Are vows mandatory in a traditional catholic wedding, or are there any vows spoken at all?

Answer 1

Yes.

The vows are what make the wedding a marriage.

Here are the most common Catholic Marriage vows:

I (...), take you (...) to be my husband/wife.
I promise to be true to you
in good times and in bad,
in sickness and in health.
I will love you and honor you
all the days of my life.

Or

I (...), take you (...) for my lawful husband/wife,
to have and to hold,
from this day forward,
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
until death do us part.

Or

In the name of God,
I (...) take you (...) to be my husband/wife,
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,
until we are parted by death.
This is my solemn vow.

Notice there is nothing about 'obeying.'

+ Exchange of Rings +

(...), take this ring
as a sign of my love and fidelity.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Absolutely, wedding vows are a necessity in a wedding ceremony. Without them, there cannot be a marital union.

The ministers of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is not the priest - it is the bride and groom, administering the Sacrament to each other under the supervision of the priest.

God consecrates the marital bond between spouses as they exchange marital vows.

There are different "formulas" of marital vows. Part of preparing for the Sacrament is choosing which formula of wedding vows will be exchanged during the actual sacrament.

Answer 3

Check out the book "Together for Life" it has the readings and prayers and the vows you can choose from for a Catholic Wedding or Nuptial Mass. Also, ask your priest, he's a pretty good source for specific questions you may have!

Answer 4

Vows or promises are a LEGAL requirement. Getting a Marriage License is a legal requirement, stating a vow or promise is a legal requirement . . and a pronouncement of marriage by the officiant (civil servant or priest or minister or rabbi) is a legal requirement. Answered by: A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant

Answer 5

They are aprt of the ceremony... but in most churches, you can choose to read the set vows that the church makes for you. Its less personal, but if you arent the type to make your own, it will do. :)