Spanish Wedding Vows (¡Sí, quiero!)
So, you’ve decided to say “I do” in Spanish? ¡Felicidades!
The vast majority of Spanish-speaking Christians are Catholic, and just like in English-speaking countries, there’s a standard way to pledge your eternal love... while trying not to trip over your tongue in front of everyone you know.
We’ve gathered a few popular versions of Catholic wedding vows, lovingly adapted from the English liturgy. But before we dive into those heart-melting promises, there’s one small detail we need to sort out:
Which Spanish are we talking about?
Yes, "Spanish Spanish" and "Spanish Spanish" are not always the same. Confused? Perfect. Welcome to the club.
The Spanish language first hit the Americas in the early 1500s, riding in on galleons alongside conquistadors and questionable moustaches. At the time, Castilian Spanish (from Spain) was still finding itself. But the version that landed in Latin America hit pause on certain language changes, kept a few older quirks, and even invented some delightful new ones along the way. Fast forward 500 years, and ¡Tachán! - we now have 'European Spanish' and 'Latin American Spanish', each with their own accents, idioms, and opinions about the letter "z".
- About 400 million people speak Latin American Spanish (in Mexico, Central and South America — excluding Brazil), renowned for being warm, expressive and masters of hospitality.
- Only about 47 million speak European Spanish (mostly in Spain), renowned for being both proud and passionate, and can debate jamón like philosophers.
Even within Latin America, the Spanish varies. Chilean Spanish? Speedy. Argentine Spanish? Italian in disguise. Colombian Spanish? Very clear and polite. But one variety stands out as the most widespread and understood: Mexican Spanish. If Latin American Spanish had a customer support hotline, it would probably be based in Mexico.
So, for simplicity (and sanity), we’ve prepared two sets of wedding vows:
- One set in Mexican Spanish
- One set in European Spanish (Castilian)
- Plus the original English liturgy so you know what you’re promising. (Spoiler alert: it’s quite a bit.)
We’ve got four versions in each set, so you can choose between short and sweet or long and poetic (a.k.a. tear-inducing).
Format:
Versions 1 and 2 are where the priest asks the question and the couple reply. This can be called the interrogative format. For versions 3 and 4, the priest invites the couple to declare the entire vows themselves. This can be called the declarative format.
Either format is equally valid, but whether the wedding is conducted in the US, Latin America, or anywhere else, the interrogative format tends to be more common when following the Roman Catholic Rite as used in Mexico.
Many families expect the priest to lead the vows and for the couple to respond simply and solemnly. This format is widely recognised and emotionally resonant in Mexican Catholic culture. The format is clear, formal and universally understood in Catholic ceremonies — particularly helpful in bilingual or multicultural weddings.
The declarative format is perhaps more typical in Anglo-American Catholic or Protestant weddings in the US. It is sometimes used in bilingual weddings or in dioceses that permit couples to repeat the vows after the priest. It can be considered more personal and expressive, but less traditional in Mexican Catholic practice.
If you choose the declarative format, don’t panic about memorising them. Priests and other officiants are used to nervous grooms, emotional brides, and the occasional fainting uncle. They will probably let you:
- Read from a card, or
- Repeat the words line by line, like a very spiritual karaoke session.
Whichever route you take, the real secret is this: understand what you’re saying, and mean it. Whether you whisper it in European Spanish or shout it joyfully in Mexican Spanish, as long as your heart’s in the right place, you’re off to a great start.
¡Ahora sí! Now - Let’s get to those vows!
The first part of the vows is called the Consent, which makes a Catholic wedding a sacrament rather than just a legal or cultural ceremony. The personal vows, ring exchanges, etc. are secondary. Unlike other sacraments such as baptism or Eucharist, in marriage it's the man and woman who are the ministers of the sacrament. The priest is just a witness (on behalf of the Church).
Carry on reading if your wedding will use Mexican Spanish, or check further down this page for European Spanish.
