The Best Wedding Vows of All Time

Determining the “best” wedding vows is subjective, as personal preferences, style and opinions vary. However, several famous and heartfelt wedding vows have stood the test of time, capturing the essence of love and commitment.

Take a look at some examples below to take inspiration for your very own vows.

1. Traditional Christian Vows:

“I, [Name], take you, [Partner’s Name], to be my wedded 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 do us part.”

Image from The Knot

2. From “The Vow” Movie:

“I vow to fiercely love you in all your forms, now and forever. I promise to never forget that this is a once in a lifetime love.”

3. Excerpt from “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” by Louis de Bernières:

“Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.”

Image from The Knot

4. Modern and Personalized Vows:

“I promise to encourage you, laugh with you, and comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and bad, when life seems easy and when it becomes difficult. I promise to be your partner and equal, knowing that we make a team stronger than each of us could be alone.”

5. From “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë:

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”

Image from Brides

6. Author Elizabeth Gilbert’s Vows:

“I will not hold you to blame for my happiness nor will I hold you responsible for my sadness. I will be your sanctuary and your solace. I will be your home.”

7. Simple and Elegant Vows:

“I promise to be your partner in all things, not possessing you but working with you as part of the whole. I promise to cherish you, always seeing the potential within you. With my whole heart, I take you as my wife/husband, acknowledging and accepting your faults and strengths, as you do mine.”

Image from Brides

8. Excerpt from “The Irrational Season” by Madeleine L’Engle:

“But ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take.”

9. From “The Amber Spyglass” by Philip Pullman:

“I will love you forever; whatever happens. Till I die and after I die, and when I find my way out of the land of the dead, I’ll drift about forever, all my atoms, till I find you again… I’ll be looking for you, every moment, every single moment. And when we do find each other again, we’ll cling together so tight that nothing and no one’ll ever tear us apart.”

These vows showcase a range of styles and sentiments, from traditional and classic to modern and personal. Ultimately, the best wedding vows are those that resonate with the couple and authentically express their love and commitment to each other. Couples can draw inspiration from these examples and tailor their vows to reflect their unique relationship and promises.