Every religion has traditional wedding nuptials. Traditions are passed from generation to generation and become part of the accepted and expected way couples conduct their ceremonies. Many couples today incorporate some form of the traditional vows from their religion in their ceremony along with other vows of their choice.
Traditional Catholic Wedding
Many people are familiar with these wedding vows “I, (name), take thee (name) to be my lawfully wedded husband (wife), to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death parts us”
A modern variation on these vows is “I, (name), take you (name) to be my husband (wife), to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. I promise to love and honour you all the days of my life.”
Episcopal Wedding
“In the name of God, I (name), take you (name), to be my wife (husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, until death do us part.”
Traditional Jewish Wedding
Orthodox Jewish vows are recited in Hebrew and English. The translated vows in English are “Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel.” A non-traditional, modern version of the translated wedding vows is from the “Song of Songs” and includes “I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine.”
Protestant Wedding
“I, (name), take thee (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, I hereto pledge thee my faith to you.”
Hindu Wedding
These complex weddings include many different recitals. They usually recite “Let us take the step to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love and trust.” And “Let us take this step and become true companions and remain lifelong partners by this wedlock.”
Muslim Wedding
In traditional Muslim weddings the bride and groom don’t repeat vows but simply agree to the marriage as stated through the officiant. Modern Muslim vows for the bride are “I (name), offer you myself in marriage, in accordance with the instructions of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him. I pledge in honesty and sincerity to be your obedient and faithful wife.” The groom’s vows “I pledge, in honesty and sincerity, to be your faithful and helpful husband.”
Many couples today incorporate some form of traditional vows along with other vows of their choice.