Writing vows sounds easy until you’re staring at a blank page at 11:47pm with mascara already running in your imagination.
We’ve filmed and photographed 500+ weddings across the DC metro area and up and down the East Coast, and we can tell you this: the vows are the moment people feel the wedding. Not the charger plates. Not the signature cocktail name. The vows. If you want your ceremony to land emotionally (and look incredible on video), you need words that sound like you—not like a Pinterest board wrote them.
This article gives you 50+ wedding vow examples you can copy, remix, and personalize—plus a real-world process to write your own without spiraling. We’ll cover traditional religious vows, non-denominational vows, funny wedding vows, romantic wedding vows, short and sweet options, cultural vow traditions, renewals, LGBTQ+ vows, and second marriage vows. And yes—we’ll talk about what not to do, because we’ve seen some things.
Before You Steal These Wedding Vow Examples: How to Make Them Sound Like You
You can absolutely start with sample wedding vows. That’s normal. The key is editing them so your partner doesn’t hear a line and think, “Wait… do you even talk like that?”
A simple vow framework that works (almost) every time
We recommend this structure because it’s easy to write and easy to deliver:
- Grounding line (1–2 sentences): why you’re here, what this means.
- 2–4 specific promises: practical + emotional.
- One short story detail: a shared moment, habit, or “this is us” thing.
- Closing promise: your “big umbrella” commitment.
If you’re stuck, write bullet points first. Then turn bullets into sentences.
The ideal length (so you don’t black out mid-vow)
Most couples do best at 60–120 seconds per person (about 150–300 words).
If you’re doing very formal vows, 30–60 seconds is fine. If you’re doing a deeply personal story-driven vow, 2–3 minutes can work—if you practice.
And please practice. Quietly. Out loud. More than once.
Decide your “tone match” as a couple (so one of you isn’t Shakespeare and the other is stand-up comedy)
This is the part couples skip, and then one person goes super serious while the other opens with a joke about fantasy football.
Talk about:
- Overall tone: romantic, funny, spiritual, simple, poetic
- “No-go” topics: exes, family drama, private intimacy, inside jokes nobody gets
- Length range: agree on a word count window (example: 200–250 words each)
- Whether you’ll repeat a shared line (some couples do one shared promise at the end)
Vow writing timeline we’ve seen work in real life
- 6–8 weeks out: decide tone + structure, collect ideas
- 4 weeks out: write a rough draft (ugly drafts are allowed)
- 2 weeks out: revise, tighten, remove fluff
- 1 week out: practice out loud, finalize
- Wedding day: print large font (we like 16–18 pt) on sturdy paper
Traditional Religious Wedding Vows (Classic, Familiar, and Still Powerful)
Traditional religious vows are popular for a reason: they’re recognizable, they carry weight, and they keep you from reinventing the wheel while sleep-deprived.
Christian (Traditional) Wedding Vow Examples
Example 1 (Classic “for better or worse”):
“I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my [husband/wife/spouse]. I promise before God and these witnesses to love you and cherish you, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, as long as we both shall live.”
Example 2 (Slightly modern, still traditional):
“[Name], I take you to be my [spouse]. I promise to love you as Christ loves the church—patiently, faithfully, and with a generous heart. I will honor you, serve you, and stand with you through all our days.”
Example 3 (Short Christian vow):
“Before God, I choose you. I will love you, honor you, and keep you, all the days of my life.”
Catholic Wedding Vow Examples (Common wording)
Catholic ceremonies often use established wording (and that’s not a bad thing). Here are two widely used styles:
Example 1 (Traditional Catholic):
“I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my [husband/wife]. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”
Example 2 (With “freely and without reservation” language):
“I, [Name], take you, [Name], for my lawful [husband/wife]. I give myself to you freely and without reservation. I promise to love and honor you all the days of my life.”
Jewish Wedding Vow Examples (and what’s traditional)
In many Jewish ceremonies, the “vows” aren’t personalized in the same way. The traditional Hebrew phrase you’ll hear is:
“Harei at mekudeshet li…” (You are consecrated to me…)
Often paired with the ring exchange.
But plenty of modern couples add personal vows before the ring exchange.
Example 1 (Jewish-inspired personal vow):
“[Name], today I choose you as my partner and my home. I promise to build a life of laughter and meaning with you, to honor our families, and to keep choosing you—on ordinary Tuesdays and on the hard days too.”
