The traditional definition of a VOW is a promise made to God. 

A Marriage VOW is a promise made to God to be faithful to one's spouse.

An additional explanation of a VOW is a promise made to God to do something which is BETTER than its opposite.  In the case of marriage vows, this means that making the particular vows of marriage is the better thing to do, for that particular couple, than NOT making them.

This becomes very personal when you think about it.  To make a vow to do something then, means it is better to do that thing, than not to do it.  So, for couples marrying one another, it is the better thing for them to do before God, better for their souls, better for their personal growth, better in every way, as God wants only the best for us.

This definition applies to any vows made.  Making the vow, within this definition is BETTER than living the opposite of it, for the individual involved.  So, for one, a Marriage vow to God, of fidelity to another for life, is the better choice, while, for another, perhaps a vow of celibacy, or a vow to one of the virtues.  What is of primary importance is that such a vow be taken because the individual believes without a doubt that doing so is God's Will, and therefore the very best thing for that person.

This is how we approach Marriage vows, and it is our intention to help those who make such vows to understand the sanctity of such a public proclamation.