Wedding Vows for Her
90 Examples & Templates

The seating chart was the easy part. The blank page where you sum up the woman you're marrying is the hard part, so start here.

Wedding vows

Late-night kitchen dance parties, sealed by faith

Naomi, I want to start with a promise to you in this moment. I promise to treasure the simple things we share, like our late-night kitchen dance parties to that song only we understand. Those moments show me the joy that comes from being truly connected, and I want to carry that joy with us every day. You keep your promises, even the tiny ones no one else notices, and that has taught me more about trust and faith than I ever expected. I see the way you hum softly while you cook, completely unaware, and it fills our home with a kind of peace I didn’t know I needed. You bring life and light into every day, and I vow to be the partner who supports you, encourages you, and cherishes you through all of life’s seasons. I promise to be patient and understanding, especially when things aren’t easy. Even when I’m trying my hardest to stay mad, I vow to make you laugh because I believe laughter is part of the healing, the togetherness, and the grace we need to build a life here. I will trust you with my heart and faith, knowing that God has brought us together for a purpose beyond ourselves. I commit to walking beside you in this journey, sharing in every joy and challenge, with humility and gratitude for the partnership we have. Together, grounded in faith, I know we can face anything. Today, I give you my whole heart, promising to love you faithfully, honor you always, and be your strongest ally. I am so grateful God arranged that dinner where a mutual friend sat us together, even if they doubted we’d find common ground. Because sitting next to you that night showed me the beginning of a love grounded in trust, faith, and everyday moments that mean everything. This is my solemn vow to you.

Down-to-earthLongCatholic

Locked out that night, never locked out again

Ava, tonight as I stand here with you, I’m reminded of that unexpected night when we were both locked out. It was a small moment, ordinary by most standards, but it marked the beginning of something extraordinary. Since then, I have treasured every day that brought us closer, even the simplest ones. I think back to that evening when I looked over at you and knew, with a certainty I had never felt before, that you were the one God had placed in my life. You have this incredible gift of making the hard days feel lighter just by being near. You sense when I need space and when I need to be held, and you always respond with a grace and gentleness that fills my heart. Your presence is a constant reminder of God’s love and faithfulness in my life. I promise to cherish you with that same faithfulness. Today, I pledge to walk beside you as your partner in faith and in life. I promise to listen fully, to hear you all the way to the end before I offer a solution or try to fix anything. Because I know that sometimes what we need most is simply to be understood and loved exactly as we are. I commit to building a foundation of trust that will stand firm through all seasons, and to nurture our relationship with patience, kindness, and prayer. I will pray for us both, asking God to guide us, strengthen us, and fill our hearts with love that reflects His own. I vow to celebrate your joys and to hold you close through challenges, knowing that with God’s grace, there is nothing we cannot face together. Ava, I give you my whole heart, my deepest respect, and my unwavering love. I am yours, now and always, as we embark on this sacred journey side by side.

HeartfeltLongCatholic

The missed train that became a divine detour

Elena, I remember that day waiting for the train. We talked so much, neither of us wanted to leave, and we missed the next one. It feels like that moment was a little gift from God, nudging us into this beautiful journey together. You have this incredible way of laughing at your own jokes before you even finish telling them, and somehow remembering every single friend’s coffee order like it’s the easiest thing in the world. It’s moments like those that make me grateful to call you mine. I want you to know how deeply I admire your strength and kindness, especially in that week when I was sick. You never made me feel like a burden; instead, you carried me with such grace and love. That’s the kind of partnership I want it to be, one where we lift each other up, no matter what life throws at us. Today, in front of God and all those we love, I promise to keep choosing you every day. Not just on the big, beautiful moments but on ordinary Tuesdays too. I promise to be patient, to be gentle, and to carry our love with humility, trusting in the path God has laid out for us. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2) I promise to be faithful to you, to cherish and respect you, and to build a home together grounded in trust and grace. With God as our guide, I look forward to all the laughter, the coffee orders remembered, and even the delayed trains we’ll face side by side. You are my greatest blessing, Elena, now and always.

