How to Write Personal Wedding Vows: Tips, Examples, and Inspiration

Wedding vows

Thinking about writing your own wedding vows but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Writing personal wedding vows can feel overwhelming. After all, you’re trying to capture your love, your promises, and your future together—all in just a few sentences.

The good news is: with some guidance and inspiration, writing your wedding vows doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re aiming for heartfelt, funny, or poetic, the key is making them personal and authentic. Here’s how to get started.

Why Write Personal Wedding Vows?

Personal wedding vows give you the chance to share your love story in your own words. Instead of relying on traditional vows, you can create promises that reflect your relationship, your values, and your hopes for the future.

When you write your own vows, you:

• Express your love in a unique, authentic way

• Share a deeper connection with your partner and guests

• Add a personal, memorable touch to your wedding ceremony

Wedding Vow Examples for Inspiration

If you’re stuck, start by reading through vow examples. One helpful resource is the book With These Words… I Thee Wed by Barbara Eklof. While it’s a little dated, it has timeless gems that can spark ideas. Here are a few vow snippets you can adapt or use directly:

• “You once asked me how much I loved you. I should have pointed to the skies, or the sea, or some other endless and unmeasurable thing… Today I answer you with a deed that expresses not only what I think, but also who I am. Join me today in sharing our unmeasurable love.”

• “I remember being afraid that I would never find the person about whom all the love songs seemed to be sung, all the poems written, all the words of happiness and devotion spoken. Then came the day of celebration… That day of realization was a blessed one, second only to this day – the day I accept you as my lifelong mate.”

• “Where there are troubles, I will stand with you; where there are storms, we will weather them together.”

Reading vow samples like these can help you discover the tone and style that feels right for your own ceremony.

How to Start Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

If you’re ready to create vows from scratch, reflect on these questions:

• What first attracted you to your partner?

• When did you know you were in love?

• What do you love most about them today?

• What does marriage mean to you personally?

• Why do you want to marry this person above anyone else?

• What qualities do you bring to the relationship?

• What promises feel most important to your marriage?

• What is your biggest hope for your future together?

Your answers can easily transform into meaningful vows.

5 Practical Tips for Writing Personal Wedding Vows

1. Start early. Give yourself at least two to three months before your wedding day to brainstorm and write. The more time you have, the less pressure you’ll feel.

2. Write freely first. Don’t worry about perfect wording at the start—just get your thoughts down. Raw, honest writing often contains the best material.

3. Revise thoughtfully. Expect to edit your vows several times until they feel polished yet natural.

4. Balance with your partner. Share your drafts with your officiant to make sure both sets of vows are similar in length and tone.

5. Prepare for the ceremony. Print your vows on index cards in large font so they’re easy to read during the ceremony.

Final Thoughts

Writing personal wedding vows may seem daunting at first, but it’s one of the most meaningful parts of your wedding day. With inspiration, reflection, and a little practice, you can create vows that capture your love story and leave a lasting impression on everyone present.

Your vows don’t have to be perfect—they just need to be yours.