Roman Catholic Wedding Vows

A traditional Catholic wedding ceremony takes place as part of a full Mass, but some couples choose a modified, shorter service. Whether you can do so may depend on the church you marry in and on your officiant.

“I, ____, take you, ____, to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”

“I, ____, take you, ____, for my lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part.”

Ceremony Itinerary

The vows are the center of most wedding ceremonies. Religious and cultural rituals differ, of course, but if you were to outline a standard ceremony based on a Christian service, it would look something like this:

PROCESSIONAL
The couple and wedding party enter the ceremony room or sanctuary, usually with accompanying music. The congregation generally stands for the bride’s entrance.

OPENING REMARKS
The officiant announces that everyone is there to celebrate the joining of the two of you in marriage; if it’s a religious event, he or she may offer a blessing to the congregation.

THE “GIVING AWAY”
If you will have your parents or friends “support you” in your marriage, or if you opt for the tradition of the bride’s father giving her away, that happens now. This is also a time for your officiant and you to acknowledge your friends and family and the importance of their presence.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE/DECLARATION OF CONSENT
The officiant asks the two of you whether you are each coming of your own free will to marry each other, and if you are prepared to do so. This is your public announcement—to the congregation gathered—of the vows you’re about to take.

EXCHANGE OF VOWS
You promise to love each other as long as you both shall live! These are the words you choose to share with each other before those family and friends.

READINGS AND RITUALS
These, as well as additional musical selections, may be incorporated throughout the service. Talk to your officiant and determine the order together, if possible.

RING EXCHANGE
You give each other your wedding bands. The officiant may bless the rings as you do so.

BLESSING/CLOSING REMARKS FROM THE OFFICIANT

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
You are pronounced “husband and wife”! You kiss, gathered friends and family may applaud, and the recessional music begins.

RECESSIONAL
You leave the sanctuary as a married couple.

This Roman Catholic Wedding Vows article is taken from :
The Knot Guide to Wedding Vows and Tradi - Carley Roney