PlayfulLongCatholic

Elbow-deep in trust, laughing before the punchline lands

Maya, today I stand before you, grateful for every moment that has led us to this sacred place. I still remember us, elbow-deep in that project neither of us knew how to do, hands trembling with uncertainty but hearts already learning to trust. That moment taught me that love grows strongest not when everything is easy, but when we choose to face the unknown together. I cherish how you check on me before you check your phone, how your laughter bubbles up just a heartbeat before the punchline. Your joy is a light that warms my soul, and your kindness is a refuge where I find peace. I promise to build with you a home rooted in love and trust, a sanctuary where you can always be exactly who you are. I vow to be your partner in faith, walking with you in hope and prayer, knowing that God’s grace will guide us through every season of life. Remember this truth with me: "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it." (Song of Solomon 8:7). In this love, there is a strength that no trial can overcome, a light that no darkness can extinguish. I will hold your hand through laughter and tears, through unexpected breakdowns and endless road trips. When the car of life stalls, I promise to laugh with you until it runs again. I will trust you with my heart, faithfully and without hesitation. Together, we will build a future shaped by faith, hope, and partnership, a journey where your dreams are mine, and mine are yours. I love you, Maya, now and forever, with a love steadfast and true, under God’s watchful eye.

PoeticLongCatholic

Long after the last cup, still choosing her

Hannah, today I stand here grateful and full of joy, ready to promise my life to you. I still remember the way we stayed in that café long after the last cup was finished, simply because being with you felt like the most natural thing in the world. Since then, every quiet moment with you has felt like a gift, even the Sundays when we did absolutely nothing remain some of the best days I have ever known, and I vow to cherish many more like them with you. You have this incredible way of remembering every friend’s coffee order, a small but perfect example of your kindness and attentiveness. And when I spiral, when my thoughts race faster than I can handle, you are my calm. You never hold those moments against me, you simply steady me, and for that, I love and respect you deeply. Today, I promise to protect your quiet mornings, the sacred stillness before the day begins. I promise to defend your terrible playlists with enthusiasm, because every part of you is precious to me. I vow to build our partnership on trust, always seeking to understand and support you as we grow in faith and love. We are entering this covenant before God, fully knowing the depth of this commitment. As it is written in Genesis, "They are no longer two, but one flesh." (Genesis 2:24.) I promise to walk beside you in faith and love, unified in heart and spirit, trusting God’s plan for us. With all that I am and all that I will be, I pledge my love to you, Hannah. You are my partner, my comfort, and my joy, today and for all the days we are blessed to share.

RomanticLongCatholic

A quiet classroom, a humming kitchen, a covenant of grace

Sofia, today I stand before God, our family, and friends, filled with gratitude and awe for the gift of you. I remember all those days we shared a quiet classroom, sitting near each other, each waiting for the courage to speak. It was in that stillness that God was quietly preparing the way for us. And I thank Him every day that He did. I still smile when I think about the first time you met my family, how you brought laughter into that room in just moments. That moment showed me how deeply you connect with others, how your joy spills over and becomes a blessing to those around you. It is one of the many ways you reflect God’s love and light to the people in your life. I love the way you hum softly without even realizing it while you cook, bringing a peace into the house that speaks of a heart at rest in Him. And on those days when the world feels heavy, when worries threaten to weigh us down, your presence alone makes those burdens feel smaller, as if God’s grace is walking through the door with you. Sofia, I promise to walk this path with you in faith and trust, holding your hand through every joy and every trial. I covenant to grow with you and not apart from you, to listen with an open heart, and to seek God’s wisdom together before making any step forward. I choose to be your partner in all things, to support you, encourage you, and cherish the gift of your soul. I pledge to build a home grounded in trust and faith, where God remains the rock beneath our feet. And in the quiet moments and the noisy ones, I will seek you, honor you, and love you as Christ loves His church, with patience, kindness, and a heart devoted to your well-being. Today, I give you my whole heart to have, to hold, and to nurture, as we journey forward in God’s grace, forever united as one.

SpiritualLongCatholic

Two missed trains, one lifelong destination

Chloe, standing here with you today, I remember that day we met waiting for the same delayed train. We talked so long that we both missed the next one. It was easy in that moment, like the world slowed down just for us. I feel that same calm with you now. When I was sick that week, you never once made me feel like a burden. You cared for me with such kindness and strength. It’s in those small, hard moments that I saw the depth of your love, and I want to be that person for you too. You steady me when I spiral, and you never hold it against me. That kind of grace is rare, and I thank God every day for you. You are my partner in faith and in life. I promise to always trust you, to lean on our shared faith, and to build our life on that solid foundation. I vow to keep choosing you on the ordinary Tuesdays, not just the big days. I want to celebrate every moment with you, all the mundane and the extraordinary, because it’s in those moments that our love grows strongest. "Set me as a seal upon your heart," those words from Song of Solomon remind me of the bond I want to hold with you, a bond marked by devotion and faithfulness. Chloe, I promise to walk beside you with honesty, patience, and love until God calls us home. You are my heart, my home, and my greatest blessing.

