Turkish Wedding Vows
Muslim couples often do not recite vows; their attendance at the wedding is sufficient to attest their commitment to one another. But when vows are spoken, below are the traditional words used in Turkiye.
In Türkiye, Muslim wedding vows are less about poetic speeches and more about firm commitment, family approval, and making sure everyone heard you say “Yes” loud enough the first time.
Unlike Western-style Christian ceremonies, there's usually no dramatic exchange of vows between the couple in front of teary guests. Instead, the Islamic marriage contract (nikâh) is the main event — a sacred and legally binding agreement overseen by an imam, a marriage registrar, or possibly a very serious uncle with documents.
The groom says “Evet” (“Yes”), the bride says “Evet” (also “Yes”), and just like that — you're married! Short, sweet, and 100% drama-free (assuming no one forgets the ID cards or the tea service).
But don’t be fooled by the simplicity. This moment carries profound meaning, as the couple enters into a lifelong covenant with each other before God, witnesses, and usually a large, well-dressed crowd wondering when the baklava will be served.
The vows themselves may not be long or flowery, but they come with a powerful blend of spiritual depth and cultural tradition — plus the reassuring knowledge that your in-laws heard you promise to behave.
Below, we show how this sacred “Yes” is expressed in Turkish Muslim wedding ceremonies — along with an English explanation, in case your Turkish is a little rusty or you were distracted by the desserts.
We are grateful to Mrs T B of Kuşadası for sending these words to us. She also kindly sent the English translation shown.
Vows of the Groom:
Vows of the Bride:
