Your wedding day is such an important occasion, it is worth while to take a few moments to reflect on the meaning that underlies the sacred act of exchanging vows. Most couples like to begin with a basic ceremony and customize it to meet their specific needs. Others choose to write their own ceremonies completely from scratch.

The following basic ceremonies can be used in a number of ways. Some couples use them word-for-word, exactly as they are written, while others use them as templates, sort of a jumping-off point to inspire their own original ideas and wording. There are no rules, so be creative, use your imagination, and most of all, have fun! Whether you prefer traditional vows or contemporary, incorporate your own words or add a Mexican touch, the most important thing of all is for your wedding vows to be uniquely yours.

Traditional I
I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.

Traditional II
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

Contemporary I
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my friend, my lover, the (mother/father) of my children and my (husband/wife). I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity. I, [name], choose you [name] to be my [husband/wife], to respect you in your successes and in your failures, to care for you in sickness and in health, to nurture you, and to grow with you throughout the seasons of our lives.

Contemporary II
I (name) affirm my love to you, (name) as I invite you to share my life. You are the most incredible, smart, and generous person I have ever known, and I promise always to respect you. With kindness, unselfishness and trust, I will work by your side to create a wonderful life together. I take you (name) to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.

Contemporary III
(Name), I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.