Irish (Gaeilge) Wedding Vows
The official written name of the Irish language is "Gaeilge", simply known as Gaelic, or Irish Gaelic to distinguish from Welsh, Scottish, Manx and Breton Gaelics. It's a Celtic language of the Indo-European language family.
In the Republic of Ireland, while English is the dominant first language in everyday use, Gaelic is also an official language and learnt by around 40% of the population, albeit largely unused. It is still the predominant vernacular in Gaeltacht areas (small parts of western Ireland), though there also Gaelic is giving way to English.
Nationwide, its use has continued to decline from being the majority population's first language until the 19th century.
For native English speakers, conversing in Gaeilge can be challenging, but they can thoroughly enjoy listening to the melodious voices of true Irish speakers!
Wedding vows in Gaeilge
a bheith i mo bhean chéile,
fháil agus a choinneáil
ón lá seo ar aghaidh;
le haghaidh níos fearr, le haghaidh níos measa,
le haghaidh saibhre, le haghaidh níos boichte,
i dtinneas agus i sláinte,
grá agus grá a bheith agat,
go dtí an bás déanaimis páirt;
do réir dhlí naofa Dé.
Déanaim an bhóta seo os comhair Dé.
to be my 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 us do part;
according to God’s holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow.
a bheith i mo fhear céile,
fháil agus a choinneáil
ón lá seo ar aghaidh;
le haghaidh níos fearr, le haghaidh níos measa,
le haghaidh saibhre, le haghaidh níos boichte,
i dtinneas agus i sláinte,
grá agus grá a bheith agat,
go dtí an bás déanaimis páirt;
do réir dhlí naofa Dé.
Déanaim an bhóta seo os comhair Dé.
to be my 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 us do part;
according to God’s holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow.
