, my friend. I bind my life to yours with love and respect, calling on earth, air, fire, and water to bless our union, and pledging to walk in harmony with you for as long as love shall last.”

How to bring it into your ceremony

• Perform the handfasting outdoors in a circle marked with flowers or stones.
• Call upon the four elements in your vows for symbolic balance.
• End with a blessing from friends and family gathered around you.

Making your vows truly yours

Vows are more than just words — they’re the heartbeat of a wedding day, a moment when love becomes a promise. Whether they’re centuries old or given your own personal twist, traditional marriage vows connect you to something timeless, reminding you of the depth and beauty of commitment.

They carry history, emotion, and the quiet courage to say, “I choose you… always.” So, as you stand before the people who matter most, let your vows reflect not only your love today but the journey you’re ready to embrace for all the days ahead.