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:
Vows from the bride to the groom:
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.