I would love to help you write your vows!

I remember how hard it was to express my feelings, lifetime promises and dreams to my darling hubby for my own wedding!

Your vows express how you’ve grown together, what you adore about each other and what you would like to promise each other as you launch into the next exciting chapter of your journey together. Your vows are supposed to be emotional, and written from the heart. Yes, you may feel a little exposed as you pour your heart out to your partner, but remember, you’re surrounded by your loving family and supportive friends.

So, let me simplify the process as best I can because you have options!

Individual Promises ~ You both write your very own vows to each other and keep them a secret until your big day. As your Celebrant, I can check if they match in length and tone to keep you both on track.
Duo Promises ~ You may wish to write your promises together or choose the traditional promises (the word “obey” isn’t so popular these day though!).
Ninja Vows ~ You write vows for each other! These are kept secret from each other until your big day.
Happy Halves ~ You write the first half of your vows personally, expressing how your partner has changed/enhanced your life and how much you adore them. Then, you write your promises together.

When your first draft is ready, email it to me and I’ll help you finish them. We’ll aim to have them finalised a week before your wedding day, and I will have a printed copy of your vows for you to read to each other on your big day so you don’t need to bring a copy.

So, are you ready? Here are some brainstorming questions to spark memories and emotions. Let your mind wander and jot down any anecdotes, feelings, or promises that come to mind - they'll be great material for your vows!

Can you think of a moment when you felt incredibly proud of your partner?
What's a small, everyday gesture your partner does that always makes you smile?
How has your partner helped you grow as a person?
What's something new you've learned from or because of your partner?
What's a fear or insecurity that your partner has helped you overcome?
When was a moment you felt most vulnerable with your partner?
What quality in your partner do you admire the most?
How does your partner make you feel safe and loved?
What dreams or goals have you built together?
What new adventures do you look forward to facing as a team?
How do you envision supporting each other's personal growth in the years to come?
What does commitment mean to you in the context of your relationship?
What's a promise you want to make to your partner that you haven't expressed before?
How do you plan to nurture your love and keep it strong through the years?
What's one specific way you want to make your partner's life better or easier?

Heartfelt vows by the Glasshouse Mountains at Maleny Orchard taken by Nicole Laufer Photography

Now, let’s start putting it all together! Start strong by setting the tone - consider opening with a powerful statement or memory. (1-2 sentences).

Partner's name, from the moment we _________, I knew our journey together would be extraordinary.
Before I met you, I ____________. Now I _________________.
The day we met, __________, and after we first spoke, I felt ______________.
When you ________, I saw you for the ___________person you are and that made me want to __________.

Now, let’s reflect on your journey together (1-2 sentences)

Over the past ___ years, we've laughed, cried, and grown together. From (specific challenge) to (happy memory), every moment has strengthened our bond.
When I _____and you _____ it made me realise that ______.
Because of you, I see the world ______________.

Time to express you love and appreciation for your partner (2-3 sentences)

Your __________inspires me daily. You've taught me ___________, and your support has helped me _______.
Your _________ has shown me how to be _____________.
I knew I was in love with you when ______.

Share your vision for your future (1-2 sentences)

I can't wait to build our life together, filled with ____________. With you by my side, I know we can face any challenge.
I look forward to _____, laughing and _____ as we _____.
To me, marriage is _____. With you, it’s ______.
I love how we share ______, so together we can ______.

Make your heartfelt lifelong promises (3-4 promises)

I promise to cherish, honour and _______ you, all the days of my life…especially when curled up on the couch with takeaway/bottle of wine.
I promise to: support your dreams and stand by you through every obstacle / Be your biggest cheerleader and your honest critic when you need one / Always make your favourite [food/drink] when you've had a tough day / Love you fiercely, forgive quickly, and choose you every single day.
I know our marriage will _________ and I promise to _________.

Seal the deal and your commitment! (1-2 sentences)

(Partner's name), you are my best friend, my soulmate, and my home. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward and for all the days to come.

Feel free to adjust your vows to suit your personal style and the unique aspects of your relationship. The most important thing is that your vows feel authentic and true to your love story.

montville bride reading her wedding vows to groom during ceremony — Photo Credit: Aesthete Film and Photo at The Lakehouse Folk, Montville

Here are some examples of wedding vows to draw further inspiration from:

I promise to surprise you, to amaze you and to make you laugh. Dream with me, hold me, never let me go and I will be your loving wife/husband/partner forever.
I promise to always be open with you and communicate with you freely, to never to hold back, but to be honest and loyal, to love you fiercely, to love you without measure.
This is the beginning of our forever, forever kisses, forever loves, forever together as one.
I look forward to falling in love with you over and over and over again each day.
There’s no doubt in my heart that you’re my person and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.
You are the best parts of me—my best friend, my love, my wife/husband/partner, I give you everything I have and everything I am.
I promise to spend every moment I can with you, to learn together, to love together, to anticipate your needs, and have the best time of our lives together as your wife/husband/partner.
It’s the little things we do together that make it all so fun!
I can’t wait to grow old together and look back at this beautiful moment. I’m so excited for all the fun times to come!
I can’t wait to see the fantastic trouble we’ll get into as we spend the rest of our lives together.
My love for you will always endure, though life brings with it a sea of troubles, we will endure and through each other always find laughter, love and light.
I am a better person because of you and because you make me better. I love you.
You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. – The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks
With me as your husband/wife/partner you have nothing to worry about. I will be loyal, honest, loving, and compassionate. I promise to face any challenge with you, and embrace you with the same warmth and love every day. A love that will only grow through our years together.

groom sharing his wedding vows at sunshine coast ceremony — Photo Credit: Terri Hanlon Photography

Now, you need to practice, practice, practice! Rehearse your vows multiple times so you’re familiar with them. You don't need to memorise word-for-word but know the main points.

Focus on your partner, not the guests. If looking at your partner is too intense, focus on their forehead or shoulder.

Visualise success by imagining yourself delivering your vows confidently. Use positive self-talk and remind yourself that you're prepared and capable and embrace imperfection because small stumbles can make your vows more endearing and authentic.

Take deep breaths to calm your nerves and speak slowly! Take your time; there's no rush. The most important thing is that your words come from the heart, regardless of how they're delivered.

Smile! It will help you relax too!

Hydrate beforehand to keep your mouth from getting dry.

And remember, I am always here to help you so feel free to email your vows to me if you would like a little more help.