Example 2 (Short Jewish vow):
“With this ring, and with my whole heart, I commit myself to you. I will love you, respect you, and build a joyful home with you.”
Muslim Wedding Vow Examples (Nikah-inspired wording)
In many Muslim weddings, the Nikah includes contractual consent and religious components, and “vows” may be expressed differently depending on culture and family expectations.
Example 1 (Faith-forward, respectful):
“[Name], in the name of Allah, I choose you. I promise to honor you, protect your dignity, and build a home grounded in faith, mercy, and patience. I will support your dreams and ask forgiveness when I fall short.”
Example 2 (Short and sincere):
“I accept you as my [spouse] and promise to love you with kindness, to be faithful, and to grow with you in faith.”
Hindu Wedding Vow Examples (Saptapadi-inspired promises)
Hindu ceremonies often include the Saptapadi—seven steps and vows. Couples sometimes add personal promises in English alongside the traditional ritual.
Example 1 (Seven-promises inspired):
“[Name], with each step we take today, I promise: to build a peaceful home with you, to support your health and happiness, to share responsibilities, to grow our family and community with love, to respect our elders, to keep learning together, and to stay loyal in heart and action.”
Example 2 (Short Hindu-inspired vow):
“I promise to walk beside you with patience and purpose, to honor our families, and to treat our love as a sacred responsibility.”
Non-Denominational Wedding Vows (Spiritual-Optional, Still Serious)
Non-denominational vows are perfect if you want something traditional-ish without religious language—or if you want a ceremony that feels heartfelt but not scripted.
Non-denominational vow examples you can use as-is
Example 1 (Balanced and classic):
“[Name], I choose you today and every day. I promise to love you with my whole heart, to speak to you with kindness, to listen even when it’s hard, and to build a life with you that feels like home.”
Example 2 (Simple, modern):
“I promise to be your partner—not just in the big moments, but in the everyday ones. I’ll show up, I’ll be honest, and I’ll keep choosing you with intention.”
Example 3 (Practical + emotional):
“I promise to celebrate your wins, hold you through your losses, and make space for who you’re becoming. I’ll be faithful, I’ll be curious about you, and I’ll never stop learning how to love you better.”
Non-denominational repeat-after-me vows (great if you’re nervous)
Officiant: “Do you take [Name]…”
You: “I do.”
Or:
Officiant: “I, [Name], take you, [Name]…”
You: “I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my [spouse]. I promise to love you, respect you, and support you, in good times and bad, for all our days.”
Short. Safe. Strong.
A quick decision framework: personal vows vs. repeat-after-me
Use this if you’re torn:
| Factor | Personal Vows | Repeat-After-Me Vows |
|---|---|---|
| Stress level | Higher (writing + speaking) | Lower (officiant guides you) |
| Emotion | Very high, often tears | Still meaningful, usually calmer |
| Time needed | 2–6 hours total writing + practice | 10–20 minutes prep |
| Best for | Couples who like storytelling | Couples who hate public speaking |
| Video impact | Huge (audio + reactions) | Clean, classic, simple |
If one of you wants personal vows and the other doesn’t, you can compromise: do repeat-after-me in the ceremony and exchange letters privately (we’ll talk about that later).
Humorous Wedding Vow Examples (Funny Without Turning It Into Open Mic Night)
Funny wedding vows can be incredible. They can also bomb. The difference is whether the humor is rooted in affection and truth—not roasting.
Our “funny vow” rule
If the joke makes your partner feel adored, keep it.
If the joke makes your partner feel exposed, cut it.
Funny wedding vow examples (actually usable)
Example 1 (Light and sweet):
“[Name], I promise to love you even when you steal the blankets, to laugh with you when life gets weird, and to be your teammate in all things—especially assembling furniture we definitely didn’t read the instructions for.”
Example 2 (Food-based, always relatable):
“I promise to share my fries, to pretend your bad jokes are funny (most of the time), and to love you with the kind of loyalty usually reserved for pizza.”
Example 3 (Real-life partnership humor):
“I promise to be the calm one when you panic, the hype person when you doubt yourself, and the person who checks the GPS before we ‘just wing it.’”