Votos Matrimoniales – Mexico
Marriage vows - Mexican Spanish
Consent
Votos Matrimoniales - Tradición Católica (español latinoamericano)
Marriage Vows - Catholic Tradition (Latin American Spanish)
Versión 1
Version 1 - interrogative formatSacerdote:[nombre del novio], ¿aceptas a [nombre de la novia] como tu esposa y prometes serle fiel en lo próspero y en lo adverso, en la salud y en la enfermedad, y amarla y respetarla todos los días de tu vida?Novio:Sí, la acepto.Sacerdote:[nombre de la novia], ¿aceptas a [nombre del novio] como tu esposo y prometes serle fiel en lo próspero y en lo adverso, en la salud y en la enfermedad, y amarlo y respetarlo todos los días de tu vida?Novia:Sí, lo acepto.Priest:[groom's game], do you take [bride's game] as your wife and promise to be faithful to her in prosperity and in adversity, in sickness and in health, and to love and honour her all the days of your life?Groom:I doPriest:[bride's game], do you take [groom's game] as your husband and promise to be faithful to him in prosperity and in adversity, in sickness and in health, and to love and honour him all the days of your life?Bride:I do.Versión 2
Version 2 - interrogative formatSacerdote:¿Tú, [nombre del novio], tomas a [nombre de la novia] como tu esposa? ¿Prometes serle fiel en lo próspero y en lo adverso, en la salud y en la enfermedad? ¿La amarás y la honrarás todos los días de tu vida?Novio:Sí, la acepto.Sacerdote:¿Tú, [nombre de la novia], tomas a [nombre del novio] como tu esposo? ¿Prometes serle fiel en lo próspero y en lo adverso, en la salud y en la enfermedad? ¿Lo amarás y lo honrarás todos los días de tu vida?Novia:Sí, lo acepto.Priest:Do you, [groom's game], take [bride's game] as your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in prosperity and in adversity, in sickness and in health? Will you love and honour her all the days of your life?Groom:I doPriest:Do you, [bride's game], take [groom's game] as your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in prosperity and in adversity, in sickness and in health? Will you love and honour him all the days of your life?Bride:I do.
What's the difference between Version 1 and Version 2?
The English translations seem to be pretty much the same, but the differences in Spanish are significant.
The style of Version 1 is more formal and unified — one long question. It uses the verb "aceptar" (to accept), which is sometimes more common in Latin American liturgy. The verb tenses "prometes" and "amarla, respetarla" are the present tense, active voice, rendering a solemn and declarative tone.
The style of Version 2 is more segmented and interrogative — split into three shorter questions and more conversational. Uses the verb "tomar" (to take), which is traditional in some European Spanish rites and older translations of English vows (“do you take...”). The verb tenses: "tomas", "prometes", "amarás, honrarás" are slightly mixed: present and future tense. This renders a personal and reflective tone, allowing space for emotional weight on each question. “Honrar” (to honour) reflects biblical language used in Catholic rites.
Both are correct and commonly used in Catholic or Christian wedding ceremonies, but they reflect slightly different liturgical traditions or preferences. Which version suits you best?
For both the bride and groom, "Sí, la/lo acepto" is the traditional, heartfelt and widely used response. In more religious or formal settings (especially in traditional parishes), you may also hear: "Sí, acepto, con la/lo ayuda de Dios" (Yes, I do, with God's help), reflecting a deep sense of commitment with spiritual reliance.
