How to Write Personal Wedding Vows That Wow - Vow Books
How to Write Personal Wedding Vows That Are Emotional, Meaningful, and Unforgettable
One of the most cherished moments of a wedding ceremony is the exchange of vows. While traditional vows are timeless and beautiful, there’s something deeply personal—and incredibly touching—about couples choosing to write their own wedding vows. Whether you opt to write your vows entirely from scratch or include personal vows in addition to traditional ones, this decision adds warmth, authenticity, and emotion to your ceremony.
We love when our couples choose to share their own words with one another—it makes for a more intimate, customized experience, and there’s rarely a dry eye in the crowd! If you’re considering writing your vows but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got helpful tips and inspiration below.
Why Write Your Own Wedding Vows?
They make your ceremony unique. Personal vows reflect your relationship, your journey, and the promises that matter most to you as a couple.
They add emotion. There’s something powerful about speaking words that come from your heart, in your own voice.
They’re a keepsake. Especially when written in custom vow books, your vows become a memento you can cherish forever and revisit on anniversaries.
Tips for Writing Meaningful Wedding Vows
1. Start Early
Don’t wait until the night before the wedding. Begin brainstorming several weeks in advance. Jot down thoughts, memories, and promises over time—it’ll make the final writing process feel less intimidating.
2. Reflect on Your Relationship
Ask yourself:
When did you know they were “the one”?
What qualities do you admire most about your partner?
How have they changed your life?
What do you promise to do in your marriage?
Personal stories are what make your vows unforgettable—include specific memories that reflect your connection.
3. Decide on Tone: Romantic, Lighthearted, or Both?
Vows don’t have to be serious from start to finish. Many couples blend humor with heartfelt emotion—for example, promising to always make coffee in the morning or to laugh during life’s craziest moments. Just be sure to balance sincerity with personality.
4. Set Boundaries (if needed)
If you're both writing your own vows, it’s helpful to:
Agree on a length (1-2 minutes is ideal)
Set a tone together (funny, emotional, poetic, etc.)
Decide whether or not to share drafts in advance
Having guidelines ensures your vows complement each other and keeps the ceremony flowing smoothly.
5. Practice Reading Aloud
Practice a few times to feel confident delivering your vows in front of guests. You don’t need to memorize them—but reading them smoothly helps maintain the emotional impact.
Use Custom Vow Books for a Beautiful Touch
We absolutely love when couples write their vows in personalized vow books. Not only do these look lovely in photos, but they also:
Serve as a keepsake for anniversaries
Prevent the stress of reading off a folded piece of paper
Elevate the ceremony with a polished, elegant detail
Custom vow books can match your wedding style, include your names or wedding date, and even become a part of your flat-lay photos with your invitation suite and rings.
Not Sure What to Write? Try These Prompts:
"I promise to always…"
"You make me feel..."
"When we first met…"
"I knew I loved you when…"
"With you, I’ve learned…"
"I vow to never stop…"
These sentence starters can help get the words flowing if you’re staring at a blank page.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding vows are the emotional heart of your ceremony. Don’t worry about being poetic or perfect—just be real. Speak from the heart, stay true to your relationship, and remember that the best vows are the ones that make you feel something.
Whether you're including personal vows alongside traditional ones or writing entirely custom ones, this moment will be a highlight of your day—and one that you and your guests will never forget.