How to Write Simple Wedding Vows

Choosing to write your own vows is a beautiful way to personalize your wedding. It adds a unique element to your ceremony that you and your partner will cherish forever. Not to mention, guests will be able to get a glimpse into your relationship via the loving words you share at the altar.

"The majority of couples today are writing custom vows, and there is no surprise why. I have heard from countless newlyweds that the most special moment of their wedding was when they exchanged self-written vows with their partner in front of their family and friends," explains Steven Greitzer, CEO and founder of Provenance. "Going beyond the traditional promises, custom wedding vows allow each person to be specific about their real commitments, their unique relationship, and what this next chapter means for each of them. This personal touch adds a layer of sincerity, authenticity, and emotion that more standard, generic vows might not capture."

However, when the time comes to put pen to paper, you might find yourself stumped on what to say. Since there are so many ways you can go about this task, it's easy to feel lost and overwhelmed when trying to figure out how to write this important speech. Luckily, we have a solution for you.

Ahead, we put together an easy-to-follow guide to writing simple wedding vows. You can expect real-life examples, tips, and all the advice you need. Read on for more.

A Simple Wedding Vow Template

Before you begin to jot down your feelings, it's important to understand the basic template most simple wedding vows follow, as highlighted below.

Start with "I love you".

Let’s start with the basics: Before you delve into the specifics of your vows, you need to tell your partner that you love them. Though this part of your "speech" may be somewhat emotional, don’t skip out or forget to say those three little words.

Explain how your partner has changed you.

When someone special comes into your life—especially if they're the love of your life—they change you. So take a moment to consider what your partner has done for you and thank them for it. Greitzer also adds "Tailor your vows to reflect your unique journey—mention who you were before you met each other and the ways you have grown together. Discussing how you've navigated the toughest times in your relationship can reveal profound insights about yourself, your partner, and the strength of your bond."

Give a personal anecdote.

You might want to tell a short and sweet story about how you met or simply speak about what makes your relationship special. Why? Drawing upon the experiences you and your partner have shared will give guests a glimpse into your union and what makes it special and unique.

Make realistic promises.

While you should vow to love, honor, and cherish your partner, there is room to make promises that are more down-to-earth and aligned with your union. For example, you might want to say that you will always watch a certain TV show with them or that you will always support their favorite team. Adding a sense of realism to your vows makes them more meaningful and personal.

Thank your partner and look to the future.

Finally, you’re going to want to thank your partner for being who they are and loving you. You may also want to close your vows with a look toward the future. Consider how your wedded life may look and talk about any hopes or dreams you have for the two of you. Be optimistic, caring, and honest here.

How to Write Simple Wedding Vows

Now that you have a simple wedding vows template, here are some expert tips that will help you perfect the art of writing.

Start thinking about what you want to say early.

If you think you have all the time in the world to write your vows, you may want to think again. This sentimental task will take longer than you expect, so give yourself as much time as possible by starting early. To begin, jot down a few bullet point ideas, and take a moment to answer the below questions which will help tailor the structure of your vows.

• How long will your vows be?
• Should you incorporate religion into your vows?
• How can you make your vows unique to you?
• Are some anecdotes too personal to share?
• How sentimental do you want your vows to be?
• How will specific guests react to your vows?
  

Write a full-length draft.

Next, it’s time to draft your vows. Avoid editing yourself as you go along and be sure to let your personality shine through your writing. Don’t attempt to write in someone else’s voice, as well; be yourself and write things the way you would naturally say them. This also means that you shouldn't worry about being cheesy or overly romantic. That’s to be expected!

When writing your draft, it's also important that you "speak from the heart without getting too bogged down in how exactly to say it," explains Greitzer. "Don't shy away from expressing your true feelings in a raw and genuine way. Often, the more real and honest, the more the vows transcend above typical wedding cliches and platitudes and shine with genuine authenticity."

Edit, edit, and edit some more.

Once you've completed your draft, you can get started on editing. While every aside and anecdote may feel essential, try to stick to the most meaningful ones in order to keep your speech simple. Though it might seem impossible to edit your words, especially when the topic is sentimental, try to cut back where you can.

Get a second opinion.

Almost done? It’s time to get a second opinion on your wedding vows. While you may want to keep them a surprise for most people, you should call upon a trusted friend, especially since they can help ensure your words are expressed how you desire.

Practice your vows.

Finally, it’s time to start practicing since the first time you read your vows shouldn’t be at your wedding. Consider reciting them in front of a mirror or record yourself saying them. The trick is to keep going until you know them by heart.

