In short: Buddhism has no fixed wedding vows; in Theravāda countries marriage is a family and civil matter, often blessed by monks' chanting. Couples who want Buddhist words usually choose readings from the early texts: AN 4.55, where the Buddha tells a devoted couple to be "equals in faith, ethics, generosity, and wisdom", and the duties of husband and wife in the Sigālovāda Sutta (DN 31).
Reading 1: Together in this life and the next
"Householders, if wife and husband want to see each other in both this life and the next, they should be equals in faith, ethics, generosity, and wisdom."
AN 4.55 · The full story: together in this life and the next.
Read the full guide
Reading 2: Caring for each other
"A husband should serve his wife as the western quarter in five ways: by treating her with honor, by not looking down on her, by not being unfaithful, by relinquishing authority to her, and by presenting her with adornments. A wife served by her husband in these five ways shows sympathy to him in five ways. She's well-organized in her work. She manages the domestic help. She's not unfaithful. She preserves his earnings. She's deft and tireless in all her duties."
DN 31 · Written for a household of 2,500 years ago; many couples today read it as mutual: honor, respect, faithfulness, shared responsibility and care. Full text: Sigālovāda Sutta.
Reading 3: The highest blessing
"Caring for mother and father, kindness to children and partners, and unstressful work: this is the highest blessing."
Snp 2.4 · Full text: Maṅgala Sutta.
Sample vows inspired by these teachings
ANEW's wording, not a traditional text. Adapt freely.
I will honor you and never look down on you.
I will be faithful to you in body, speech and mind.
I will share our responsibilities, and trust you with them.
I will be generous with you, in what I give and how I listen.
Let us grow equal in faith, ethics, generosity and wisdom,
so that we may meet each other in this life, and beyond.
Try it
Practice kindness together, three minutes a day: open Practice. For more on relationships, see Buddhist teachings on relationships.
Questions people ask
Are there traditional Buddhist wedding vows?
No. In Theravāda Buddhism marriage is a civil and family matter, and there is no fixed set of vows. Couples often invite monks to chant blessings and choose readings from the Buddha's teachings, such as AN 4.55 and DN 31.
What did the Buddha say about marriage?
In AN 4.55 he told a devoted couple: 'if wife and husband want to see each other in both this life and the next, they should be equals in faith, ethics, generosity, and wisdom.'