Writing Your Wedding Vows – Tips for a Sentimental Ceremony

Published Nov 2023

Writing your wedding vows is one of the most intimate and meaningful parts of your ceremony. It’s your chance to express your love, commitment, and promises to your partner in a deeply sentimental way. Whether you choose to write them from the heart or draw inspiration from tradition, your vows will be a reflection of the unique bond you share and a cherished moment in your wedding day.

A close-up of a couple exchanging rings at a picturesque ceremony in Harrogate. The person on the left, dressed in a dark suit, places a ring on the right hand of their partner, adorned in a white dress. The softly blurred background captures the intimate essence of this North Yorkshire moment. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

Let’s write these wedding vows!

1) Reflect on your relationship

Two people stand kissing on Cleethorpes Beach. One wears a white dress and has long red hair, while the other sports a white t-shirt and beige pants with hair tied back. They hold hands in a gentle embrace, surrounded by sand dunes and tall grass beneath a clear sky. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

Before you put pen to paper, take a moment to reflect on your relationship. Think about the moments that brought you together, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the dreams you share for the future. Consider the qualities you love most about your partner and the promises you want to make to each other.

2) Find inspiration

Seek inspiration from love poems, quotes, or even your favourite song lyrics. Look for words and phrases that resonate with you and your partner. Remember, there are no right or wrong vows – they should reflect your unique love story.

3) Set the tone

A wedding photographer captures the moment a bride and groom exchange rings in a church ceremony. The bride, in her white off-the-shoulder dress and veil, stands beside the groom in his black suit. A priest holds a book behind them, while floral arrangements and candles adorn the altar. © Aimee Lince Photography

Decide on the tone you want to set for your vows. Do you want them to be light-hearted and funny, or more serious and romantic? Consider your personalities and the overall vibe of your wedding. Let your wedding vows be a true reflection of who you are as a couple.

4) Start with a draft

Begin by writing a draft of your vows. Don’t worry about making them perfect just yet. Write from the heart and let your emotions guide you. This is your chance to pour out your love and commitment, so don’t hold back.

5) Be specific

A bride and groom hold hands at a Bourton Hall Wedding ceremony. The bride is in a white lace gown with a veil while the groom dons a grey suit with a red pocket square. Captured beautifully through wedding photography, white flowers in the background add a romantic touch to the setting. © Aimee Lince Photography

Avoid generic statements and clichés. Instead, be specific about the qualities and experiences that make your relationship unique. Share anecdotes, inside jokes, and heartfelt memories that will make your wedding vows personal and meaningful.

Feeling inspired?

I post lots of helpful wedding-based tips and guidance that could help and inspire you on your way to “I do.” I also post Real Wedding Stories as often as I can!

6) Make promises

Wedding vows are promises you make to each other. Think about the commitments you want to make and the values you want to uphold in your marriage. Whether it’s promising to always support each other’s dreams or vowing to be each other’s rock in times of need, make sure your promises are sincere and realistic.

7) Edit and refine

A wedding ceremony set outdoors beneath a large, leafy tree. The couple stands before an ornate gazebo adorned with flowers, while the officiant reads. Guests in formal attire are seated on both sides, facing the couple. Sunlight filters through the greenery, casting dappled shadows. © Aimee Lince Photography at The Dower House Hotel

Once you’ve written your first draft, take some time to edit and refine your vows. Read them out loud and make sure they flow smoothly. Remove any unnecessary words or phrases and ensure that your vows are concise and easy to understand.

8) Practice, practice, practice

Rehearse your vows multiple times before the big day. This will help you feel more confident and ensure that you can deliver them with ease, reducing the chance of you tripping over your own words! Consider recording yourself or practicing in front of a mirror to fine-tune your delivery.

9) Seek feedback

A bride and groom stand smiling at the altar during their Louth wedding ceremony in a church. The bride wears a lace wedding dress and veil, while the groom dons a light-colored suit with a green bow tie. Guests sit behind them in wooden pews, blurred in the background. © Aimee Lince Photography

Share your wedding vows with a trusted friend or family member and ask for their feedback. They can offer valuable insights and help you make any necessary improvements. Just remember, the final decision is yours – trust your instincts and choose what feels right for you.

10) Embrace the moment

At the elegant Woodhall Spa Manor, a bride and groom celebrate their wedding ceremony indoors. The bride, in a white lace gown, holds a bouquet aloft with a joyful smile. The groom, in a gray suit, stands beside her as the celebrant looks on, with guests seated around them in applause. © Aimee Lince Photography

On your wedding day, take a deep breath, look into your partner’s eyes, and speak from the heart. Don’t worry about perfection – the most important thing is that your vows are genuine and sincere. Embrace the moment and let your love shine through your words.

I really hope this helped!

Your wedding vows are more than just words—they are a promise to your partner, a reflection of your love, and a celebration of your journey together. Take the time to write something that truly resonates with both of you, creating a lasting memory for your ceremony and your future.

If you’re looking for something specific that’s not in my blog, please let me know using one of my social links below. I’d love to know I’m producing content that’s helpful and people appreciate reading.

with love

with love

AIMEE

 

Aimee is an award-winning North East Lincolnshire based wedding photographer who focuses on authentic and naturally beautiful moments.

Aimee not only captures genuine and meaningful moments for her clients to treasure forever, but also helps, supports and advises her couples with the wedding planning process from the moment they book and beyond their wedding days.

with love

AIMEE

A woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a black top, is seated against a gray background. She is slightly smiling and resting her chin on her hand while looking to the side, conveying a thoughtful expression, like she's pondering ideas for my blog. © Aimee Lince Photography

Aimee is an award-winning North East Lincolnshire based wedding photographer who focuses on authentic and naturally beautiful moments.

Aimee not only captures genuine and meaningful moments for her clients to treasure forever, but also helps, supports and advises her couples with the wedding planning process from the moment they book and beyond their wedding days.

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Watercolor illustration of a green plant sprig with multiple elongated leaves on a slender stem. The leaves vary in shade, giving a sense of depth and texture. The overall appearance is delicate and artistic. © Aimee Lince Photography