Catholicism is the predominant religion in the Celtic region and is regular for almost everyone. But Celtic wedding vows predates Catholicism and very much alive in both Ireland and Scotland. These vows represent the culture and they’re very scary with so much depth.
So if you want to show off the Celtic culture, pay homage to the tribe or incorporate it into your wedding. We’ve helped put together some of the most romantic and flexible Irish and Scottish wedding vows for you.
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Celtic Wedding Vows Best Examples For You
“The two might be one”
A tale of two becoming one and staying so forever. This is one of the ancient wedding vows perfect for a handfasting ceremony. This vow binds both of you in body, soul, and spirit. It is both symbolic and romantic.
“Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone.
I give ye my Body, that we two might be One.
I give ye my Spirit, `til our Life shall be done.”
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“I give you that which is mine to give”
This is a perfect example of traditional Celtic wedding vows. Bound with a cultural element, these wedding vows speak to the soul. It talks about independence, yet the willingness to give absolute submission to the love of your life. Love without hesitation.
“You cannot possess me for I belong to myself
But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give
You cannot command me, for I am a free person
But I shall serve you in those ways you require
and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.”
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“You are the star of each night”
A prayer, a blessing, and a wedding vow all in one, laced with romance and declaration. Something short and straight to the point, yet very beautiful and deep. Adopt this for vows and frame it for your home after the wedding.
“You are the star of each night,
You are the brightness of every morning,
You are the story of each guest,
You are the report of every land.
No evil shall befall you, on hill nor bank,
In a field, valley, on a mountain or in a glen.”
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“You are the crown of my company”
Celtic wedding vows speak loyalty, romance, and commitment. This is a perfect sample of all three. This vow can pass for a reading. You can also adopt it for your religious wedding vow. It says everything without saying too much.
“Neither above, nor below, neither in the sea,
Nor on shore, in skies above,
Nor in the depths.
You are the kernel of my heart,
You are the face of my sun,
You are the harp of my music,
You are the crown of my company.”
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“Walk beside me”
Looking for a vow that focuses on unity, equality, and partnership? This is it. It says be my friend, walk by my side. Don’t lead and don’t follow. Great for millennial couples who don’t want to go the traditional route.
“Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and just be my friend.”
“A deep connection with nature”
This is a wedding vow that can also double as a wedding prayer. The beauty of Celtic wedding vows is their deference to nature. This makes it suitable for secular, civil, and atheist wedding vows. It also perfect for tradition.
“May the gentle breeze bears witness to this ritual, and carry its message to all lands. May the sun warm their hearts, and its ever-burning fire fuels their desire for each other. May the water provide for them from its bounty, and comfort their souls with their sounds. May the land lend its strength and reveal its mysteries.”
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“I, take thee to be my wedded wife”
Thinking of saying Scottish wedding vows? This is one to adopt. Very similar to the traditional religious wedding vows, it speaks to the sacredness of marriage and the endless nature of love. This vow works for civil, religious, and traditional weddings.
“I, take thee to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, for fairer or fouler, in sickness, and in health, to love and to cherish, till death we depart, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth.”
“As a light to the eye, as joy to the heart”
This can be a prayer as it is a vow. It can also pass for an Irish blessing because of the cultural undertone it has. The Irish pay homage to the seasons, elements, and nature. So, this is perfect for adaptation.
“By the power that Christ brought from heaven, mayst thou love me.
As the sun follows its course, mayst thou follows me.
As a light to the eye, as bread to the hungry, as joy to the heart,
May thy presence be with me,
Oh one that I love, `til death comes to part us asunder.”
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“Sacred vow”
This vow is a deep oath taken by couples in holy matrimony. So, if you want to add a touch of sacredness and declaration to your vows, incorporate these words. They are short but carry a mega punch of depth.
“We swear by peace and love to stand,
Heart to heart and hand to hand.
Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now,
Confirming this our Sacred Vow.”
“I promise”
This Celtic wedding vow is romantic. A tale of love mixed with a promise to commit, respect, protect, and stay dedicated. Couples who want to add a touch of romance to their wedding vows can adopt this style. It’s just perfect.
“I pledge my love to you, and everything that I own.
I promise you the first bite of my meat and the first sip from my cup.
I pledge that your name will always be what I scream aloud in the dead of night.
I promise to honor you above all others.
Our love is never-ending, and we will remain, forevermore, equals in our marriage. This is my wedding vow to you.”
If you’ve decided on Celtic wedding vows for your marriage ceremony, then you’re at the right place. These are ancient wedding vows that are old as time and still very relevant today and will remain evergreen. They are perfect for religious, traditional, civil, secular, and agnostic wedding vows, prayers, and wedding blessings. Celtic wedding vows are arguably the most flexible cultural wedding vows because they pay homage to nature and serenade the elements. This makes it suitable for any kind of style, pattern or wedding, and religious beliefs.
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