Few moments during your wedding day are as personal and emotional as the exchange of vows. Whether surrounded by loved ones or in a more intimate setting with just your partner, these words represent your commitment, love, and future together. Learning how to write wedding vows that feel authentic and memorable is a process worth taking your time with—it’s your chance to speak directly from the heart and create a moment you’ll both cherish forever.
Writing your vows might feel overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—you don’t need to be a poet or a professional writer. You just need to be honest, thoughtful, and willing to reflect on what your relationship means to you.
How to Begin
Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), it helps to consider a few things that will set the tone for your vows.
First, talk with your partner about what kind of vows you both want to write. Will they be romantic, humorous, or a combination of both? Do you want to write them independently and surprise each other on the big day, or coordinate so they’re similar in tone and length? Setting expectations early ensures your vows feel balanced and aligned.
It’s also a good idea to check with your officiant or venue to see if there are any guidelines. Some ceremonies may have specific requirements or time limitations, especially when including cultural or religious elements.
And most importantly, start by thinking about your relationship as a whole. What makes your connection special? What moments have defined your journey? Reflecting on your story will give your vows authenticity and warmth.
Get Sentimental
This is your opportunity to be heartfelt. Sentimental vows don’t have to be overly dramatic—they just need to be genuine. Think about what you love most about your partner. Maybe it’s their laugh, the way they always know how to cheer you up, or how they’ve supported your dreams.
It’s okay to show emotion. If your voice shakes or you tear up while reading your vows, that makes the moment real and powerful. Don’t worry about impressing anyone—this is a conversation between you and your partner, shared with family and friends.
Let your personality come through in your words. A few well-placed inside jokes or personal quirks can make your vows even more touching and true to your relationship.
Share Your Vision for the Future
When pondering how to write wedding vows, remember, they aren’t just about the past and present—they’re also a promise for what’s to come. Take time to think about the life you want to build together. What dreams do you share? What kind of partner do you promise to be in the years ahead?
Maybe it’s promising to support each other’s goals, travel the world together, start a family, or simply grow old with laughter. This part of your vows should speak to your shared values and the path you’ll walk together after the ceremony.
Include Personal Stories
The most meaningful vows often include personal stories. Instead of saying “You make me laugh,” talk about how you laughed so hard during a road trip that you had to pull over. Instead of saying “You’re my best friend,” share the moment you realized your partner truly understood you.
These moments make your vows feel intimate and memorable—for you and your guests. They’ll recognize the real love behind your words because they’ve seen your journey unfold. Stories also break up the structure of your vows and help keep your speech engaging.
Make Promises That Matter
At their core, vows are promises. These don’t have to be poetic or overly formal, but they should be meaningful. Think about what you can honestly commit to—whether it’s always making your partner coffee in the morning or being their biggest cheerleader through life’s challenges.
Try to be specific. General phrases like “I promise to love you forever” are lovely, but adding personal context makes them even stronger: “I promise to hold your hand when you’re nervous and celebrate with you when you succeed.”
And yes, it’s okay to include a few light-hearted promises too. Balancing serious commitments with a touch of humor keeps things real and reflective of your dynamic.
Write, Edit, and Practice
Once you’ve gathered your thoughts, start writing. Don’t try to make it perfect on the first try—just get your ideas out. Let it sit for a day or two, then come back and refine it. Trim what feels redundant and focus on what matters most.
Reading your vows aloud helps with pacing and reveals areas that may need adjusting. You want your vows to sound natural when spoken, not like something rehearsed or overly polished.
Keep a Copy Handy
On your wedding day, nerves can take over. Don’t rely on memory alone—bring a written copy. You can write your vows in a vow book or print them neatly on a card. This isn’t a speech contest—it’s a heartfelt moment, and having a copy on hand gives you one less thing to stress about.
Exchange Wedding Vows at Clarks Landing Yacht Club
Just like your vows, your venue should reflect the beauty and emotion of your love story. At Clarks Landing Yacht Club, we know how important those words are—your promises, memories, and vision for the future.
Our elegant waterfront setting creates the perfect backdrop for a romantic, unforgettable ceremony. Whether you’re exchanging laughter-filled vows or tearful ones, our venue elevates the moment with breathtaking views and thoughtful details.
We offer all-inclusive packages, experienced wedding coordinators, and vendor recommendations, making it easy to focus on what really matters—celebrating your commitment. Let us take care of the logistics while you pour your heart into writing vows that feel truly, uniquely yours.
Schedule a tour today and see how Clarks Landing Yacht Club can help set the stage for your forever.
How to Write Wedding Vows FAQs
How long should my wedding vows be?
Your vows should be around 1–2 minutes. Long enough to be meaningful, but brief enough to keep everyone engaged.
Should we write our vows together or separately?
It’s up to you! Some couples prefer to write them independently for a surprise moment, while others coordinate tone and length to keep things balanced.
What should be included in our wedding vows?
Share what you love about your partner, meaningful relationship stories, sincere promises, and a glimpse into your future together.
Is it okay to include humor in my vows?
Absolutely. A few light-hearted lines or inside jokes can make your vows more personal and authentic, as long as the tone still reflects your love and commitment.
How do I deal with nerves about reading my vows aloud?
Practice beforehand and bring a written copy with you. Don’t worry about being perfect—speaking from the heart is what matters most.