Versión 3
Version 3 - declarative formatNovio:Yo, [nombre del novio], te acepto a ti, [nombre de la novia], como mi esposa, y prometo serte fiel en lo próspero y en lo adverso, en la salud y en la enfermedad, y amarte y respetarte todos los días de mi vida.Novia:Yo, [nombre de la novia], te acepto a ti, [nombre del novio], como mi esposo, y prometo serte fiel en lo próspero y en lo adverso, en la salud y en la enfermedad, y amarte y respetarte todos los días de mi vida.Groom:I, [groom's game], accept you, [bride's game], as my wife, and I promise to be faithful to you in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, and to love and honour you all the days of my life.Bride:I, [bride's game], accept you, [groom's game], as my husband, and I promise to be faithful to you in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, and to love and honour you all the days of my life.Versión 4
Version 4 - declarative formatNovio:Yo, [nombre del novio], te tomo a ti, [nombre de la novia], como mi esposa, la madre de nuestros hijos, y la compañera de mi corazón. Prometo amarte y serte fiel en los buenos y malos momentos todos los días de mi vida.Novia:Yo, [nombre de la novia], te tomo a ti, [nombre del novio], como mi esposo, el padre de nuestros hijos, y el compañero de mi corazón. Prometo amarte y serte fiel en los buenos y malos momentos todos los días de mi vida.Groom:I, [Groom's Name], take you, [Bride's Name], as my wife, the mother of our children, and the companion of my heart. I promise to love you and be faithful to you through thick and thin all the days of my life.Bride:I, [Bride's Name], take you, [Groom's Name], as my husband, the father of our children, and the companion of my heart. I promise to love you and be faithful to you through thick and thin all the days of my life.
What's the difference between Version 3 and Version 4?
Version 3 is formal, liturgical and canonical. It uses the strong liturgical verb “acepto” (I accept you), and standard canonical structure prometo serte fiel”, “amarte y respetarte”. They cover the traditional pillars of Catholic marriage; fidelity, support in good and bad times, love and respect, and a lifelong commitment. This version is recognised and approved by dioceses for use during the sacrament of marriage, appropriate for Mass-based ceremonies or when strict adherence to rite is expected.
Version 4 is poetic, personalised and less formal. It uses "te tomo” (I take you) which is the same, but less formal, than version 3's "acepto". The mention of “la madre de nuestros hijos” adds emotional and future-oriented detail, and “compañera de mi corazón” is romantic, expressive language. The phrase “en los buenos y malos momentos” is simpler than “en lo próspero y en lo adverso, en la salud y en la enfermedad”. Version 4 is common in non-liturgical, civil or personalised Catholic ceremonies, often used in bilingual or multicultural weddings where couples write or adapt their own vows. It may not be approved as-is for the canonical form of marriage unless paired with the official rite.
Votos Matrimoniales – español europeo
Marriage vows - European Spanish
Consent
Votos Matrimoniales - Tradición Católica (español europeo)
Marriage Vows - Catholic Tradition (European Spanish)
Versión 1
Version 1 - interrogative formatSacerdote:[nombre del novio], ¿recibes a [nombre de la novia] como tu esposa y prometes serle fiel en la prosperidad y en la adversidad, en la salud y en la enfermedad, y amarla y respetarla todos los días de tu vida?Novio:Sí, la recibo.Sacerdote:[nombre de la novia], ¿recibes a [nombre del novio] como tu esposo y prometes serle fiel en la prosperidad y en la adversidad, en la salud y en la enfermedad, y amarlo y respetarlo todos los días de tu vida?Novia:Sí, lo recibo.Priest:[Groom's name], do you take [Bride's name] as your wife and promise to be faithful to her in prosperity and in adversity, in sickness and in health, and to love and honour her all the days of your life?Groom:I do.Priest:[Bride's name], do you take [Groom's name] as your husband and promise to be faithful to him in prosperity and in adversity, in sickness and in health, and to love and honour him all the days of your life?Bride:I do.Versión 2
Version 2 - interrogative formatSacerdote:¿Usted, [nombre del novio], toma a [nombre de la novia] como su esposa? ¿Promete serle fiel en lo próspero y en lo adverso, en la salud y en la enfermedad? ¿La amará y la honrará todos los días de su vida?Novio:Sí, la acepto.Sacerdote:¿Usted, [nombre de la novia], toma a [nombre del novio] como su esposo? ¿Promete serle fiel en lo próspero y en lo adverso, en la salud y en la enfermedad? ¿Lo amará y lo honrará todos los días de su vidaNovia:Sí, lo acepto.Priest:Do you, [groom's name], take [bride's name] as your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in prosperity and in adversity, in sickness and in health? Will you love and honour her all the days of your life?Groom:I do.Priest:Do you, [bride's name], take [groom's name] as your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in prosperity and in adversity, in sickness and in health? Will you love and honour him all the days of your life?Bride:I do.
