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Everything You Need to Know About Christian Wedding Vows

Are you having a Christian wedding? Here is everything you need to know about a Christian ceremony, including the wedding vows

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Bride and groom smiling and holding the bouquet in the air outside of a church

Your wedding vows are, without doubt, the heart of your ceremony and the most meaningful part of your wedding day. After all, the moment you make those promises to each other and become lifelong partners is the reason for this huge celebration in the first place.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to feel inspired by your Christian wedding vows, whether you choose to stick with a traditional order or create a more bespoke ceremony. These vows can also be beautiful phrases to include on wedding stationery for a Christian ceremony. 

About Christian Wedding Vows

Did you know that the Christian wedding vows aren't in the Bible, but are based on biblical principles? If you’ve been to church weddings before, you’ll likely have heard the traditional Church of England wedding vows many times. Christian vows have a traditional order and wording that is legally binding, and you’re unlikely to be able to make sweeping changes to these, but there are other aspects of the ceremony that can be personalised.

Hymns and readings, for example, will shape your ceremony and what you choose can make a service a great event, not to mention more meaningful to you as a couple.

“The vows in use in the Church of England today follow the same pattern and use some of the very same phrases from medieval precedents. Part of the beauty and significance of these marriage vows is their constancy over many hundreds of years,” reveals Rev Dr Tom Woolford, theology advisor to the Church of England.

“There is a traditional language (“thee” and “thou”) and modern language version to choose from, but the Church of England does not allow any further personalisation. In the eyes of the Church, every wedding over which it presides participates in the same essential gift and calling of God – whether or not the couple are old and young, already have children or don’t, whether they are Christians and churchgoers or neither.

“Use of the very same vows in each ceremony is one way the Church expresses that belief. However, there are lots of other aspects of the wedding ceremony that can be tailored to ensure your special day is personal, meaningful, spiritual, and beautiful,” he adds.

“Perhaps including an additional reading that, while not formally part of the vows, could be used to express your love and commitment in your own words. Your vicar would be able to advise you on the options and would be delighted to work with you to design a wonderful service.”

What are Traditional Christian Wedding Vows?

Bride and groom posing on the steps outside the church after their christian wedding ceremony

The main Church of England Christian marriage vows are as follows. These time-honoured vows are as relevant now as they were 500 years ago, and are an eloquent and traditional way to express your faith and commitment to one another while following in the footsteps of those who came before you. 

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 in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part,
according to God's holy law.
In the presence of God, I make this vow.

Prior to your vows, you’ll also be asked to make ‘Declarations’ (That’s the “I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I…” bit – remember that?). This is also legally binding and cannot be changed.

Why Are the Vows Important in a Christian Wedding?

Bride and groom kissing in the grounds of a church

“Christians understand marriage to be centred on a promise of lifelong faithfulness – ‘forsaking all others’ and through the ups and downs of life (‘for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health’),” says Rev Dr Tom Woolford.

“The vows are the formal, public making of those promises in the sight of God and in the presence of witnesses, supported by family and friends. The vows are mutual, legally binding promises made intimately and exclusively between the couple – the vicar is just there to help them say the right words!" he adds. 

Are Christian Wedding Vows Different in the UK?

Bride and groom hand in hand joyfully leaving a christian wedding ceremony after getting married in church

While there is a common core in terms of content and structure, there is a lot of variation between the marriage vows in different Christian denominations within the UK, let alone across different countries and languages worldwide.

“In the English-speaking world, probably all other variations have been influenced to some degree by the traditional vows in the Church of England’s historic liturgy,” explains Rev Dr Tom Woolford. “If you marry in a Church of England Church in continental Europe (the Diocese in Europe) you could use either the Church of England’s English vows, or the authorised translations of the vows in the language of the country in which that church is located.”

Modern Christian Wedding Vows

Modern Christian wedding vows beautifully balance timeless faith-based promises with the couple's unique story. While traditional vows remain popular, many couples are choosing to personalise their commitments, creating a heartfelt expression of love that reflects their spiritual journey together.

In most Christian ceremonies, the core theme remains the same: a sacred covenant made before God. Modern vows often retain this spiritual foundation while incorporating contemporary language or personal details. For example, a couple might include references to shared experiences, their hopes for the future, or how their faith has strengthened their relationship.

Examples of modern Christian vows could include:

“I promise to love you as Christ loves us, with patience, kindness, and unwavering faithfulness. With God as our guide, I vow to walk beside you in every season of life.”
“Today, I stand before you, grateful for God’s hand in bringing us together. I promise to cherish you, pray with you, and build a life that honours His plan for us.”