Down-to-earthMediumCatholic

Two strangers hid from a wedding and found their own

I remember that day we met, both of us slipping away from the noise and small talk to find a quiet corner at a friend’s wedding. Who would have thought that moment of shared escape would lead us here? Maya, you have a way of checking in with me first, before anything else, reminding me every day of how loved and seen I am. That simple gesture has shown me the depth of your heart. I think about the day everything went wrong, and yet you turned it into a story we still laugh about. That moment taught me how strong we are together, that no matter what life throws at us, we can find joy and faith side by side. It’s in those times I felt our partnership most deeply, grounded in trust and hope. Today I promise to keep reaching for your hand, no matter how old or slow we get. I vow to walk with you in faith, to build a home where trust is our foundation and love is our guide. I want to be the person you turn to in every season, the one who stands beside you through calm and storm. I believe what 1 John reminds us: "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." We will carry that love with us every day, growing in it and through it together. With all my heart, I choose you, Maya, as my wife, my partner, my closest friend, now and forever.

HeartfeltMediumCatholic

Two streets away all along, dinner in hand

Naomi, standing here with you feels like coming home, even though we only found each other after years of living just two streets apart. It’s funny how life works, isn’t it? Like that night when all my plans fell apart and you showed up at my door with dinner, no questions asked. That’s when I realized I wanted to spend forever with the person who sees me even when I’m messy, who keeps promises, even the tiny ones that most people might forget. I promise to be that person for you, the one who reaches out first after a fight, the one who chooses trust when it’s easier to doubt, and the one who never stops building this partnership we share. Together, through faith and hope, we’ll face whatever comes next, holding each other steady. I vow to honor the sacred commitment we make today, to be your partner in every joy, every challenge, and every ordinary moment in between. I will celebrate your laughter, carry your burdens, and thank God every day for the gift that you are. Naomi, I am yours with my whole heart, my faith, and my promises. Let’s make this life a great adventure, with God at the center, and love guiding every step.

PlayfulMediumCatholic

Locked out once, never locking hearts again

Grace, tonight I stand before you, holding your hand, feeling the quiet strength of this moment between us. I remember that night we were both locked out, strangers only by proximity, and in that unexpected pause, a new story began. It’s in the ordinary evenings now, when the world slows down, that I see you truly, when I looked over and knew, beyond any shadow of doubt, it was you. You have a way of showing love in the smallest acts, leaving me the last bite every single time, and in that gentle kindness, I find a reflection of the grace we both seek every day. Today, I promise to listen to you fully, to hear your heart’s truth all the way through before I try to fix anything. I promise to trust in us, to build our partnership on faith, patience, and the quiet courage of belief in each other. As we step forward, I vow to carry you through every joy and every trial, to seek God’s hand in our journey, and to honor the sacred bond that ties us together. I will cherish the gift of your presence and walk beside you with a love that is steadfast and alive. Grace, with all that I am, and with all that I have, I give myself to you, my partner, my friend, my love. Together, in faith and hope, we will write the rest of our days.

PoeticMediumCatholic

The setup that failed and the marriage that didn't

Sofia, when I think about the night we first met, I see us sitting side by side at that dinner, a setup made by a friend who was sure we wouldn’t get along. It’s funny how God uses the most unexpected moments to bring the greatest blessings into our lives. That night wasn’t just a meeting; it was the start of everything I never saw coming but now can’t imagine living without. One of my favorite memories with you is dancing in the kitchen at two in the morning, to a song only we seem to love. In those quiet, simple moments, I see the joy and light you bring into my life every day. It’s in those spontaneous, imperfect times that I understand what partnership really means. I love the way you hum without even realizing it when you cook. It’s these little things that remind me how deeply intertwined our lives have become. Your presence fills our home with warmth and love, and I am grateful to walk this path with you. Today, in front of God and our loved ones, I promise to build our life on trust and faith. I promise to be your partner in every way, to face challenges with you, and to celebrate all the joys life brings. I vow to make you laugh, even when I’m trying my hardest to stay mad, because your happiness is my greatest desire. Sofia, I give you my heart, my faith, and my life. With God’s grace, I will love you always, as we journey forward together.

