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Latin Wedding Vows
For better, for worse, et cetera

Nothing says timeless romance quite like church wedding vows in Latin — the language of saints, scholars, and every movie priest who ever intoned "In nomine Patris..." with dramatic echo.

Latin vows carry a sacred weight, echoing through centuries of tradition. They’re solemn, beautiful, and sound impressively serious — even if no one’s entirely sure what was just promised. (Let’s be honest, half your guests might think you’re casting a spell.)

But here’s the thing: Your guests are your witnesses, not just an audience. And if they don’t speak Latin — which, let’s face it, most people don’t unless they’re Roman, resurrected, or very enthusiastic about crossword puzzles — then it’s worth considering a version everyone can understand.

Because while "Ubi tu Gaius, ego Gaia" sounds lovely, Grandma would probably appreciate knowing whether you just promised to love your spouse, or do their laundry for eternity.

So if you’re going for Latin, more power to you (and your pronunciation). Just make sure everyone gets a translation — or opt for anoter language that doesn’t require a classical education and a decoder ring.

Latin

idiomatic translation

Vows from the groom to the bride:

Priest:
(groom's name), vis accípere (bride's name), hic præséntem in tuam legítimam uxórem iuxta ritum sanctaæ matris Ecclésiæ?
(groom's name), do you take (bride's name), here present, for your legal wife according to the rite of our holy mother, the Church?
Groom:
Volo
I do.

Vows from the bride to the groom:

Priest:
(bride's name), vis accípere (groom's name). hic præséntern in tuum legítimum marítum iuxta ritum sanctæ matris Ecclésiæ?
(bride's name), do you take (groom's name), here present, for your legal husband according to the rite of our holy mother, the Church?
Bride:
Volo.
I do.

In today's Catholic Church, if Latin vows are used, they are usually followed by standard vows in contemporary English that the congregation can understand.

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