Example 4 (Pop culture-ish without being cringe):
“I promise to be your best friend and your co-pilot. I’ll binge the show you love, even if I pretend I’m not invested. And I’ll keep choosing you—season after season.”
Example 5 (A little sass, still kind):
“I promise to love you fiercely, to tell you the truth gently, and to never let you buy another weird decorative pillow without a team meeting.”
Funny + romantic hybrid vows (our favorite style)
Example 6:
“You make ordinary days feel like something worth celebrating. I promise to keep the fridge stocked, the house full of laughter, and our love protected—especially from my own stubbornness.”
Deeply Romantic Vows (For the Couples Who Want Everyone Crying)
Romantic wedding vows don’t need to be poetic. They need to be honest.
Also: you don’t get extra points for using the word “eternity” eight times. You get points for saying something real.
Romantic wedding vow examples (emotional, not cheesy)
Example 1 (Grounded and heartfelt):
“[Name], loving you has made me braver. You’ve seen me at my best and at my most human, and you’ve stayed. I promise to keep building a life where you feel safe, wanted, and deeply loved.”
Example 2 (Future-focused):
“I promise to build a home with you that feels like peace. I’ll protect our time, our trust, and our joy. I’ll choose you in the easy seasons—and I’ll choose you even louder in the hard ones.”
Example 3 (Specific and vivid):
“I love the way you make coffee like it’s an act of care. I love the way you show up for people. I promise to be the kind of partner who notices, who says thank you, and who never treats your love like something I’m entitled to.”
Example 4 (Big-feeling, still clean):
“[Name], you’re my favorite place to be. I promise to grow with you, to fight for us, to forgive quickly, and to love you with a steady kind of devotion that doesn’t fade when life gets loud.”
Romantic vows with a touch of spirituality (without being denominational)
Example 5:
“Something bigger than us brought us here—call it grace, call it timing, call it love. I promise to honor what we’ve been given by loving you with patience, courage, and care.”
Short and Sweet Wedding Vows (Because Not Everyone Wants a Speech)
We love short vows. They’re confident. They’re clean. And they’re harder to mess up while crying.
Short vow examples (30–60 seconds)
Example 1:
“[Name], I choose you. I promise to love you with kindness, to be honest with you, and to stand by you. I’ll keep choosing you for all our days.”
Example 2:
“I promise to be your partner and your friend. I’ll celebrate you, support you, and love you in the way you deserve.”
Example 3:
“I promise to listen, to learn, and to love you with my whole heart. You’re my person, and I’m yours.”
Example 4 (Tiny but mighty):
“Today I marry my best friend. I promise to love you, respect you, and build a life with you—one day at a time.”
One-line vows (perfect for private letter add-ons)
Example 5:
“I’ll love you with my life.”
Example 6:
“I’m in this with you—always.”
Example 7:
“You’re my home, and I’m yours.”
Cultural Vow Traditions (Beautiful Options Beyond “Repeat After Me”)
Cultural vow traditions can be some of the most meaningful parts of a ceremony—because they connect you to family, ancestry, and community. But they can also get complicated fast if nobody explains what’s happening.
Irish wedding vow/blessing examples
Many couples use an Irish blessing as a vow-adjacent reading:
Example 1 (Irish blessing style):
“May your joys be as bright as the morning, and your sorrows a shadow that fades in the sunlight. May you walk together through life, hand in hand, and may your love be a shelter in every storm.”
Filipino wedding tradition: veil, cord, and arrhae (vow-adjacent wording)
In Filipino Catholic ceremonies, the veil and cord symbolize unity, and arrhae symbolizes shared prosperity.
Sample promise to pair with arrhae:
“[Name], I promise to be a faithful steward of what we build together—our finances, our home, and our future—and to treat everything we have as something we share.”
Chinese wedding traditions (tea ceremony promise example)
A tea ceremony is often separate from vows, but couples sometimes add a short promise:
Example:
“Today we honor our families and the love that raised us. I promise to respect your parents as my own, to show gratitude in actions, and to build a home that makes our families proud.”
African and African-American traditions (jumping the broom vow line)
If you’re incorporating jumping the broom, you can add a short line right before:
Example:
“With this step, we honor those who came before us. I promise to build a marriage rooted in respect, resilience, and joy.”
Latin American traditions (lazo/rosary vow line)
The lazo symbolizes unity—often placed around the couple.