RomanticMediumCatholic

The café closed, but this vow didn't

Emma, when I think about that first coffee, how we stayed talking until the café closed around us, I feel like that moment quietly marked the beginning of everything beautiful between us. There’s something sacred to me about those simple, unhurried beginnings, just like the quiet Sunday we spent doing absolutely nothing, which still stands as the best day of that year. It reminds me how love flourishes not in grand gestures, but in the peaceful presence we offer each other. I love how you always text me the moment you get home safe. It’s a small act that speaks volumes about your care and thoughtfulness, and it teaches me every day what it means to truly cherish another person. In front of God and these witnesses, I promise to protect your quiet mornings, to hold sacred the stillness you need, and to defend your terrible playlists with as much passion as I defend our love. I vow to be your partner in every sense, to stand beside you with unwavering trust and faith, knowing that together we are stronger. Love is patient, love is kind (1 Corinthians 13:4). These words will guide me as I seek to live out my love for you, not just in the easy moments, but especially in the trials. Emma, I commit my heart to you today, pledging to walk with you in faith, hope, and love all the days of our lives. With God’s grace, I will honor and cherish you as my wife.

SpiritualMediumCatholic

Dinner, no questions asked, forever after

Ava, tonight, I am thinking about that night when my plans fell apart, and you showed up with dinner and no questions. That simple act showed me the kindness and grace you carry with you every day, and it’s one of the many reasons I love you so much. You have a way of making the hard days smaller just by walking in the room. I promise to be the one who reaches out first after a fight, because I believe our love is stronger than any disagreement. I vow to build our life on trust and faith, to stand with you as partners through the joys and challenges ahead. I promise to listen, to hold your hand in tough times, and to celebrate your victories as if they were my own. With God’s guidance, I commit myself to loving you with patience and kindness, to grow together in faith, and to never take for granted the gift of your presence in my life. Today, I give you my heart and my hand, ready to walk this path with you, always.

Down-to-earthShortCatholic

The last bite, the whole heart, always hers

Grace, as I stand here today, I am filled with gratitude for the joy you bring into my life. I remember the first time you met my family, how quickly you had them laughing, and I knew then that you were someone truly special. You have a kindness that shines through even in the smallest acts, like leaving me the last bite every single time, and it reminds me every day of the love and care we share. I promise to grow alongside you, not away from you, as we walk this path together. I will strive to build our trust, deepen our faith, and cherish our partnership above all else. I want to be your support in every moment, your companion through every challenge, and your joy in every blessing. With God’s grace, I commit my heart to you. I will love you faithfully and honor the sacred bond we form today, trusting that together, by His hand, we will build a life filled with hope, love, and endless grace.

HeartfeltShortCatholic

A broken-down car, a love that still starts

I promise to keep a little bit of that road trip with us forever, where the car broke down and all we could do was laugh until it started again. You steady me when I spiral, never holding it against me, and in you I have found my safe place. I thank my God every time I remember you. I vow to build a home with you where you can always be exactly who you are, where trust and faith guide every step we take together. I promise to be your partner in all things, to support you in joy and in challenge, and to never forget that marriage is a sacred journey we are blessed to share. With God's grace, I will love you with patience and kindness, learning from our mistakes and growing stronger each day. Today, in front of our family and friends, I give you my heart freely, knowing that by His love, we are made one.

PlayfulShortCatholic

The day everything went wrong, remembered as grace

Hannah, I want to start by remembering that day when everything seemed to go wrong, and yet you turned it into a story we still tell, filled with laughter and grace. In you, I have found a heart that holds steadfast faith, gentle strength, and a love that knows no bounds. You remember every friend’s coffee order, small acts of kindness that show how deeply you care, not just for me but for the world we walk together. Today, before God and those we love, I promise to be your unwavering partner, to build a life rooted in trust and faith, always seeking to lift you up. I vow to keep reaching for your hand even when we are old and slow, to stand beside you through every joy and trial with the same patient, enduring love that God gives us. “Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:7) This will be the foundation of my love for you, my promise now and for all the days to come.

