Wedding vows are the absolute heart of your marriage ceremony. We’ve heard a lot of vows in our wedding live streams! So here’s some useful advice to help you find exactly the right words for this very special moment.

Personalising your wedding vows

A wedding taking place by Sydney harbour — A wedding at Sergeants Mess in Mosman

When it comes to your own personal vows (as opposed to the legally required ones), there are no rules! You can freestyle however you wish. This is the perfect opportunity to say something personal and meaningful as you enter into marriage. Think of it like this: you’re about to get married with all your friends and family around you. What do you want to say to your partner at this very special and important moment?

Where to begin

Here are some great tips to get you started:

What’s the first thing that comes into your mind when you think about your partner?
Keep in short and simple, and don’t pile the pressure on yourself. A few sentences is plenty and you do not have to be Shakespeare.
Use a mixture of tones. Great vows are a mix of the light hearted and the serious.
Use words such as “I promise”, “I vow” or “I will always try my best to”.
Don’t be afraid to own up to imperfections, such as “I know I will drive you crazy, or I know that I cooking isn’t my strong point”. This shows resilience and the honesty is charming.
Write a compliment, a promise and a timeline. For example, “I love the way you make me feel safe, I promise to do the same for you and make you feel safe within my arms and I will do this for the rest of our lives.”
Use these phrases to start a sentence, and add your words to the end:
I love you because…
You make me feel…
My favourite times with you are when…
Thank you for…
Together we will…

Surprise or full disclosure?

This is entirely your choice, but most couples keep them a surprise. Many think that wedding vows are best heard for the first time in the moment.

If you plan to save them for the day, give each other some parameters such as an indication of length and style. Perhaps “I’m going to write 100 words/half a side of A4/six sentences/one minute” – whatever you choose.

The same vows or different for each person?

Nine times of out ten, it’s different wedding vows for each person. This is the most authentic way to do it. Very occasionally some couples say exactly the same words to each other. There’s no rule against it, but it can sound more repetitive and less personal.

Tips to wow with your wedding vows

Two brides getting married holding hands with a Marriage Celebrant holding a microphone — A CeremonyCast wedding live stream from Gunners Barracks in Sydney

Writing the best wedding vows can be a personal and emotional process. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Be authentic: Write from the heart and be true to yourself. Your vows should reflect your unique relationship and the love you have for your partner.
Be specific: Instead of making general statements, use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your love for your partner.
Keep it simple: Avoid using overly complex language or flowery prose. Instead, opt for simple, heartfelt phrases that convey your emotions.
Make it personal: Incorporate elements of your relationship, such as how you met, or inside jokes that only the two of you understand.
Practice: Practice delivering your vows out loud before the wedding to ensure that they flow smoothly and that you’re comfortable saying them in front of your guests.
Consider ending with a question or promise. This can make your vow more meaningful and emotional.

Remember, your wedding vows are a reflection of your love and commitment to your partner. Keep that in mind as you write and speak them.

CeremonyCast has a wedding live stream service to suit, whatever the size or shape of your wedding. Chat to us for more details!

Additional reading from our blog: Top 5 reasons to live stream your wedding