Example:
“Bound together today, I promise to protect our bond with honesty, loyalty, and faith. I’ll treat our marriage as something sacred and worth fighting for.”
Indian cultural blend ceremonies (English + traditional)
If you’re blending languages, keep it short and repeatable.
Example:
“[Name], I choose you in every language I know. I promise to honor our traditions, to respect our families, and to build a future that feels like both of us.”
Renewal Vow Examples (Vow Renewals That Don’t Feel Like a Re-Wedding)
Vow renewals hit different. You’ve lived some life. You’ve survived things. That’s the point.
If you’re planning a renewal, check out Vow Renewal Photography—renewals have a totally different pacing than wedding days, and the photo plan should match.
Renewal vows: what makes them work
A good renewal vow usually includes:
- What you’ve learned
- What you’re proud of
- What you’re still choosing
- A promise for the next chapter
Vow renewal examples (10 years, 20 years, “we’ve been through it”)
Example 1 (10-year renewal):
“[Name], I loved you then, but I know you now—and that love is deeper. I promise to keep listening, to keep choosing softness when life is hard, and to keep building a home where we both can breathe.”
Example 2 (After hardship):
“We’ve walked through seasons that tested us. And we’re still here. I promise to protect our marriage with honesty, to ask for help when we need it, and to never confuse being ‘right’ with being loving.”
Example 3 (Simple and powerful):
“I choose you again. I choose our life, our family, our laughter, and our future. I’m still in love with you—and I’m still all in.”
Example 4 (With family/kids):
“We built a family, a home, and a thousand ordinary moments that turned into our life. I promise to keep showing up, to keep making time for us, and to love you with steadiness.”
LGBTQ+ Vow Examples (Inclusive, Real, and Not Tokenizing)
We’ve worked with so many LGBTQ+ couples, and the best vows are the ones that don’t try to “prove” anything. They just tell the truth.
If you’re looking for vendor planning help beyond vows, our Lgbtq Wedding Photography Guide covers what supportive coverage actually looks like (and what questions to ask).
LGBTQ+ wedding vow examples (gender-neutral wording)
Example 1 (classic, gender-neutral):
“[Name], I take you as my partner for life. I promise to love you, to respect you, and to choose you with intention. I’ll be your safe place and your biggest fan.”
Example 2 (identity-affirming):
“I love who you are—and I love who you’re becoming. I promise to honor your truth, to protect our joy, and to build a life where we both can be fully ourselves.”
Example 3 (community + chosen family):
“Today, in front of the people who love us—by birth and by choice—I promise to build a marriage rooted in respect, laughter, and loyalty. I will show up for you, every day.”
Example 4 (short and strong):
“I’m proud to love you. I promise to keep loving you out loud.”
Two-bride vow example (soft and romantic)
Example 5:
“[Name], you make me feel seen in a way I didn’t know I needed. I promise to love you with tenderness, to protect your heart, and to build a life where you feel cherished.”
Two-groom vow example (grounded and funny-romantic)
Example 6:
“[Name], you’re my best friend and my favorite person to do nothing with. I promise to keep our love playful, our communication honest, and our home full of peace.”
Second Marriage Vows (More Honest, Less Fairy Tale)
Second marriages are often calmer—and more emotionally complex. You’re not making promises from a blank slate. You’re choosing each other with experience.
And yes, it’s okay if the tone is different than your first wedding. It should be.
What second marriage vows should do (and not do)
Aim for:
- Clarity
- Realistic commitment
- Respect for the past without living in it
Avoid:
- Comparing spouses
- Taking shots at your ex
- Over-explaining your history to guests
Second marriage vow examples
Example 1 (mature and steady):
“[Name], I’m not here to promise perfection. I’m here to promise presence. I’ll communicate honestly, I’ll treat you with respect, and I’ll keep building trust with you for as long as we’re given.”
Example 2 (blended family sensitive):
“Today I’m not just marrying you—I’m committing to the life we’re building, and the family we’re creating. I promise to lead with patience, to make room for every voice in our home, and to love you with consistency.”
Example 3 (short and grounded):
“I choose you with open eyes and a full heart. I promise to be faithful, to be kind, and to keep growing with you.”
