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Ceremony, legal and venues · Vows and readings

Which word did Princess Diana remove from her vows?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12

Short answer

Princess Diana removed the word "obey" from her wedding vows. She chose to say "to love and to cherish" instead, making her promises equal rather than hierarchical.

When Diana married Charles in 1981, she edited her vows by hand. The traditional wording asked a bride to obey her husband, but Diana left that out. This small change became famous and showed many women that vows could reflect a partnership of equals.

You do not have to follow tradition if it does not suit you. Many couples today write their own vows or adapt the standard ones. Some keep the word "obey" because it means something specific to them, while others drop it just like Diana did. What matters is that both of you feel the words are true.

If you are getting married in a register office or approved venue, remember that civil ceremonies cannot include religious content. You can still choose your own readings and poems, but the registrar must agree to them. Religious buildings may have their own rules about what can be said, so ask your place of worship early.

Whatever you decide, speak the words slowly. Your guests will remember how you said them, not just what you said. Practice together so you can look at each other when you reach the important parts.

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