What's the difference between Version 1 and Version 2?
Both versions are valid ways of expressing marriage vows in Spanish, but they differ in word choice, formality, tone, and regional or liturgical preference. Let's break it down:
Version 1 raises the question using “¿recibes...?” (receive), which adds a more spiritual or symbolic tone. It can suggest welcoming a gift, aligning with biblical language (e.g., “recíbela como ayuda idónea”). The word "tú" adds a more intimate and conversational emotion. Similarly, the single flowing sentence, feels gentler and more emotional. This makes the version less common in strict Catholic liturgical formats, but can be used in Latin American dioceses or personalised Catholic weddings.
Version B uses the verb “¿Toma...?” (take), which is the standard form in most official Catholic wedding rites (e.g., “Do you take this woman…?”). The use of "usted" adds gravity, formality and respect. Split into three short questions emphasizes clear, deliberate consent for each vow element (fidelity, love, honour). The version is very common in Spain, and in formal Latin American Catholic ceremonies.
Versión 3
Version 3 - declarative formatNovio:Yo, [nombre del novio], te recibo a ti, [nombre de la novia], como mi esposa, y prometo serte fiel en la prosperidad y en la adversidad, en la salud y en la enfermedad, amarte y respetarte todos los días de mi vida.Novia:Yo, [nombre de la novia], te recibo a ti, [nombre del novio], como mi esposo, y prometo serte fiel en la prosperidad y en la adversidad, en la salud y en la enfermedad, amarte y respetarte todos los días de mi vida.Groom:I, [groom's name], take you, [bride's name], as my wife, and I promise to be faithful to you in prosperity and in adversity, in sickness and in health, to love and honour you all the days of my life.Bride:I, [bride's name], take you, [groom's name], as my husband, and I promise to be faithful to you in prosperity and in adversity, in sickness and in health, to love and honour you all the days of my life.Versión 4
Version 4 - declarative formatNovio:Yo, [nombre del novio], te tomo a ti, [nombre de la novia], como mi esposa, madre de nuestros hijos, y compañera de vida. Prometo amarte y serte fiel en los momentos de alegría y dificultad todos los días de mi vida.Novia:Yo, [nombre de la novia], te tomo a ti, [nombre del novio], como mi esposo, padre de nuestros hijos, y compañero de vida. Prometo amarte y serte fiel en los momentos de alegría y dificultad todos los días de mi vida.Groom:I, [groom's name], take you, [bride's name], as my wife, mother of our children, and life partner. I promise to love you and be faithful to you in times of joy and difficulty all the days of my life.Bride:I, [bride's name], take you, [groom's name], as my husband, father of our children, and life partner. I promise to love you and be faithful to you in times of joy and difficulty all the days of my life.
What's the difference between Version 3 and Version 4?
Version 3 is formal and canonical, following the official Catholic Rite closely (based on the Ritual del Matrimonio). It uses traditional phrasing such as "te recibo" (I receive you) which is a poetic liturgical synonym for “take you”. Fidelity, love and respect are emphasised as lifetime commitments, and for both bride and groom, the phrasing is balanced and gender-neutral. This sacramental, reverent, and timeless version is approved for use in Catholic Mass weddings in Spain, as well as Latin America and the US.
Version 4 is a more personalised and poetic style. It adds warmth and intimacy (compañera(o) de vida), plus familial and relational depth (madre/padre de nuestros hijos). Note, however, that phrase presumes parenthood, which was more likely in past decades than now. The likelihood that a married woman in Spain will bear children is now below historic norms. "te tomo” (I take you) is more typical of Protestant or non-denominational weddings, but still valid in Catholic ceremonies if approved by the celebrant.
