How to Write Your Wedding Vows
Writing your own wedding vows is one of the most romantic and personal things you can do for your big day. It’s your chance to express your love, commitment, and promises in a way that is meaningful and unique to your relationship. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about where to start, don’t worry, you’re not alone, and this guide will walk you through how to write heartfelt wedding vows, from brainstorming ideas to delivering them with confidence on your wedding day.
Writing Heartfelt Wedding Vows
Before you start writing, take some time to gather inspiration. Think about what makes your love story special and what you truly want to say to your partner. Here are a few ways to find inspiration.
Read traditional vows – Look at classic vows from different cultures and religions for ideas.
Explore poetry and love letters – Great writers can help spark beautiful ways to express your feelings.
Watch romantic movies or listen to love songs – Sometimes, a line from a movie or song can capture exactly what you feel.
Reflect on your relationship – Think about your journey together, your best moments, and what you love most about your partner.
Then, take some time to think about your relationship and what makes your bond so special. Consider these questions to help guide your writing:
When did you first realize you were in love?
What do you admire most about your partner?
How has your partner changed your life for the better?
What are some of your favorite memories together?
What challenges have you overcome, and how did they make your love stronger?
What do you look forward to in your future together?
Jot down your thoughts, even if they feel unorganized at first. You’ll shape them into your vows later. Your vows should reflect your personality and relationship. Do you want them to be: romantic and heartfelt – “From the moment I met you, I knew my life had changed forever”, funny and playful – “I vow to always let you have the last slice of pizza except on Fridays”, or traditional and poetic – “I take you to be my love, my partner, and my greatest adventure.” You can mix romance with humor for a heartfelt but lighthearted feel, or stick to an elegant and emotional tone, the key is to make it authentic to your relationship.
Making Promises That Matter
While it’s tempting to pour your heart out, it’s best to keep your vows concise and focused. Aim for about 1-2 minutes when spoken aloud. Your vows should be long enough to be meaningful but short enough to keep guests engaged. Your vows should include meaningful promises and commitments that you will uphold in your marriage. Think about what truly matters to you both and what you want to promise for your future together. Here are some examples:
Personal Promises: "I promise to support your dreams, even when they involve crazy ideas."
Everyday Promises: "I vow to always make you coffee in the morning, even when I’m running late."
Serious Promises: "I promise to stand by your side through life’s greatest joys and toughest trials."
Lifelong Promises: "I vow to love you more with every passing day, for the rest of my life.”
Once you have your ideas, start drafting your vows, and don’t stress about making it perfect on the first try! Write from your heart, don't overthink it, then read it out loud; does it sound natural? And does it transition smoothly from love, to promises, to the future? Once your vows are finalized, practice reading them, you don’t need to memorize them (it’s okay to read from a card), but being familiar with your vows will make them feel more natural and heartfelt on the big day.
No matter what you say, the most important thing is that it comes from the heart. Historic Acres of Hershey is a beautiful wedding and event venue, perfect for intimate gatherings, set amidst the rolling hills in the Pennsylvania countryside. Contact our team to learn more or to schedule a tour.