Traditional Christian Ceremony

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company of witnesses to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union that is between Christ and His Church; which Holy Estate Christ adorned with His presence and first miracle that He wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of St. Paul to be honorable among all men; and therefore, not entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly and in the fear of God. Into this Holy Estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

If any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak now or forever hold his peace.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man? (Optional)

________, will you have this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together after God s ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?

________, will you have this man to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together after God s ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others keep you only unto him as long as you both shall live?

The marriage ring seals the vows of marriage and represents a promise for eternal and everlasting love.

(Groom: Repeat after me) I ________ take thee, ________ 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 and to cherish forever, according to God s Holy Ordinance, and thereto I give thee my pledge.

(Bride: Repeat after Me) I ________ take thee, ________ 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 and to cherish forever, according to God s Holy Ordinance, and thereto I give thee my pledge.

Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.

Forasmuch as ________ and ________ have consented together in Holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company of witnesses, and there to have given their pledge, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands; by the power vested in me by the State of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You many now kiss your bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. And Mrs. ________.

9 Comments

  • Lord

    Thanks modifying these for star wars, it was helpful

    Bladen'kerst 2016-05-05


  • Grandmother of 4

    Thank you for posting these vows. I have been looking for years for the vows I spoke when getting married in 1975. These are the exact words, now I can share them with my grand children.

    Alethia 2015-12-16


  • Thanks

    Thank you for your webpages and for posting them! I appreciate how these vows stand the test of time as well as the depth of commitment made with each word.

    Mary Pearl 2015-03-31


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