Wondering how to write wedding vows without sounding like a walking Hallmark card? You’re not alone. Writing your own vows is hands-down one of the most personal and memorable parts of your big day – but it can also feel like trying to sum up your entire love story with sweaty palms and a ticking clock.

Don’t panic. Learning how to write wedding vows doesn’t mean becoming a poet overnight. It just means speaking from the heart, in your own words, about the person you’ve chosen forever with. Whether you’re aiming for romantic, hilarious, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you craft something meaningful, genuine, and totally you.

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Why Write Your Own Wedding Vows?

Because they’re YOUR vows! Sure, traditional vows are beautiful, but writing your own lets you share the story only you and your partner truly know. Think about your journey together, the laughs, the challenges, and the little moments that mean the most. Guests will laugh, cry, and leave feeling like they just witnessed something one-of-a-kind. Plus, there’s nothing like seeing your partner’s face light up when they hear your words for the first time.

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Photo Credit: Mango Studios

Preparing to Write Your Vows

Set Guidelines with Your Partner

Start by having a conversation with your partner. Will your vows be funny, sentimental, or a combination of both? Do you want to keep them a surprise, or will you share them beforehand? Once you’ve agreed on these details, you’ll both have a clearer idea of how to shape your vows, which will make the process a lot less stressful and more enjoyable.

Set the Tone

Think about how you want your vows to feel. Are you all about the “I’m yours forever” kind of vows, or are you leaning more toward “You still make me laugh every day” kind of vibes? You can mix sentimental moments with a few laughs to keep it sweet and lighthearted. And don’t forget to discuss the length. Agreeing on how much time you’ll spend on your vows will help keep the ceremony flowing smoothly.

Gather Inspiration

If you’re stuck for words, look to the things that inspire you both. Maybe a favourite poem, song lyric, or piece of writing that resonates with your love story. Remember the moments that shaped your relationship: your first date, the first time you said “I love you,” or a funny memory that always makes you smile. Don’t be afraid to steal some words that speak to you, but remember to add your own twist to them.

Keep It Personal

When it comes to vows, the more personal, the better. Skip the clichés and focus on what makes your relationship unique. Think about what you love about your partner, the support they give you, the adventures you’ve had, or the funny way they always do that one thing that cracks you up. These special moments show just how well you know and love each other. Trust us, your vows will be so much more meaningful when they describe your own story.

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Photo Credit: LaMemoir Photography

Structure of Great Wedding Vows

Opening Statement

Start with something simple but meaningful. This is your chance to set the tone, so you want to grab your partner’s attention right away. Maybe it’s a moment you realized you were in love or a thought about how they’ve changed your life for the better. You don’t need fancy words here, just something that says, “This is how I feel about you.” A line like, “From the moment we met, I knew my life was about to change forever,” can immediately set the stage for the rest of your vows.

Add Personal Touches

Here’s where you can really make it yours. Bring in stories from your relationship that highlight why they mean so much to you. This could be a funny moment, a time they helped you through something or even a silly memory that still makes you laugh. Personal touches help your vows feel real and relatable, both to your partner and to everyone listening. These stories make the ceremony yours and bring out the love that’s uniquely shared between you two.

Promises

Share your commitment to them. Whether it’s big things, like always supporting their dreams, or small things, like never leaving a pizza slice behind, this is your moment to declare what you’re committed to doing for your partner. Mix in a little humour and a lot of sincerity, and you’ve got the perfect promises for a long, happy life together.

Closing Statement

Finish your vows with a promise of forever. This is where you get to sum up your vows and leave your partner with no doubt in their mind that they are yours forever. A poetic line like, ‘You’re my home, my heart, and the love of my life. Today and always, I choose you,’ says it all and ties your vows together perfectly.

