Here are the traditional wedding vows written out. The “I will” parts for the groom and bride get to the core of the promise that was made before God and the audience:
Exchange of Vows
MINISTER TO GROOM:
Do you GROOM’S NAME take BRIDE’S NAME to be your wife –
to live together after God’s ordinance –
in the holy estate of matrimony?
Will you love her,
comfort her, honor and keep her,
in sickness and in health,
for richer, for poorer,
for better, for worse,
in sadness and in joy,
to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion,
forsaking all others,
keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?
GROOM:
I will.
MINISTER TO BRIDE:
Do you BRIDE’S NAME) take GROOM’S NAME to be your husband –
to live together after God’s ordinance –
in the holy estate of matrimony?
Will you love him,
comfort him,
honor and keep him,
in sickness and in health,
for richer, for poorer,
for better, for worse,
in sadness and in joy,
to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion,
forsaking all others,
keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?
BRIDE:
I will.

Taken from WEDDINGPLANNINGWORKSHEETS.COM
MINISTER:
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the
face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy
matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore –
is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently,
discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons
present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may
not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.
Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended
for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity
and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and
loving environment may be attained.
Through marriage, GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME make a commitment
together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their
hopes – and accept each other’s failures. GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME
will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together
– through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.
We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred
wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S
NAME. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which
this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – He
joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.
Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?
BRIDE’S FATHER OR ESCORT:
Her mother and I do.
MINISTER
This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual
care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one’s
own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries
comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a
loving relationship – the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile
soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one
another comes the potential for full and happy lives.
By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for
GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME from all present here, we assure them
that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of
us, for “what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are
joined together – to strengthen each other in all labor – to minister to each other
in all sorrow – to share with each other in all gladness.
This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for
friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of
friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love
– for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.
Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and
physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best
and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the
construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It
is amoral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage
should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with
the will to make it last.
Exchange of Vows
MINISTER TO GROOM:
Do you GROOM’S NAME take BRIDE’S NAME to be your wife – to live together
after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her,
comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer,
for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow
upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only
unto her as long as you both shall live?
GROOM:
I will.
MINISTER TO BRIDE:
Do you BRIDE’S NAME) take GROOM’S NAME to be your husband – to live
together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love
him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for
poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually
bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep
yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?
BRIDE:
I will.
Exchange of Wedding Rings
MINISTER:
What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the ring(s) in my hand?
May this/these ring(s) be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These
two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they
always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which
all men and women year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion.
May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find
there a friend. May this/these ring(s) on her/their finger(s) symbolize the touch of
the spirit of love in their hearts.
Handing ring to the Groom
MINISTER TO GROOM:
GROOM’S NAME, in placing this ring on BRIDE’S NAME finger, repeat after me:
BRIDE’S NAME), you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day
forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our
unity and with this ring, I thee wed.
Handing ring to the Bride
MINISTER TO BRIDE:
BRIDE’S NAME, in placing this ring on GROOM’S NAME finger, repeat after me:
GROOM’S NAME, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day
forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our
unity and with this ring, I thee wed.
Pronouncement
MINISTER:
May you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in
mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love –
generosity and kindness.
In as much as GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME have consented together
in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their
faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined.
You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be
each other’s best friend.
What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder.
And so, by the power vested in me by the State of ______ and Almighty God, I
now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon
the earth.
You may kiss the bride.