Example 4 (romantic but realistic):
“You’ve brought peace into my life. I promise to protect that peace, to be your partner in every season, and to love you in ways that feel safe and true.”
50+ Sample Wedding Vows (Copy, Paste, Personalize)
Below are more than 50 sample wedding vows organized by vibe. Some are traditional, some are modern, some are funny, some are tearjerkers. Mix and match.
Romantic wedding vow examples (12)
- “I promise to love you with patience, not just passion.”
- “I’ll be your calm, your joy, and your home.”
- “I promise to keep learning you—because you’re worth the effort.”
- “I’ll choose you in the quiet seasons and the loud ones.”
- “I promise to speak to you with respect, even when I’m stressed.”
- “I’ll protect our love like it’s the most valuable thing we own—because it is.”
- “I promise to make space for your dreams and to share mine with you.”
- “I’ll be your safe place, and I’ll let you be mine.”
- “I promise to love you in the ways you feel loved.”
- “I’ll build a life with you that feels like peace.”
- “I promise to be brave with you—especially when life is scary.”
- “I’ll love you with steadiness, not just excitement.”
Funny wedding vow examples (10)
- “I promise to let you have the last fry (sometimes).”
- “I vow to keep our relationship stronger than my coffee addiction.”
- “I promise not to start a ‘quick’ home project the week of the wedding.”
- “I’ll watch your favorite show without pretending I’m not invested.”
- “I vow to be your partner in crime… and your alibi.”
- “I promise to laugh with you, especially when we’re lost.”
- “I vow to respect your thermostat opinions, even when they’re wrong.”
- “I promise to be patient when you’re hangry.”
- “I vow to keep date night sacred—even if it’s takeout on the couch.”
- “I promise to love you even when you’re reading the plot out loud during the movie.”
Short and sweet vow examples (10)
- “I choose you. I always will.”
- “You’re my person. I’m yours.”
- “I promise to love you and be faithful.”
- “I’ll show up for you every day.”
- “I promise to listen and to care.”
- “I’ll be your teammate for life.”
- “I choose your heart, your dreams, and your future.”
- “I promise to be kind, even when I’m tired.”
- “I’ll love you with my whole life.”
- “I’m all in—forever.”
Non-denominational vow examples (10)
- “I promise to love you with honesty and respect.”
- “I vow to communicate clearly and forgive quickly.”
- “I promise to support your growth, even when it changes us.”
- “I vow to build a home where you feel safe.”
- “I promise to protect our time and our trust.”
- “I vow to be curious about you for the rest of my life.”
- “I promise to be your partner in decisions big and small.”
- “I vow to celebrate your wins and hold you through losses.”
- “I promise to keep our love playful and our friendship strong.”
- “I vow to choose you every day, not just today.”
Religious/spiritual vow examples (8)
- “Before God, I promise to love you faithfully.”
- “I vow to honor you and serve you with humility.”
- “I promise to build our marriage on faith, hope, and love.”
- “I vow to pray for you and with you.”
- “I promise to be a light for you in dark seasons.”
- “I vow to love you with grace when we fall short.”
- “I promise to steward our home with integrity.”
- “I vow to keep our covenant with reverence and joy.”
Renewal vow examples (6)
- “I choose you again—wiser, softer, and more grateful.”
- “I promise to keep making time for us.”
- “I vow to keep learning how to love you better.”
- “I promise to protect our peace.”
- “I vow to keep our friendship at the center.”
- “I promise to keep showing up—with patience and devotion.”
That’s 56+ options right there—and you can build endless variations.
How to Personalize Sample Wedding Vows Without Making Them Cringey
Personalization doesn’t mean oversharing. It means being specific.
Swap generic lines for “only us” details
Instead of: “You make me laugh.”
Try: “You make me laugh even in traffic on the Beltway, which should honestly qualify you for sainthood.”
Instead of: “I love your kindness.”
Try: “I love that you remember the barista’s name and ask how her exam went.”
Add 1–2 “micro-stories” (not your whole relationship timeline)
Pick one moment that shows:
- how they love you
- how you grew together
- what changed because of them
Keep it short—2 to 4 sentences.
Make promises you can actually keep
Hot take: “I promise to never get angry” is a bad vow. You’re human. You’ll get angry. Promise what you can control:
- “I promise to fight fair.”
- “I promise to take breaks when we’re heated.”