PoeticShortCatholic

Sick days, safe texts, and one sacred yes

Emma, I want you to know how deeply I cherish the way you cared for me during that week I was sick. You never once made me feel like a burden, and that showed me the true strength of your love. I love how you text me the moment you get home safe, because those small acts remind me every day that we are building a life together, grounded in trust and care. Today, in front of God and our loved ones, I promise to keep choosing you, not just on the big days, but on the ordinary Tuesdays, too. I promise to stand by you as your partner, to walk with you in faith, and to nurture the bond that God has blessed between us. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. (Mark 10:9) I believe this with all my heart, and I vow to honor this sacred union by loving you with patience, kindness, and unwavering faith for all the days God gives us.

RomanticShortCatholic

A 2am kitchen song only they believe in

Clara, standing here with you, I feel the presence of God guiding us in this moment and in the life we are beginning together. I remember us dancing in the kitchen at two in the morning, lost in our own world to that song only we believe in. It’s in those quiet, imperfect moments where I see the depth of our love and the grace that holds us. You have an incredible gift for knowing when I need silence and when I need your closeness, and that understanding is a blessing I cherish deeply. Today, before God and our loved ones, I promise to be your partner in all things, to build our life on trust and faith. I vow to hold you gently in times of struggle and to celebrate you with all my heart in times of joy. Even when I’m trying my hardest to stay mad, I swear to find a way to make you laugh because your happiness means the world to me. Together, with God’s guidance, we will walk this journey hand in hand, fully committed to loving you for all the days of my life.

SpiritualShortCatholic

The classroom silence she broke first, then everything

Ava, standing here with you today, I am reminded of those quiet moments in class when we finally spoke, breaking the silence that had kept us apart for so long. It’s hard to believe that something so simple could lead us to this moment. I love how you stepped into my world that day, and then again the first time you met my family, making them laugh within minutes. You have that incredible gift of bringing light and joy wherever you go. I want you to know that when life feels heavy, you somehow make the hard days smaller just by walking through the door. You have a way of knowing exactly when I need space and when I need you close, and that understanding is a comfort beyond words. In you, I have found a true partner, someone who walks with me in faith, in hope, and in love. Today, I promise to grow alongside you, never drifting apart but always moving together. I vow to build our marriage on trust, to be honest and open with you, to listen and to speak with kindness, even when it’s difficult. I promise to hold our faith at the center of all we do, to seek God’s guidance for us as a couple, and to honor Him in how I love you. Together, we will face whatever life brings with patience and grace. I will support you in your dreams, share in your struggles, and celebrate all the blessings God gives us. I commit to being your partner in everything, through laughter and tears, in quiet moments and busy days. Ava, I give you my heart and my life. I choose you today and always. With God’s help, I will love you faithfully and fully for all the days we are given.

Down-to-earthLongOrthodox

Two streets apart, one dinner, a whole calling

Grace, standing here with you today, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and awe for the journey that has brought us to this moment. We grew up just two streets apart, yet our paths did not cross until the right time, as if God had His hand guiding us, knowing when our hearts would be ready to truly see each other. That thought fills me with hope and joy, knowing that our love is part of a greater plan. I still remember that night when everything around me seemed to fall apart. I had no answers, no direction, and then you showed up, quietly, without fuss or questions, just bringing dinner and a calm presence that reminded me I was not alone. In that moment, your love felt like a refuge, a reminder of God’s grace working through you. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a promise of care, of steadfastness, of partnership. What I love about you isn’t just the big things but the small, everyday acts: how you always leave me the last bite of whatever we’re sharing, even if you want it more. How you keep your promises, not just the important ones but every little one you make. That consistency, that faithfulness, inspires me daily. Today, I promise to be the one who reaches out first after a fight, to be the first to seek peace and understanding because our love is worth more than any moment of anger or hurt. I vow to build our trust on the foundation of faith, to lean on God’s strength and guidance as we grow together. I promise to stand by you as your partner, your friend, your family, through joy and hardship, laughter and tears. With all my heart, I commit to you, Grace, trusting that our love is a blessing and a calling, and that together, through faith and trust, we will build a life that honors God and each other every day forward.

HeartfeltLongOrthodox

Want to write your own vows?

The Vows Writer weaves your story into vows that sound like you. Free.

