- May 5, 2025
As a wedding officiant and a romance author, I live for love stories. The epic meet-cutes, the grand gestures, the quiet moments that mean everything — and of course, the vows. (Yes, I have been caught shedding a few tears during some of my ceremonies.)
Vows are the heartbeat of your ceremony, and one of the rare chances in life to stand in front of the people who matter most and say exactly what’s in your heart.
But let’s be real, writing vows can feel intimidating. How do you sum up your love story and promises for the future without sounding like a Hallmark card (unless you’re into that, which I totally support)? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered.
Why Great Vows Matter
Your vows aren’t just a formality. They’re a once-in-a-lifetime love letter. They remind you why you chose each other and give your guests a front-row seat to the magic you’ve built together. Years from now, you’ll remember how it felt to say those words. So let’s make them unforgettable.
A Few Tips from a Romance Nerd (Me!)
Be You: If you’re goofy, be goofy. If you’re sentimental, let those tears flow. Don’t force poetic perfection if it’s not your style. Authenticity is the ultimate swoon factor.
- Incorporate Meaningful Quotes or Lyrics: Do you have a favorite romantic quote from a movie or book? What are some song lyrics that give you goosebumps when hear them (or, even better, sing them)? Go ahead and borrow them for this very special occasion.
Tell a Short Story: Share a moment that captures your relationship — the time you both got lost on a road trip, or when your partner stayed up all night nursing you through the flu. Little details stick.
Make a Few Promises: They don’t all have to be serious. Sure, vow to stand by each other through thick and thin, but also promise to always order extra fries, or never watch the next episode without them.
Look to the Future: What are you excited about as a team? Adventures, quiet nights, building a home, or adopting a dog named Stitch? (Please adopt a dog named Stitch.)
Keep It Snappy: Aim for about one to two minutes when spoken aloud. Long enough to be meaningful, short enough to keep Uncle Bob from checking his watch.
Need a Little Inspiration?
I’m always happy to help my couples brainstorm. And who knows — maybe your vows will spark the plot for my next novel. 😉
If you’d like a hand crafting your vows or want to share them with me for feedback, let’s chat! After all, I believe every love story deserves its own happily-ever-after moment, and it starts with the words you say on your wedding day.
XO,
Karen