
The phrase do you accept as your lawfully wedded husband is part of the traditional wedding vows that a couple may choose to use in their marriage ceremony. The vows are a declaration of intent and a promise to commit to one's spouse through various circumstances, such as sickness and health, wealth and poverty, and joy and sorrow. While the traditional vows can be modified to suit the couple's preferences, the declaration of intent is required for a legal wedding ceremony. The phrase do you accept as your lawfully wedded husband is specifically addressed to the bride, who responds with I do to signify her consent to the marriage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commitment | To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, forsaking all others, keeping yourself only unto her/him, for as long as you both shall live |
| Weight of commitment | Before God, family, friends, and society |
| Customization | Couples can play with the wording to match their values, e.g., using husband/wife vs. spouse/partner |
| Legal requirement | Declaration of Intent is required for a legal wedding ceremony |
| Vows | "I, [name], take you, [name], to be my lawfully wedded [wife/husband]" |
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What You'll Learn

'I do'
The "I do" is a declaration of intent, a crucial part of a wedding ceremony. It is the moment when the couple is asked if they accept each other as their lawfully wedded spouses. The declaration of intent is a legally required part of the wedding ceremony, although the vows themselves are not.
The declaration of intent is a serious moment in the ceremony, where the couple is asked to confirm their commitment to each other. The minister or wedding officiant will ask the couple if they take each other as their wedded spouses, to have and to hold, from that day forward, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, and to love and cherish each other until death do they part.
The couple's response to this question is the famous "I do", a simple yet powerful affirmation of their willingness to enter into the covenant of matrimony and commit to each other for life.
While the traditional "I do" is still commonly used, some couples may choose to modify their response to reflect their personal beliefs or style. For instance, some may opt for "I will" or a simple "yes". Others may wish to expand upon the traditional vows, adding specific promises or affirmations that hold special meaning for them as a couple.
The "I do" is more than just two words; it is a public declaration of a couple's love, commitment, and intention to spend their lives together. It is a pivotal moment in a wedding ceremony, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the couple.
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'To have and to hold'
The phrase "to have and to hold" is a common element of traditional wedding vows. It is part of the declaration of intent, which is required for a legal wedding ceremony in some places. The phrase is often used in conjunction with other expressions of commitment, such as "for better or for worse," "for richer or poorer," and "in sickness and in health."
"I, [name], take you, [name], to be my lawfully wedded [wife/husband], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
"I, [name], take you, [name of bride/groom], to be my wedded [wife/husband], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy will; and I pledge to you my faithfulness."
"Do you take this person to be your lawfully wedded [spouse], to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I, [name], take you, [name], to be my [wife/husband], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part, according to God's holy law, and this is my solemn vow."
Couples may also choose to modify traditional vows or write their own to make the ceremony more personalised and meaningful to them.
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'In sickness and in health'
The traditional wedding vow, "in sickness and in health", is a promise that commits partners to care for each other through all of life's challenges, particularly those involving health. This vow is a pledge to be there for one another during times of physical or mental illness, injury, or any other health crisis that may arise.
When saying "in sickness," one is vowing to stand by their partner through any health challenges they may face, whether that be a chronic illness, an injury, or a mental health struggle. This means providing emotional support, practical help, and advocacy for their partner's health and well-being. It involves a commitment to understanding their partner's health needs and being there for them through treatments, hospital visits, or any other necessary steps on the road to recovery.
"And in health" completes the vow, emphasizing the importance of cherishing and nurturing the times of good health as well. This part of the vow is a promise to prioritize each other's health and well-being, to encourage and support healthy habits, and to create an environment that fosters physical and mental wellness. It is a reminder that good health is a blessing and that couples should strive to maintain and improve their health together.
By taking this vow, couples pledge to navigate the ups and downs of health as a team. They promise to care for each other through the challenges of sickness and to celebrate and enhance the joys of health. It is a commitment to be present, supportive, and loving, no matter what life brings for the couple.
