Wedding Vows

When I meet with engaged couples to discuss their upcoming nuptials, one of the most important conversations we have is about their wedding ceremony vows. As a civil wedding celebrant, I consider the vows to be the highlight of any wedding ceremony. These carefully chosen words capture a couple’s commitment, hopes, and dreams for their marriage. 

In my experience, I’ve found that taking the time to create meaningful, personal vows results in a more emotional, intimate, and memorable experience for the couple and their guests. In this blog post, I’ll offer my best advice on crafting wedding ceremony vows that truly express your unique love story.

The Significance of Wedding Vows

Wedding ceremony vows have been a central part of marriage rituals across cultures for thousands of years. The words serve as a verbal contract and public declaration of devotion between the couple. Vows are perhaps the most important part of the ceremony, so it’s crucial to put thought and effort into writing vows that feel authentic and heartfelt.

Traditionally, wedding vows covered three key promises - to honour, comfort, and keep one another. Modern vows can include anything important to the couple, from pledges of partnership to expressions of affection. The content and structure of your vows should align with your values and beliefs about marriage.

Bride Vows vs Groom Vows

Historically, bride and groom vows were identical. But over the past few decades, many couples have started expressing their pledges in individually tailored vows.

There’s no right or wrong way to approach wedding vows. Some couples prefer to stick to matching vows as a symbol of their shared commitment. Others appreciate the chance to speak from their personal perspective with unique bride and groom vows.

As you discuss vow options with your partner, think about what would feel most meaningful to each of you. If opting for different bride and groom vows, I recommend maintaining a similar style and tone. For example, one spouse's funny quip might seem out of place alongside an emotional tribute from the other.

Wedding Vow Examples and Templates

Reading sample wedding ceremony vows can help spark inspiration for your own. Here are a few examples of classic and contemporary wording:

Traditional Wedding Vows

Here are five traditional wedding vows often used in the United Kingdom. These vows capture classic and timeless expressions of commitment and love:

Church of England Traditional Vows

"I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my wedded wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law. In the presence of God, I make this vow."

Roman Catholic Traditional Vows

"I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true 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."

Civil Ceremony Traditional Vows

"I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawful wedded wife/husband. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of my life, through all the joys and challenges that lie ahead, forsaking all others, for as long as we both shall live."

Traditional Scottish Wedding Vows

"You are blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give you my body, that we two might be one. I give you my spirit, ‘til our life shall be done."

Welsh Traditional Vows

"I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawfully wedded wife/husband, to love you with all my heart, to share with you all my soul, to grow with you through all my days as long as we both shall live."

These vows can be adapted for celebrant-led ceremonies, allowing couples to infuse their personal touch while honoring the traditional essence.

Religious & Non-Religious Wedding Vows

Here are some examples of religious and non-religious wedding vows that could inspire you.

Religious Wedding Vows

"I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my wedded [husband/wife], to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. I, [Name], take you, [Name], as my [husband/wife], and pledge to walk with you through all of life’s joys and challenges, honouring and respecting you in faith and love. With this ring, I sanctify our love as a blessed covenant before God and humankind."

Non-Religious Wedding Vows

"I promise to laugh with you in moments of joy and comfort you in times of sorrow. I promise to support your dreams and walk beside you wherever life leads us. I give you my heart and my love, from this day forward, as long as we both shall live."

"I vow to be your constant in an ever-changing world, to stand by your side through every season of our lives. Just as the sun rises and sets each day, I promise to be there for you, to support, love, and cherish you for all of our days together."

Each of these vows brings something unique, whether the timelessness of a religious tradition or the personal touch of heartfelt promises, making them beautiful options for any ceremony.

Literary Wedding Vows

I promise to be your navigator, consoler, sidekick, and friend, your partner in parenthood, your accomplice in mischief, your student and your teacher, your consolation in disappointment, your ally in conflict, your greatest fan and your toughest adversary, your comrade in adventure, your student of the stars, and your companion in life’s surprises. All that I am and all that I have is yours, now and forever.

