A Bahá’í wedding can be held in a garden, a living room or a hotel ballroom, with any music, food and dress the couple loves. Only one thing is required: each partner says a single verse in front of two witnesses. This guide explains the Bahá’í wedding vow, what it means, and how to plan a ceremony that is simple, joyful and fully in line with Bahá’í law.
The words of the Bahá’í wedding vow
In the presence of two witnesses, the bride and the groom each say:
“We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God.”
That single sentence, taken from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, is the whole of the Bahá’í marriage vow. There is no set script beyond it, no officiating clergy and no required order of service. Some Assemblies also accept the English rendering “Verily, we are content with the Will of God.” The verse may be said in Arabic or another language if the witnesses understand it; ask your Local Spiritual Assembly first.
What the vow means
The vow is short, but it carries a great deal. It is said by both partners, in the plural: “We will all…”. The couple are not promising obedience to each other; together they promise to place their marriage under the Will of God. In practice, that means building the marriage on the same spiritual qualities the Bahá’í writings ask of every believer: truthfulness, kindness, patience, consultation and service.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá described the kind of marriage this vow points to: the couple should be “united both physically and spiritually, that they may ever improve the spiritual life of each other, and may enjoy everlasting unity throughout all the worlds of God.” The vow is the moment a couple publicly commit to that shared spiritual journey.
What is required before the wedding
Bahá’í law keeps the ceremony simple, but a few things must be in place first:
- Free choice by both partners. No one may be pressured into marriage.
- Consent of all living natural parents. This applies whether or not the parents are Bahá’ís, and even if they are divorced. Parents consent to the marriage itself, not to the Bahá’í ceremony. Written consent is best. Our Bahá’í marriage guide explains parental consent in more detail.
- Two witnesses. They hear both partners say the vow. They can be Bahá’ís or not, and must be acceptable to the Local Spiritual Assembly.
- The Local Spiritual Assembly. The Assembly where the wedding takes place confirms that the requirements are met, approves the witnesses, makes sure the marriage certificate is signed and records the marriage. Contact them early; they are there to help.
Planning the ceremony
Beyond the vow, the couple are free to shape the day. The guidance is that it should be dignified and as simple as possible, and should not mix in the set forms of other religious ceremonies. Many couples include:
- Prayers and readings from the Bahá’í writings, read by family members or friends.
- Music: a favourite song, a choir or live musicians.
- Personal words from the couple or their families.
- Rings, which are optional.
- A celebration afterwards, of any size, from a family meal to a large reception.
Because the vow takes only a moment, the ceremony itself is often 20 to 45 minutes of prayers, music and readings, with the vow at its heart.
Bahá’í weddings are usually not held on the anniversaries of the Martyrdom of the Báb or the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, which are solemn Holy Days. Our Bahá’í calendar lists the dates for 2026 and 2027.
Bahá’í and civil ceremonies
Whether a separate civil (legal) ceremony is needed depends on the country, and sometimes the state or region. In some places the Bahá’í ceremony is legally recognised and can be performed by an authorised Bahá’í officer; in others the couple also need a civil ceremony. Where both are needed, they are held on the same day. Your Local or National Spiritual Assembly will tell you exactly what applies where you live.
If one partner is not a Bahá’í
A Bahá’í may marry someone of another faith. The Bahá’í ceremony is still required, and both partners say the verse. The couple may also hold the other partner’s religious ceremony, as long as the Bahá’í is not asked to make vows contrary to Bahá’í law or to declare belief in another religion. Both ceremonies take place on the same day. Our guide to Bahá’í interfaith marriage covers this in depth.
A simple planning checklist
- Talk with both sets of parents and ask for their consent, ideally in writing.
- Contact the Local Spiritual Assembly where the wedding will take place.
- Check whether a civil ceremony is also needed, and book it for the same day.
- Choose two witnesses and send their names to the Assembly.
- Avoid the two solemn Holy Days when choosing a date.
- Pick the prayers, readings and music that mean most to you both.
- Practise the vow together so it feels natural on the day.
- Make sure the marriage certificate is signed after the vows.
Common questions
Is there a Bahá’í priest or minister who performs the wedding?
No. The Bahá’í Faith has no clergy. The couple marry each other by saying the vow before two witnesses, under the authority of the Local Spiritual Assembly.
Can we write our own vows?
You may add personal words, but they do not replace the Bahá’í vow. Each partner must still say, “We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God.”
Does the wedding have to be in a Bahá’í centre?
No. Bahá’í weddings are held in homes, gardens, halls and hotels. The place is up to the couple.
Do the witnesses have to be Bahá’ís?
No. Witnesses can be Bahá’ís or not, as long as the Local Spiritual Assembly accepts them.
Where can I meet Bahá’í singles who share these values?
Bahá’í Mingle is a free Bahai dating site with members in 125 countries. It works in any phone browser, and Bahá’í Mingle apps for iPhone and Android are coming soon. You can create a free profile in a few minutes.
Sources: the Kitáb-i-Aqdas; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as quoted in the compilation on family life and marriage on the official Bahá’í website; and published guidance from Bahá’í National Spiritual Assemblies. Requirements differ from country to country; for your own wedding, follow the guidance of your Local or National Spiritual Assembly.
