Look, anyone can say, “I take you to be my lawfully wedded whatever,” but where’s the magic in that? Personal vows turn a wedding from “just another ceremony” into your ceremony. They make it real, raw, and ridiculously meaningful. And guess what? They don’t have to be Shakespearean sonnets—just words from the heart (with maybe a little comedic flair, if that’s your style).
As a Gold Coast celebrant, I’ve seen vows that made people sob, laugh, and everything in between. So let’s get you set up to write vows that hit just right.
Traditional vs. Personal Vows: The Pros and Cons
Traditional Vows
✔ Familiar and time-honoured
✔ No pressure to write your own
✔ Legally foolproof
✖ Lacks personal touch
✖ Can feel a little copy-paste
Personal Vows
✔ Uniquely you
✔ More emotion, more impact
✔ Lets you express your love story
✖ Takes time to craft
✖ May trigger some ugly-crying (no shame in that)
Most couples these days mix it up: legally required vows for the ring exchange, and personal vows for the real deal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Vows
1. Reflect on Your Relationship
Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take a trip down memory lane:
- How did you meet? (The real version, not the “official” one you tell your grandma.)
- What do you love most about them?
- What weird quirks make them your person?
- When did you know they were “The One”?
2. Keep It Personal Yet Universal
Yes, your inside jokes are gold, but remember: your vows are for everyone at your wedding to hear. So strike a balance between intimate and inclusive. Instead of “I love you more than my PS5,” try “I promise to always make space for your hobbies, even if it means giving up TV time.”
3. Add a Touch of Humour or Sentimentality
Some of the best vows blend laughter with love. A little humour can cut through the nerves and make your moment unforgettable:
- “I vow to pretend to be interested in your fantasy football league…”
- ”…And I vow to always save you the last slice of pizza (unless I’m really hungry).”
Or if you’re going full romance:
- “You are my best friend, my greatest adventure, and my favourite person.”
4. Edit and Practise
- Keep it under two minutes. Any longer, and you’ll lose your guests to the catering table.
- Say it out loud—what reads well in your head might sound weird out loud.
- Don’t memorise it (unless you enjoy pressure). Reading from a card is totally fine.
Example Vows for Inspiration
Romantic
“I promise to love you fiercely, to stand by you in every storm, and to always remind you that you are enough. You are my home, my heart, my forever.”
Funny
“I vow to always let you have the window seat (unless it’s a long-haul flight). I promise to support your irrational fears of spiders, and to remind you where your car keys are… daily.”
Heartfelt & Simple
“I choose you today and every day. Through the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens, I promise to always have your back, to walk beside you, and to love you endlessly.”
Final Thoughts: How to Deliver Your Vows with Confidence
- Breathe. Nerves are normal. Take a deep breath before you start.
- Speak slowly. Your guests (and your partner) need to hear every word.
- Embrace the moment. Cry if you need to. Laugh if you must. This is your moment.
Remember, no one expects you to be a poet—they just want to hear you. So go forth, write from the heart, and make it unforgettable.
Need more wedding vow tips or help crafting the perfect ceremony? Get in touch—I live for this stuff.