- “I promise to come back to the table.”
What NOT to Do: Wedding Vow Red Flags We’ve Seen in Real Ceremonies
We’re not here to scare you. But we are here to prevent a vow disaster.
Red flags that make guests uncomfortable
- Roasting your partner (“I love you even though you’re messy and annoying…”). Light teasing is fine; humiliation isn’t.
- Inside jokes nobody understands for 90 seconds straight.
- Mentioning exes (even “I’m glad I finally found the right person”). No.
- Over-sharing private details (your guests don’t want to hear your bedroom lore).
- Surprise vow length: one person writes 90 seconds, the other reads a 6-minute memoir.
- “Fixing” language: “You made me whole.” That’s a lot to put on someone.
- Promises that sound like a hostage negotiation (“I promise to let you…”). Yikes.
Red flags that create logistical problems
- Writing vows on your phone (screen timeout + shaky hands = chaos)
- No microphone plan (outdoor ceremonies eat audio)
- Not sharing vow length expectations with your officiant
- Waiting until the rehearsal dinner to write them (we’ve seen it; it’s stressful)
Ceremony Logistics That Make Vows Hit Harder (Yes, Logistics Matter)
The most beautiful vow in the world falls flat if nobody can hear it.
Audio matters more than most couples realize
If you’re outdoors, wind is the enemy. If you’re in a big church, echo is the enemy. If you’re in a barn, the DJ’s speaker placement is the enemy.
If vows are a priority, push for:
- Lavalier mics (tiny clip-on mics)
- A backup recorder
- Officiant mic’d too (they set the tone and levels)
If you want your vows to sound incredible in your film, spend time on the audio plan with your vendor team. Our Ceremony Videography guide explains what we recommend and why.
Private vows vs. public vows (and why couples are choosing both)
Private vows are having a moment—and honestly, we get it.
Here’s the comparison:
| Feature | Public Ceremony Vows | Private Vows (First Look or Quiet Moment) |
|---|---|---|
| Guest experience | Everyone feels included | More intimate, guests don’t hear |
| Emotion | Big, communal | Often deeper, less performative |
| Pressure | Higher | Lower |
| Timeline impact | Usually none | Adds 10–20 minutes |
| Best for | Couples who want shared moment | Couples who want privacy or get anxious |
A lot of couples do: short public vows + longer private vows. Smart.
Budget reality: what it costs to capture vows well
If you’re investing in photo/video, vows are one of the best ROI moments of the day.
In the DC metro area and many East Coast markets, couples often spend:
- $3,500–$8,500 on wedding videography depending on coverage, team size, and edits
- $4,500–$10,000+ on wedding photography for experienced teams
And yes, you can find cheaper. But vow audio is one of the first things to suffer with bargain coverage.
If you’re already spending money on florals and rentals, don’t let your vows be recorded through a DJ speaker with Bluetooth hiss.
A Practical Step-by-Step: Write Your Vows in 90 Minutes (No Drama)
If you want a real plan, here’s one we’ve given couples—and it works.
Step 1: Brain dump (15 minutes)
Answer quickly:
- What do you love most about them (3 things)?
- What’s a moment you knew you were in?
- What do they do that makes you feel safe?
- What do you want your marriage to feel like?
Step 2: Choose 4 promises (20 minutes)
Pick:
- 1 emotional promise
- 1 communication promise
- 1 practical promise
- 1 “hard season” promise
Step 3: Add one story detail (10 minutes)
One. Not five.
Step 4: Write a clean draft (25 minutes)
Don’t edit while writing. Just get it out.
Step 5: Cut 15% (10 minutes)
Most vows are better when shorter. Remove repeats.
Step 6: Read out loud and fix tongue-twisters (10 minutes)
If you trip over it, rewrite it.
9 Plug-and-Play Vow Templates (So You Don’t Start From Scratch)
Use these like Mad Libs, but with feelings.
Template 1: Classic modern
“[Name], today I choose you. I promise to [promise 1], to [promise 2], and to [promise 3]. I love you because [specific detail]. I choose you today and all the days after.”
Template 2: Funny + heartfelt
“[Name], I love you for [quirk] and for [quality]. I promise to [practical promise], to [emotional promise], and to keep life fun with you. No matter what comes, I’m on your team.”