While modernising vows, it’s essential to keep the focus on the sacred nature of marriage. By blending Biblical inspiration with personal touches, modern Christian vows become a profound testament to love, faith, and a shared spiritual path.

Sample Vow Templates for Traditional Wedding Ceremonies

A couple looking at each other during their wedding ceremony

Here are some traditional Christian wedding vow templates that couples can personalise for their ceremonies. Each template provides a foundation while allowing room for individual touches:

Template 1: Timeless Classic
"I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my [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 law. This is my solemn vow."

Personalisation tip: Add a line about how your partner has strengthened your faith or brought joy to your life.

Template 2: Faith-Focused
"In the presence of God, our family, and friends, I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my [husband/wife]. I promise to love you as Christ loves the church, to honour and respect you, and to walk with you in faith all the days of our lives. I will support you, pray for you, and remain faithful to you, in all circumstances, as we follow God’s plan together."

Personalisation tip: Include a meaningful Bible verse or a reference to a shared spiritual experience.

Template 3: Partnership in Faith
"I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my [husband/wife]. I vow to love you unconditionally, to support you in all your dreams, and to grow with you in faith and love. With God as our foundation, I promise to be your partner, your confidant, and your greatest encourager, for as long as we both shall live."

Personalisation tip: Add specific promises, such as how you will face challenges together or honour each other’s values.

Template 4: Short and Sweet
"Before God and these witnesses, I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my [husband/wife]. I promise to love, honour, and cherish you, to be faithful to you, and to serve God with you, all the days of our lives."

Personalisation tip: Add a brief prayer or blessing for your marriage.

How To Write Christian Wedding Vows

The vows above are the official vows for Church of England weddings – and are legally binding – so cannot be changed or modified. What you can do, however, is include additional readings, poetry, or Bible extracts as part of the ceremony – be sure to talk to your vicar or member of the clergy to discuss what can be added, as some churches are stricter than others.

Whatever you decide, remember that your wedding vows communicate a message to your future partner and express your commitment, so speak from your heart.

Christian Wedding Vows: Everything You Need to Know

A newlywed couple walking arm in arm and looking into each other's eyes. There are tall, historic city buildings in the background.

There are still many things to learn about Christian wedding vows, so many couples have plenty of burning questions when it comes to deciding what they'll include in their ceremony. Here at Hitched, we know our fair share about religious vows, so we've put together our answers to the most commonly asked questions. 

How Do Christian Vows Differ From Vows in Other Traditions?

Christian vows are deeply rooted in faith, focusing on the couple's commitment to each other under God's guidance. Typically, they reference love, fidelity, and a lifelong partnership in accordance with Biblical principles.

Unlike secular vows, which may centre on personal promises or shared experiences, Christian vows often include references to serving God and upholding His teachings as part of the marriage. Other traditions, such as Hindu or Jewish ceremonies, incorporate their own religious texts, rituals, and cultural practices, making each set of vows unique to its spiritual context.

Can Christian Couples Write Their Own Vows?

Yes, many Christian couples choose to write their own vows to make the ceremony more personal. However, this depends on the denomination and the preferences of the officiant. Some churches, particularly within the Catholic and Anglican traditions, may require couples to use traditional vows as part of their liturgy.

In more contemporary or non-denominational Christian ceremonies, there’s often flexibility to add personal touches while still honouring the sacred nature of the occasion.

What Should Be Included in a Christian Wedding Vow?

Christian wedding vows typically include promises of love, faithfulness, and support, often framed as a covenant before God. They usually reference the sanctity of marriage, the intention to honour one another, and the commitment to persevere through life's challenges together.

Including scripture, such as 1 Corinthians 13 or Ephesians 5:25, is a beautiful way to ground your vows in faith. Be sure to consult your officiant if you’re including any unique elements to ensure they align with the church’s traditions.

How to Personalise Christian Wedding Vows?

To personalise your vows while maintaining a Christian focus, consider sharing how your partner has strengthened your faith or how you see God’s purpose reflected in your relationship. Mention specific qualities you admire about your partner and promises that reflect your shared spiritual journey.

You can also weave in a meaningful Bible verse or a prayer. Just remember to keep the tone respectful and aligned with the sacredness of the occasion.

Can Christian Couples Include Non-Religious Elements in their Vows?

It’s possible, depending on the denomination and officiant. Many couples include non-religious elements such as personal anecdotes, humour, or cultural references, provided they don’t detract from the sacred nature of the ceremony.

However, it’s always best to discuss your ideas with your officiant to ensure they align with your church’s guidelines and the overall tone of the service.

Still thinking about vows? We've got a guide to writing your own vows here.

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Request pricing and information from local Wedding Venues suppliers