Simple Wedding Vow Examples to Make Your Own

Here, we provide 13 examples to help inspire your own simple wedding vow.

Example 1: Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

“First I vow to always respect you, both in name and faith. Second, I vow to be your support and encouragement in times of despair and times of prosper. Finally, as the glamour and excitement of today fades away and our lives take different forms, I vow to love you just as much tomorrow as I do today.” – Lauren (via YouTube)

Example 2: Crack a Few Personal Jokes

“I promise to feign an interest in cricket for the rest of our days; to know that three bottles of Sriracha is never enough; that toothpaste must be bought in bulk; and that FIFA is not just a game. But, most importantly, in a thousand lifetimes, if I had a thousand choices, I would still choose you.” – Nakita (via YouTube)

Example 3: Make a Touching Promise

“I promise to be there when your hair turns gray, your face wrinkles, and life around us looks different. And I cannot promise that life will be perfect because it won’t. But it will be a perfect life lived with you, pursuing the Lord until the end of our days.” – Bailey (via YouTube)

Example 4: Recite a Poem

“I cannot promise you a life full of sunshine. I cannot promise you riches, wealth, or gold. I cannot promise you an easy pathway that leads from growing old. But I can promise you all of my heart’s devotion. A smile to chase away our tears, our sorrow. A love that’s ever true and ever-growing. My hand to hold in yours for each tomorrow.” – Austin (via YouTube)

Example 5: Share How You Make Each Other Better

“You’ve done nothing but make me a better man. You were so patient with my 18-year-old self back then. You challenged me with unfamiliar beliefs and taught me about new interests. You tamed my judgmental high ego and stubborn self and you continue to do that to this day when it’s not going to stop. Every day I feel truly blessed to bear witness to you.” – Neja (via YouTube)

Example 6: Share Some Personal Anecdotes

“I’ll always be by your side, even when I’m 80 and you still want to go on a morning walk. I promise I’ll have my sand shoes on even though they’re actually called runners and be ready to go. I’ll get out of bed when you’re tired just to plug your phone charger in or pull the blankets up to tuck you in. I’ll turn the heater on when you’re cold even when I’m already sweating. When we’re out for dinner I’ll always shuffle forward when you pull the table closer to you.” – Rob (via YouTube) 

Example 7: Unconditional Love of Everything

“I promise to love you unconditionally every day for the rest of your life. Encourage you to achieve greatness and to tell you I love you each night before we go to sleep. I also promise to continue to annoy you every day for the rest of time and pretend I’m interested in whatever PlayStation game you’re playing even though I have no idea what you are talking about.” – Bec (via YouTube)

Example 8: Being a Supportive Partner

“I promise to always laugh with you and never go to bed angry. I promise to make you laugh and giggle the cute way that you do. I promise to comfort you in times of sorrow and pick you up when all seems far gone. I promise to always listen to what you have to say even when we don’t agree and to remember that love is saying 'I feel differently' instead of 'you’re wrong.'” – Ryan (via YouTube)

Example 9: Make the Most of Every Moment

“I promise to try my best to never stop listening to the things you say. To celebrate small accomplishments. To apologize to you when I need to. To panic at the sight of bugs and call for your help. To sneak in hugs when you’re brushing your teeth.” – Lisa (via YouTube)

Example 10: Love Overcomes Adversity

“We’ve seen each other grow as people, as lovers, and as partners. And we’ve been through some of our highest highs and our lowest lows and we’ve come out the other side together. Whether it’s walking down the street in a place we’ve never been to before or just on the couch watching Bravo, every moment with you is the most wonderful adventure yet and we have so many more in us.” – Jackie (via YouTube)

Example 11: Devote Your Life to Your Partner

“I promise to fight for you and to put you first as this family is the most important family now. I promise to be your biggest fan and supporter in every aspect of life. I promise to laugh with you and to cry with you and to hold you. I promise to listen, I promise to be patient, and I promise to treat you with nothing but respect and kindness.” – Brett (via YouTube)

Example 12: Proclaim Your Love Every Day

“My final vow is that I will never stop expressing my love for you. I will never stop pursuing you with every breath that I take. I will pray for you, help guide you, support you, and protect you. I will love you fiercely every day that I live and every day after.” – Jeff (via YouTube)

Example 13: There for You in Many Ways

“The confidence I have in our love is unshakable. From this day forward I promise to be your strongest advocate, your personal chef, your chauffeur, your shoulder to cry on, and your comic relief.” – Craig (via YouTube)