voto matrimonial
/boto matɾimonjal/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase marriage vow is translated into Spanish as voto matrimonial.
This term refers to a solemn promise. While voto matrimonial is grammatically correct for a single vow, the plural votos matrimoniales is much more common when referring to the ceremony's promises.
Meaning: solemn promise (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun voto (vow) and the adjective matrimonial (matrimonial/marriage-related).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form votos matrimoniales uses the plural adjective matrimoniales to agree with the plural noun votos.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the most important part of the 'votos matrimoniales' is not just the spoken words, but the ritual of exchanging 'arras', which are thirteen gold coins representing shared prosperity.
- The word voto is also the standard term for a 'vote' in a political election, meaning the same word is used for both a romantic promise and a ballot.
- While you might expect a wedding to be called a 'matrimonio', the word boda is the most common way to refer to the actual celebration or ceremony where the votos are exchanged.
Examples in context
- Yo, [your name], te tomo a ti, [partner's name], como mi esposo/a, para amarte y respetarte, en la alegría y en la tristeza, en la salud y en la enfermedad, todos los días de mi vida.I, [your name], take you, [partner's name], as my husband/wife, to love and respect you, in joy and in sorrow, in health and in sickness, all the days of my life.
- [Partner's name], acepto casarme contigo, prometo cuidarte, amarte y ser fiel a ti por siempre, en los buenos y malos momentos, hasta que la muerte nos separe.[Partner's name], I agree to marry you, I promise to take care of you, love you, and be faithful to you forever, in good times and bad, until death do us part.
- Yo, [your name], quiero pasar mi vida contigo, [partner's name]. Prometo amarte, respetarte y disfrutar de cada día juntos, hasta que la eternidad nos una.I, [your name], want to spend my life with you, [partner's name]. I promise to love you, respect you, and enjoy every day together, until eternity unites us.
- [Partner's name], hoy te doy mi sí. Prometo ser tu compañero/a de aventuras, tu mejor amigo/a y tu confidente, en todas las locuras que la vida nos depare.[Partner's name], today I give you my yes. I promise to be your adventure companion, your best friend, and confidant in all the craziness that life has in store for us.
- El sacerdote bendijo cada voto matrimonial.The priest blessed every marriage vow.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their upcoming wedding ceremony.
- MaríaMateo, ¿ya escribiste tu voto matrimonial?Mateo, have you written your marriage vow yet?
- MateoAún no, María. Es difícil escribirlo.Not yet, María. It is difficult to write.
- MaríaSolo escribe lo que sientes por mí.Just write what you feel for me.
- MateoTienes razón, haré mi voto matrimonial hoy.You are right, I will do my marriage vow today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “marriage vow” translations and entries voto matrimonial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