First question

I’m writing vows as the…

Continues in the full step-by-step writer

Tips before you write

Before you write
  • Write the lines you'd only ever say to her. If a sentence could be about anyone, cut it.
  • Name one specific thing you love, a habit, a look, a moment. Specifics move people; adjectives don't.
  • Make promises she can hold you to. "I'll always listen first" lands harder than "I'll love you forever."
  • Read it aloud before the day. Aim for about a minute, and trim anything that sounds like a greeting card.

Common questions

What does the groom say in his vows to the bride?

A groom's vows usually tell the bride why he chose her, recall one moment that proves it, and make a few honest promises for the marriage ahead, the big ones and the small everyday ones. There's no script, the best groom vows sound like him talking to her, not giving a speech.

What should I say in my vows to my wife?

Say what you'd want her to remember years from now: why you love her, a real memory that captures who she is, and what you're promising her as her husband. Keep it specific and in your own voice, the small true details land harder than grand declarations.

How long should wedding vows for her be?

About one to two minutes read aloud, or roughly 150 to 250 words. Long enough to feel meaningful, short enough to hold everyone's attention. When in doubt, write more and then cut down to only what's true.

What's a good opening line for vows to her?

Open with something specific to her rather than a cliché, what she changed in you, or a small detail you adore. "You make ordinary days feel like something" lands harder than "from the moment we met," because it's hers alone.

Should wedding vows for her be funny or romantic?

The best vows are both, a laugh that breaks the tension, then a line that brings the tears. If you're naturally funny, lead with humor and land on something heartfelt. The contrast is what makes the room feel it.

How do I start writing vows for my bride?

Start by jotting down moments, not sentences: when you knew, what she does that you love, what you want to promise. You don't have to write in order. Once you have the raw material, shaping it into vows is the easy part, or let our free tool turn your answers into a heartfelt first draft.

How do I deliver my vows to her on the day?

Write them out early, grooms are famous for scribbling something in the car on the way over, and trust us, it shows. Give yourself a few days, read them aloud a couple of times so the words feel like yours, and you'll be miles ahead. On the day, print them on a card so you're not trusting your memory, then slow down, breathe, look her in the eye, and hold her hand. If you tear up, good, the emotion in the room does half the work. Our [step-by-step guide](/vows/how-to-write-wedding-vows) covers delivery in more detail.

What should you not say in wedding vows?

Avoid inside jokes the guests won't follow, anything that could embarrass her, and a list of generic compliments with no promise behind them. Keep it about the two of you and the life you're promising, not a performance for the crowd.

What to say in your wedding vows for her

Good vows for her aren't a list of compliments, they're a promise only you could make. The best ones do three things: they tell her why you chose her, they point to a real moment that proves it, and they make a promise she can hold you to for the rest of your life.

You don't need to be a writer. You need to be honest. If a line makes you a little nervous to say out loud, it's probably the line she most wants to hear.

Start with why you chose her

Skip "from the moment I saw you." Start with something truer: what is it about her that you can't imagine living without? Her stubborn optimism, the way she makes strangers feel like old friends, how she stays calm in exactly the moments you fall apart.

Name the specific thing. "You make me braver" beats "you're amazing" every time, because it's hers and no one else's.

Tell one real story, not your whole history

Don't recap the relationship. Pick one moment that captures who she is, the night she talked you through a hard decision, the trip where everything went wrong and she laughed anyway, and let that one story do the work.

A single specific memory makes the whole room feel like they know her. A timeline just makes them check their watch.

Make promises she'll actually remember

Vows are promises, not poetry. Once you've told her why you love her, tell her what you're committing to. Mix the big ("I'll choose us, even when it's hard") with the small and real ("I'll always let you have the last bite").

The small promises are the ones she'll quote back to you for years. They prove you were paying attention.

How long should vows for her be?

Aim for about one to two minutes spoken out loud, roughly 150 to 250 words. That's long enough to mean it and short enough to keep every eye in the room on you, not the clock.

Write more than that in your first draft, then cut everything that isn't true or isn't hers. The editing is where vows get good.

Common mistakes to avoid

Three things sink otherwise lovely vows: inside jokes no one else can follow, a string of compliments with no promise attached, and trying to sound like someone you're not.

Read your draft out loud. If it doesn't sound like how you actually talk to her, rewrite it until it does. She isn't marrying a poet, she's marrying you.

Want the full method, from blank page to final draft? See our step-by-step guide to writing wedding vows.

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