Template 3: Short and steady
“[Name], I choose you. I promise to love you, respect you, and be faithful. I’ll show up for you. Always.”
Template 4: Spiritual (non-denominational)
“[Name], I believe love is a gift and a responsibility. I promise to honor that by [promise], [promise], and [promise]. I’m grateful for you, and I choose you for life.”
Template 5: Second marriage
“[Name], I come to you with experience and clarity. I promise to [promise], to [promise], and to build trust with you daily. I choose you with my whole heart.”
Template 6: LGBTQ+ inclusive
“[Name], I love you for who you are. I promise to honor your truth, to protect our joy, and to keep growing with you. I’m proud to be your partner.”
Template 7: Renewal
“[Name], I choose you again. I’m grateful for [shared life detail]. I promise for this next chapter to [promise], [promise], and [promise]. I love you, and I’m still all in.”
Template 8: Cultural blend
“[Name], today we honor our families and our traditions. I promise to respect where we come from, to build a home rooted in love, and to walk beside you with loyalty.”
Template 9: Minimalist (for the nervous speaker)
“[Name], I love you. I choose you. I promise to be your partner for life.”
How to Deliver Your Vows Without Shaking Like a Leaf
You don’t need to be a performer. But you do need a plan.
Practice in a way that actually helps
- Read them out loud 3–5 times the week before
- Practice once in the actual room if you can (even at rehearsal)
- Mark pauses with a slash “/” on the page
- Print them in large font on cardstock
If you cry easily (most people do)
- Pause. Breathe.
- Look at your partner’s forehead if eye contact makes you spiral.
- Ask your officiant to keep a tissue nearby (not your maid of honor doing a sprint)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should wedding vows be?
Most couples do best with 60–120 seconds each (about 150–300 words). If you’re doing short and sweet vows, 30–60 seconds works great. If you go longer than 3 minutes, you’ll want to practice so delivery stays strong.
Can we use the same vows as each other?
Yes—and it’s actually a great option if you want equal length and a unified tone. Many couples do shared repeat-after-me vows plus a short personal line at the end. If you’re writing separate vows, agree on a word count range so one of you doesn’t accidentally write a novel.
Are funny wedding vows a bad idea?
Not at all—some of the best ceremonies we’ve seen had humor. Keep jokes affectionate, not humiliating, and cap it at 10–20% of your vow. If the joke needs a backstory, it won’t land for guests.
Should we do private vows or say them during the ceremony?
Public vows create a shared moment with your guests, while private vows are often more intimate and less stressful. A popular compromise is short public vows + longer private vows during a first look or after portraits. If you care about hearing your vows clearly in your film, plan audio with your team (see Ceremony Videography).
What if we’re doing traditional religious vows but still want personal words?
You can usually add personal vows as a reading before the formal exchange, or exchange letters privately. Some churches have strict ceremony structures, so ask early—ideally 2–3 months out. Your officiant can help place personal words in a way that respects tradition.
What should we avoid saying in our vows?
Skip exes, harsh jokes, overly private details, and anything that sounds like a promise you can’t keep (“I’ll never get mad”). Avoid surprises in length or tone—talk with your partner ahead of time. And don’t wait until the rehearsal dinner to write them unless you love stress.
Do we need vow books?
You don’t need them, but they can be nice. Just make sure whatever you use is easy to read and doesn’t flop around in the wind. If you want the best of both worlds, print a large-font reading copy for the ceremony and keep a vow book as a keepsake.
Final Thoughts: Pick Vows That Sound Like You, Not Like the Internet
If you take nothing else from these wedding vow examples, take this: your vows don’t have to be perfect. They have to be true. Specific beats poetic every time.
Write something your partner will recognize as you. Keep it to a length you can deliver while your voice shakes. And build in the practical promises that actually make a marriage work (because flowers are pretty, but communication pays the bills).
If you want your vows to be remembered—and recorded clearly with all the emotion intact—our team at Precious Pics Pro would love to help. We’re a DC-area wedding photography and videography team with 15+ years of experience, and we care a lot about capturing the ceremony the way it felt in real life. Start with Ceremony Videography for the vow-audio side, and if you’re planning a renewal, check out Vow Renewal Photography.
If you’re ready to talk coverage, reach out to Precious Pics Pro and we’ll help you build a plan that gives your vows the spotlight they deserve.