Exchanging vows with your partner is undeniably one of the most meaningful parts of your wedding day. It’s the moment when you and your partner deliver promises to one another that you commit to uphold throughout your married lives. Your vows set the foundation of your future marriage and relationship.

But writing your wedding vows can certainly be challenging. You don’t want to be too cheesy or take up 40 minutes to profess your love to your partner, but you also want to craft sincere and meaningful vows.

While it can initially seem daunting, crafting vows that reflect your relationship and emotions doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide will take you through the steps to create heartfelt and memorable wedding vows you and your partner will cherish forever. 

The Perfect 4-Step Wedding Vow Template

There’s a lot of pressure to write impeccable vows that ‘wow’ everyone, but remember, your vows aren’t a reflection of your ability to create a piece of prose; they are a reflection of your love and admiration for your partner. Follow these 4 steps as you begin writing your wedding vows.

Step 1: Reflect on your relationship with your partner

Before you put pen to paper, take a moment to reflect on your relationship with your partner. Think about your beautiful journey together, your shared experiences, and what makes your bond unique.

What words come to mind when you think of your partner? Some examples include:

• Adventurous 
• Safe
• Family
• Faith
• Trust
• Funny
• Honest
• Supportive
• Unwavering
• Best friend

Step 2: Define your future

Your wedding day is the start of forever for you and your partner. As you write your wedding vows, think about what you envision for the future. Describe the life you want with your partner and what you’re most excited about 5, 10, or 20 years from now. Do you want to start a family, travel the world, or build an empire together? Consider your hopes, dreams, and passions.

Step 3: Share a story or anecdote that sums up your relationship

Who doesn’t enjoy a good love story? Sharing an anecdote or special story encapsulating your love and admiration for your partner is a perfect way to start your vows. It could be the story of how you met, the moment you knew your partner was “the one,” or a time when your partner showed you their true character.

Step 4: Make a list of your promises to your partner

At the end of the day, your vows are promises to your partner, so this is the part you won’t want to skip. We find that it’s helpful to start with a list, which can include anything such as:

• I promise to always stand by you
• I promise to respect you
• I promise to be patient and forgiving
• I vow to cherish you all the days of my life

Don’t be afraid to have some fun here; your promises can also showcase your personality or reference inside jokes. For example, “I promise to bake a lasagna every time the Detroit Lions lose a game” or “I vow to always watch the latest season of Love Island with you” are great ways to bring a little personality to your vows.

6 Tips to Consider When Writing Your Wedding Vows

Now that you have the perfect 4-step wedding vow template, you’re ready to get started on crafting your own. But we do have 6 additional tips to keep in mind as you write:

1. Get inspired: Searching Pinterest or TikTok will give you plenty of inspiration when writing your wedding vows. Another great option is to listen to some of your favorite love songs or reread your favorite romantic books. Pay close attention to the story the singer or author is telling and the words they use to help you envision the moment.
2. Make sure you’re on the same page with your partner: Some people aren’t comfortable reciting personal vows in front of a hundred people, so make sure your partner has the same desire to write your own vows. An alternative option would be to write letters to each other and read them before you walk down the aisle. That way you both can still profess your love to each other, but in a more intimate setting.
3. Create a brain dump: Jot down ideas, phrases, and memories you want to include in your vows. Consider incorporating meaningful quotes, shared dreams for the future, or promises that are important to you both. Don’t worry about perfecting your wording just yet—this is the brainstorming phase where you can let your thoughts flow freely.
4. Don’t stress: Writing can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, but remember you’re not publishing a book or reciting a Presidential speech. Write from the heart, and everything will fall into place. No one will correct your grammar or ‘boo’ during the ceremony, we promise.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice reading your vows aloud to build confidence and ensure you’re comfortable with the delivery. Pay attention to your pacing and intonation, aiming to convey sincerity and emotion. Rehearsing your vows will also help calm any nerves you may have on your wedding day.
6. Say, “I love you”: Stories, promises, and inside jokes are great additions to your vows, but don’t forget to say “I love you”. At the end of the day, it’s the love that you two share that will be the foundation of your marriage.

The Perfect Day Begins Here

Say “I do” at our picturesque wedding venue at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms. Whether you want a lavish party or an intimate affair, our wedding packages can accommodate all of your wedding wishes. Contact our team and take a tour of our inclusive, intimate wedding venue.  All wedding packages include an officiant who will help you craft vows that are just right for the two of you!