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Tips for Writing Memorable Wedding Vows

Here’s how to make your vows meaningful and personal:

  • Be real. Speak in your own voice, and don’t try to be overly poetic or fancy if that’s not your style.
  • Be specific. Instead of saying, “You make me happy,” share a moment that shows how they make you happy.
  • Mix it up. A little humour alongside sincere promises can make your vows feel relatable and true to your relationship.
  • Practice Brevity. Keep your vows meaningful but concise. Aim for 1-2 minutes or around 150-250 words. This is enough time to share your feelings, promises, and story without losing everyone’s attention (or your partner’s composure).
  • Practice, but don’t memorize. Read your vows aloud a few times to make sure they flow naturally. Bring a written copy to the ceremony so you’re not stressing about remembering every word.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes to keep your vows heartfelt and genuine:

  • Being Too Generic: Avoid clichés like “You’re my everything” or “You complete me.” Instead, focus on your inside jokes, your adventures, and the ways your partner has completed you.
  • Oversharing: Some things are best kept between the two of you. Skip the overly personal or embarrassing details and keep your vows heartfelt, sweet, and appropriate for all your guests.
  • Making Inside Jokes Only You Understand: Avoid including too many personal jokes that only the two of you get.
  • Making It All About Yourself: While it’s great to include personal details, make sure your audience can understand and connect with what you’re saying.
  • Writing Last Minute: Don’t leave this important task to the night before the wedding. Give yourself plenty of time to write, edit, and perfect your vows.
  • Ignoring Your Partner’s Tone: If your partner’s vows are heartfelt and romantic, and yours are completely comedic, the mismatch can feel off. Talk beforehand to align on tone and style so your vows complement each other beautifully.
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Photo Credit: Leann Weston Photography

Examples of Wedding Vows

Traditional Vows:

“I stand here today with all my heart, ready to promise you my love, my support, and my devotion. From the moment we met, I knew you were someone special, and as our love has grown, I’ve come to understand just how lucky I am to have you by my side.

I promise to stand by you in both the good times and the bad, to share in your happiness, and comfort you in times of sorrow. I will support you in your dreams, and I will help build a future filled with love, laughter, and respect. I promise to love you through every chapter of our lives, always learning, always growing, and always cherishing you.

I will be your partner, your best friend, and your family. I will listen, I will care, and I will honour the person you are, just as I promise to grow with you into the person we will become together.

Today, I make these vows with the deepest love, and I promise to keep them forever. From this day forward, I am yours, and you are mine.”

Funny and Lighthearted Vows:

“From the moment we met, I knew my life was about to get a whole lot more interesting. You’ve brought out the best in me, and somehow, you’ve also taught me to enjoy the chaos, like when we’re late for everything or when we can’t agree on what to have for dinner (again). I promise to always be your partner in this beautiful, unpredictable adventure we’re on.

I vow to keep finding new ways to make you laugh, even if it’s at my terrible dance moves or my attempts at cooking (which, let’s be real, usually ends in takeout). I’ll support you through every challenge, even if it’s just helping you search for your keys for the 10th time this week. No matter how crazy life gets, I’ll always be by your side, ready to face it with love, laughter, and maybe a little bit of patience.

And when we’re old and gray, I promise we’ll still be laughing about the same things and loving each other even more than we do today. You are my person, and I’m so grateful to be yours.”

Romantic and Poetic Vows:

“From the very first time I saw you, my heart knew something extraordinary was about to unfold. I never imagined how much my love for you would grow, how deeply you would become a part of my soul, but here we are, and I can’t imagine a life without you in it. You are my love, my partner, my heart’s home.

I vow to cherish you not just in the moments of ease, but especially in the moments of challenge. I will be your comfort when the world feels heavy, your laughter when life feels light, and your companion through every twist and turn of our journey together. I will listen to your dreams, share in your hopes, and stand by your side no matter what life brings our way.

With every breath, I promise to love you more deeply than I did the day before. I will celebrate every quiet moment and every grand adventure we share, always reminding you of the strength and beauty I see in you. You are my forever, and I will spend my life showing you just how much I love you.”

Ready to write vows that make your partner laugh, cry, and fall in love with you all over again? Share your draft or favorite line in the comments below.

When you’re ready, turn your words into beautiful stationery with our Invitations & Stationery vendors, or let a top‑rated wedding planner bring your ceremony to life. Start sharing, start planning – make every word count.