Ultimately, "in sickness and in health" is a powerful statement of devotion and loyalty, acknowledging life's good and bad times, and pledging to face them united and strong as a couple. It is a cornerstone of the marriage, a foundation of support and care upon which a lifetime of love and partnership can be built.
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'For richer, for poorer'
The traditional wedding vow "for richer, for poorer" is a promise that the couple makes to each other to stay together and support one another regardless of their financial situation. It is a commitment to stick together through both financial prosperity and hardship. This vow is a recognition that financial circumstances can change, and a pledge to weather those changes together.
When saying "for richer, for poorer," the couple is acknowledging that their financial fortunes may rise and fall over the course of their marriage. They are promising to support and care for each other, regardless of whether they experience abundance or scarcity. This part of the vow highlights the importance of financial partnership and mutual support in a marriage.
The "for richer" aspect speaks to the hope that the couple will enjoy financial stability and success. It acknowledges that their hard work, talents, and opportunities may bring them material prosperity. However, it also recognizes that good fortune can be fleeting and should not be the foundation of their union.
On the other hand, "for poorer" acknowledges that financial challenges may arise due to various circumstances, such as job loss, economic downturns, or unexpected expenses. By including this phrase, the couple pledges to stand by each other during difficult financial times, making sacrifices, and working together to overcome monetary hardships.
Saying "for richer, for poorer" in wedding vows symbolizes a couple's dedication to facing life's uncertainties as a team. It reflects their commitment to sharing the responsibilities and joys that come with managing finances together. Whether they experience abundance or scarcity, this part of the vow emphasizes their promise to remain loyal, supportive, and united in their marriage.
In conclusion, the traditional wedding vow "for richer, for poorer" holds significant meaning for couples as they pledge to support each other financially through all stages of their lives together. It represents their commitment to weathering life's ups and downs as a team, embracing both prosperity and hardship with mutual love and dedication. By exchanging these vows, couples reinforce the strength of their bond and their willingness to navigate the financial aspects of marriage as partners. This aspect of the wedding ceremony continues to be a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of their relationship.
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'For better, for worse'
The phrase "for better, for worse" is a common part of traditional wedding vows, and it is a promise that the speaker will remain committed to their partner through both the good and bad times that life may bring.
When saying these words, an individual is vowing to stick by their partner's side through any difficulties that may arise in their life together. This could include financial troubles, illness, mental health struggles, or any other challenges that life may present. By saying "for worse," the speaker is acknowledging that there will likely be difficult times ahead, but they are pledging their commitment to face these challenges together and to support their partner through them.
On a more positive note, "for better" signifies the promise to cherish and celebrate the good times, the joys, and the successes that come with sharing a life. This includes not only personal triumphs, such as career achievements or personal goals, but also the happiness found in shared experiences, like the birth of a child, a dream vacation, or even small, everyday moments of joy.
Together, "for better, for worse" encapsulates the very essence of a lifelong commitment—a promise to stand together through life's inevitable ups and downs, to support and love each other regardless of what the future holds. It is a powerful statement of devotion and a cornerstone of the traditional wedding vow, reflecting a realistic view that a marriage will have its high and low points, and a pledge to embrace all that comes with love and dedication.
This phrase is a reminder that marriage is about more than just the good times; it's also about weathering life's storms together and finding strength in unity. It speaks to the resilience of love and the enduring nature of a bond that can withstand the test of time, no matter the challenges that may arise.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional wedding vow is: ""[Name], do you take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded husband/wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her/him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her/him, for so long as you both shall live?".
The response to the traditional wedding vow is "I do" or "I will".
Yes, you can modify the traditional wedding vows to make them more personalised. For example, you can include a promise to be your partner's friend and to support them through their struggles.
The declaration of intent, also known as the "I do" section, is a legally required component of a wedding ceremony. It involves a statement from the officiant along the lines of: "Do you take this person to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, for as long as you both shall live?".
The minister officiates the wedding ceremony and acts as an agent of the state where the marriage is solemnized. They are responsible for signing the marriage license, ensuring compliance with local laws, and pronouncing the couple as husband and wife.
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