take vows
Commit to matrimony
To take vows is to make formal, binding promises—most often in religious or matrimonial contexts.
A person takes vows when entering a religious order, committing to poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Couples take vows at their wedding ceremony: They took their vows at sunset on the beach.
The phrase implies solemn, public commitment with lasting obligations.
Clergy appointment ceremony
- conventReligious sisters' dwelling
- monasteryReligious seclusion dwelling
- nunHebrew alphabet's fourteenth
- monkCloistered religious devotee
priesthood · celibacy · chastity · novitiate · habit · abbey · friar · sisterhood
Marriage rite and feast
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- nuptialsVows and rings
- brideWoman getting married
- groomBetrothed man; stable worker
matrimony · union · spouse · altar · aisle · officiant · ring · betrothal
Binding promise given
- promiseCommitment to act
- oathFormal binding promise
- covenantBinding formal pledge
- bondBinding tie or connection
dedication · loyalty · fidelity · allegiance · devotion · faithfulness · steadfastness · constancy
Serious, dignified quality
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- formalityStrict observance of convention
- sacramentSacred ritual conveying grace
- gravitasDignified, weighty manner
reverence · witness · procession · liturgy · rite · observance · decorum · recitation
ordination
Clergy appointment ceremony
- conventReligious sisters' dwelling
- monasteryReligious seclusion dwelling
- nunHebrew alphabet's fourteenth
monk · priesthood · celibacy · chastity · novitiate · habit · abbey · friar · sisterhood · brotherhood
wedding
Marriage rite and feast
groom · matrimony · union · spouse · altar · aisle · officiant · ring · betrothal · honeymoon
pledge
Binding promise given
bond · dedication · loyalty · fidelity · allegiance · devotion · faithfulness · steadfastness · constancy · undertaking
solemnity
Serious, dignified quality
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- formalityStrict observance of convention
- sacramentSacred ritual conveying grace
gravitas · reverence · witness · procession · liturgy · rite · observance · decorum · recitation · officiant
take vowsdivorce
Legal end of matrimony
defrock · separate · file for divorce · casual dating · play the field
take vowscasual dating
Non-exclusive romantic involvement
hook up · live together · play the field · friends with benefits · shack up