Your Vows Are a Covenant, Not Just Words
Christian wedding vows are among the most sacred words you will ever speak. A covenant is unconditional - you are committing to love your spouse as Christ loves the church: sacrificially, faithfully, and without condition.
Traditional Christian Vows
Traditional Protestant Vows
I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawfully 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, until death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance - and thereto I pledge you my faith.
Traditional Catholic Vows
I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my [husband/wife]. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.
Modern Christian Vow Templates
Scripture-Based Vow (Ephesians 5)
[Name], I love you and I choose you this day. I promise to walk beside you in faith, to love you as Christ loves the church - sacrificially and without condition. I will honor you, serve you, and remain faithful to you until God calls us home. This is my covenant before God and these witnesses.
Covenant-Focused Vow
[Name], today I enter into a covenant with you before God. I promise to love you patiently and kindly, to bear all things and hope all things with you. I will pray with you and for you. I will choose you again every day, for the rest of my life. Where you go, I will go. Your God is my God.
Simple and Personal
[Name], I have found the one my heart loves. I promise to love you the way God calls me to - putting you above myself, being slow to anger and quick to forgive, building a home where faith is at the center of everything. I am yours, completely, for life.
Tips for Writing Your Own Vows
- What drew you to them? Their faith, their kindness, the way they serve others?
- What specific promises matter most? Beyond love and cherish.
- What scripture shaped your relationship? A verse that feels written for your story.
- What are you choosing? Vows are a choice, not a feeling.
Denomination-Specific Notes
- Catholic: Traditional form required; personal additions need priest approval.
- Baptist and non-denominational: Great freedom - personal vows are warmly welcomed.
- Presbyterian/Reformed: Many allow personal vows alongside traditional questions.
- Methodist: Personalization is common.
- Lutheran: ELCA and LCMS may differ - ask your pastor.
AltarWed's vow builder includes writing prompts and a private side-by-side preview for both partners. Create your free account to get started.