Wedding Vows About Love and Partnership

I promise to walk by your side, to love, encourage, and cherish you. I vow to appreciate and admire you for who you are, and who you want to become. Though our paths may change, I pledge to always be there for you with compassion and care, through life’s ups and downs. My heart is yours, now and forevermore.

Funny Wedding Vows

I take you to be my partner in crime and pranks, to have and to hold all our inside jokes, from this day forward, even when we’re old and grey. I promise to always make you laugh and to be your partner in adventure, even if our adventures only lead us to the couch or the kitchen. I vow to enjoy life’s surprises together and appreciate you for the wonderful weirdo you are.

Poetic Wedding Vows

My soul found its match in you, and today I vow to honour that bond. I promise to nurture our love with kindness, understanding, and empathy. You are my heart, my hope, and my home.

As you read through various wedding ceremony vow examples, select any phrases or concepts that resonate with you. Use these as inspiration to craft vows infused with your unique perspective and love story.

How to Write Meaningful Wedding Vows

When writing your own wedding ceremony vows, here are my top tips for making them meaningful: 

• Focus on your promises and hopes for the marriage rather than the history of your relationship. Vows look ahead to the future union you’re creating together.

•  Keep your partner and wedding guests in mind. Make sure your vows feel authentic to you while also honouring your commitment to your spouse.

• Choose succinct, heartfelt wording over long monologues. Your officiant will repeat after you line-by-line, so shorter phrases work better.

• Avoid inside jokes or vague references that guests won’t understand. Strike a balance between light-hearted personality and universally accessible sentiments.

•  Express your vows in positive language. For example, say “I will lift you up” rather than “I won’t let you down.”

•  Read your vows aloud multiple times to refine the wording. Edit thoughtfully to highlight your most meaningful promises.

•  Consider including cultural, religious, or family traditions important to you. But avoid anything that doesn’t feel like an authentic expression.

Helpful Tips for Writing Your Wedding Vows

Here are some additional pointers to make the vow writing process feel more manageable:

• Set aside quiet time to brainstorm meaningful promises and reflections about your relationship.

• Share rough drafts with each other and offer thoughtful feedback. Don’t be afraid to lovingly challenge one another.

• If you’re stumped, ask a close friend who knows you both well for vow ideas.

• Write your vows by hand first before typing up a final draft. Handwriting can feel more personal.

• Time your delivery out loud to ensure your vows fall within a reasonable length. One to two minutes is usually sufficient.

• Consider working with a trusted wedding officiant to review your vow drafts and provide guidance. Their experience can be invaluable.

Including Readings in Your Wedding Ceremony

In addition to exchanging vows, many couples choose to incorporate readings into their ceremony. Poems, passages from literature, religious texts, song lyrics, or loving words written by a friend or family member can all add another layer of meaning and personalisation.

 Readings complement your vows nicely when selected thoughtfully. Try picking selections that speak to:

• Your love story or how you feel about your partner

• Your shared values and beliefs about marriage

• Hope and guidance for the journey ahead

Work with your celebrant to seamlessly blend any readings into your ceremony flow. Appointing bridesmaids, groomsmen, or loved ones to do readings aloud can be a nice way to include them in the ritual. 

Just like your vows, take care to pick wedding ceremony readings that feel aligned with who you and your partner truly are as a couple. The right words will reaffirm the essence of your relationship and commitment.

Wrap up

I still get emotional every time I hear a couple exchange heartfelt vows. There is immense power in ritualising these verbal commitments in front of your guests.

Your wedding vows represent a sacred promise and the start of an exciting new chapter. By crafting meaningful words together, you focus on the joy and vulnerability of what lies ahead.

I wish you the very best as you begin this journey of writing the most important words you’ll ever say. 

At Ceremonies by Simon, I'm honoured to guide couples through the ceremony planning process from start to finish. Please reach out if you need any advice or support around crafting personalised vows. I'm here to help craft and officiate a one-of-a-kind ceremony that authentically celebrates your love.