Swedish Wedding Vows

Swedish church weddings are a beautiful mix of Lutheran tradition, heartfelt promises, and the kind of quiet emotional restraint that says, “Yes, I love you... but let’s not make a scene.”

In Sweden, you won’t usually find dramatic gestures, tearful shouting of “I object!”, or doves being released into the heavens. Instead, you’ll get crisp formalwear, a well-rehearsed ceremony, and vows that are simple, elegant, and laser-focused on lifelong love — with just enough solemnity to make even the most stoic Swede dab their eye discreetly behind a hymn book.

The vows themselves are short and sweet — typically one beautiful line, delivered straight from the heart (and preferably without mumbling). There's no need to overcomplicate things; this is Sweden, after all. Why say it in fifty words when you can say it in five and still mean it completely?

And don't worry — just because the ceremony is calm doesn’t mean the celebration won’t get lively. There will still be speeches, music, and possibly a traditional drinking song or two. But first, the couple must make that all-important promise — in front of family, friends, and a pastor who is very good at giving calm but meaningful nods.

Below are three sets of traditional church wedding vows used in Sweden — in Swedish and English — so you can understand the promise, even if you don’t understand the meatball references.

Option 1

Vows from the groom to the bride:

Vows from the bride to the groom:

Option 2

Each line spoken by the minister and repeated by the groom:

Each line spoken by the minister and repeated by the bride:

Option 3

Each line spoken by the minister and repeated by the groom:

Each line spoken by the minister and repeated by the bride: