25 Wedding Vows Examples That Will Help You Write the Perfect Promises

Let’s be real: standing at the altar is a weird, out-of-body experience. You’re looking at your partner, the room kind of goes blurry, and suddenly, the only thing that matters is what you’re about to say. It makes sense why couples often say the vows were the best part of the day. I remember watching my best friend get married last year; the cake was good and the DJ was fun, but her words? That’s what I actually remember. The pressure to nail that moment is real. You want to be genuine without rambling on forever. You want to be funny without turning your ceremony into a Netflix comedy special.

If you’re staring at a blank page right now, take a breath. This post is here to give you concrete wedding vows examples and a few strategies to get through the writers’ block. If you are really struggling with the creative side of things, checking out a guide on crafting the perfect vows for your wedding day can give you a solid starting point. Below, we’re going to look at templates you can steal, tweak, and make your own.

Quick Resources

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TL;DR

If you’re in a rush and just need the basics, here is the bottom line. Focus on these core principles before you start drafting to save yourself a headache. These sample wedding vows guidelines will keep you on track.

Principle	Do	Please Don’t
Timing	Cap it at 2 minutes max (about 300 words).	Ramble for 5+ minutes or try to wing it.
Content	Focus on the future and your promises.	Spend the whole time telling the story of how you met.
Tone	Sound like yourself. Use words you actually say.	Use words like “betwixt” or “shall” if you aren’t a poet from the 1800s.
Privacy	Keep jokes and references universal.	Share embarrassing secrets or inside jokes nobody else gets.

• Match the Tone: Make sure your vows sound like *your* personality, not what you think a movie wedding sounds like.

• Watch the Clock: Aim for 1 to 2 minutes. Longer than that and you lose the room; shorter and it feels rushed.

• Promises Over Backstory: Keep the anecdotes brief. The main point is what you are promising to do in the future.

• Know Your Audience: Save the super intimate stuff for a private letter. Keep the public wedding ceremony vows clear enough for Grandma to understand.

• Think Long Term: Write words that will still feel true when life gets messy ten years from now.

What You Need to Know Before You Write

Writing vows is more than just dumping your feelings onto a piece of paper. You need a bit of a game plan. The vibe for weddings lately is shifting toward authenticity rather than sticking to a rigid script. You have to read the room. A super formal, black-tie affair might not be the best place for five minutes of stand-up comedy. On the flip side, a backyard wedding might feel weird if you use stiff, old-fashioned language. It’s all about balance.

Also, try to distinguish between a love letter and a vow. A love letter explains why you love someone. A vow explains how you will love them. Focus on the “how.” Before you start writing, skim these 6 things to know before you write your wedding vows to get in the right headspace. Understanding what are wedding vows at their core changes how you write them.

Start Writing Wedding Vows That Actually Sound Like You

If you don’t know where to start, use the “Sandwich Method.” It keeps things organized so you don’t ramble:

The “Sandwich” Method:

1. The Top Slice (The Opening): Start by saying who they are to you (e.g., “You are my best friend and my rock”).

2. The Meat (The Promises): This is the important part. Make 3-5 specific promises (e.g., “I promise to support your career,” “I promise to be patient”).

3. The Bottom Slice (The Closing): End with a final “I love you” and a look toward the future (e.g., “I can’t wait to grow old with you”).

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Traditional & Timeless Vows

These examples work best for couples who like that classic, “big wedding” feel. They bring a little gravity to the ceremony. If you want wedding vow examples that feel established and safe, start here.

1. The Standard Religious Vow

“I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my wedded [husband/wife], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.” This is the classic. You can’t go wrong with it, and everyone knows the rhythm.

2. The Secular Classic

“I take you to be my partner for life. I promise to walk by your side, to love, help, and encourage you in all that you do. I promise to share my life with you and to speak the truth with love.” This balances the promise perfectly without needing a backstory. It’s a great option for non-religious ceremonies looking for solid wedding vow examples.

3. The “Ring Exchange” Vow

“With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home.” Short, sweet, and very romantic. It keeps the timing under 30 seconds, which is great if you’re nervous.

4. The Spiritual Bond

“I promise to honor the divine within you. I choose you as my spiritual partner, to grow with, to learn from, and to love through all of life’s seasons.” This fits the vibe if you’re spiritual but not necessarily religious. It feels very grounded.

5. The Simple Commitment

“I promise to be your honest, faithful, and loving partner for the rest of my days.” The ultimate minimalist example. If you hate public speaking and just want to get the sample vows done without fainting, pick this one.

Create Timeless Wedding Vows Without Guessing What to Say

Short & Sweet (Minimalist) Vows

These are perfect for elopements or couples who prefer action over words. They pack a punch without dragging on. Sometimes, a single sentence is all you really need.

6. The “I Choose You” Vow

“I choose you today, and I promise to choose you every single day for the rest of our lives. You are my once-in-a-lifetime.” This one is powerful because it focuses on active choice. It hits hard without using many words.

7. The Friendship Vow

“I promise to be your best friend, your biggest fan, and your partner in crime. I love you more than words can say.” Great for couples who were friends first. It feels casual, but sincere.

8. The Adventure Vow

“I promise to say yes to our adventures, to navigate the hard times, and to always find my way back to you.” Perfect for the “travel couple.” It sets a tone of excitement. A great wedding vow example for those who prioritize experiences.

9. The Presence Vow

“I promise to be present with you. To listen when you speak, to comfort you when you cry, and to laugh with you every day.” This is about mindfulness. It acknowledges that marriage is mostly just the day-to-day stuff.

10. The Unconditional Vow

“I accept you exactly as you are, and I promise to love who you will become.” A really solid statement about growth. It acknowledges that you’re both going to change. These marriage vow examples are about evolving together.

Funny & Lighthearted Vows

Use these if you want to break the tension and make guests smile. Just ensure you have the comedic timing to pull them off. You can even find inspiration in specific wedding vow jokes to sprinkle in. Humor works best when it feels natural to your relationship.

To keep funny vows from sounding like a roast, use the “Pivot Technique.” Start with a joke, then immediately pivot to something sweet.

• The Joke: “I promise to pretend to like your experimental cooking…”

• The Pivot: “…because I admire your creativity and passion for trying new things.”

• The Result: The guests laugh, but your partner feels appreciated.

11. The “Hangry” Promise

“I promise to love you even when I’m hangry, and I promise not to watch the next episode of our show without you.” A very popular wedding vow example because it’s relatable. It lightens the mood instantly.

12. The Sports Rivalry

“I promise to love you, even during football season, and to comfort you when your team inevitably loses.” This works if sports are a big deal in your house. It feels very authentic to who you are.

13. The Spider Killer

“I promise to kill the spiders, reach the high shelves, and admit when I’m wrong—even if it takes me a few days.” Plays on domestic roles in a funny way. It’s a crowd-pleaser and one of the funniest wedding vow examples.

14. The Thermostat Treaty

“I promise to compromise on the thermostat setting, to share my fries, and to always be the one who grabs you a glass of water before bed.” Relies on relatable humor. It shows that love is found in the small annoyances.

15. The “Put Up With Me” Vow

“I promise to keep your life interesting, to keep you on your toes, and to make sure you never have a boring day, whether you like it or not.” Cheeky and fun. It frames your flaws as a positive attribute. These example wedding vows show you don’t take yourself too seriously.

Write Funny Wedding Vows That Still Feel Meaningful

Deeply Romantic & Story-Driven Vows

Choose these if you want there to be zero dry eyes in the house. They focus on deep emotional connection and safety. A poignant wedding vow example usually centers on the idea of “home.”

16. The “Safe Harbor”

“The world can be chaotic and loud, but you are my quiet. I promise to be your safe harbor, the place where you can rest your head and your heart, no matter what storms we face.” This is a heavy hitter. It focuses on safety and trust.

17. The “Better Version”

“You make me a better person not by changing me, but by loving me until I am brave enough to change myself. I promise to support your dreams as fiercely as you support mine.” A complex sentiment about psychological safety and mutual growth.

18. The “Everything” Vow

“I love you for all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you have yet to be. I promise to love you intentionally and fiercely.” Covers the past, present, and future. A timeless wedding vow example.

19. The Soulmate Narrative

“From our first date at [Place], I knew my life was about to change. Today, I promise to never stop dating you and to never stop trying to win your heart.” Integrates a specific story element. Keep the story brief so you don’t bore the guests. A great wedding vow example for high school sweethearts.

20. The “In This Life” Vow

“It is the greatest privilege of my life to be yours. I promise to honor that privilege every day by being kind, patient, and faithful.” Formal, but deeply affectionate. Perfect for expressing deep gratitude within your marriage vows.

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Vows for Her & Vows for Him

While modern vows are usually gender-neutral, these lean into specific dynamics that couples often search for. Whether you are looking for the ultimate guide to writing wedding vows for her or need help crafting memorable wedding vows from her to him, these templates help. We’ve compiled vows for her and vows for him that fit both traditional and modern vibes.

21. The Protector

“I promise to stand by your side and protect our peace. I will be your rock when you are overwhelmed and your biggest cheerleader when you succeed.” Focuses on stability and support. A classic archetype often used in vows for him.

22. The Muse

“You inspire me to see the world in color. I promise to nurture your creativity, respect your independence, and build a beautiful life together.” Focuses on inspiration. Works well for the creative partner and serves as a beautiful wedding vow example.

23. The Vulnerability Vow

“I promise to be open with you, to let down my guard, and to trust you with my fears as well as my dreams.” Breaks the stereotype of the stoic partner. It promises emotional openness and is a popular choice in wedding vows for her.

24. The Balance Vow

“I promise to help you slow down when life moves too fast, and to push you forward when you are afraid to jump.” Great if your partner is the grounding force in the relationship. It highlights balance and is a strong wedding vow example for dynamic couples.

25. The Partnership Vow

“I do not complete you, and you do not complete me. We are whole on our own, but together, we are infinite. I promise to be your equal in all things.” This is the modern standard. It rejects codependency for healthy partnership. Whether you need wedding vows examples for her or wedding vows for him, this text fits perfectly.

How to Get Unstuck With Your Writing

Reading a list of 25 examples is helpful, but staring at a blank page is still intimidating. You might feel the pressure to be funny, poignant, and original all at once. That is where Bridesmaid for Hire steps in. Jen Glantz, the world’s first professional bridesmaid, founded the brand because she knows not everyone is a poet. She has heard thousands of vows and knows exactly what makes a room cry or cheer.

If you are staring at a blank page, answer these three questions in one sentence each to generate your own wedding vow examples:

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Brainstorming Prompts to Spark Ideas:

1. When did you realize this person was “the one”?

2. What is one thing they do that makes you feel safe?

3. What is one adventure you are looking forward to taking together?

Combine these answers, and you basically have the skeleton of your vows.

Follow this timeline to keep your vows examples on track:

Phase	Timeframe	Action Item
Brainstorming	3 Months Out	Jot down bullet points, memories, and keywords in your phone notes app.
Drafting	1 Month Out	Write the first messy draft. Don’t worry about flow; just get it on paper.
Refining	2 Weeks Out	Read it out loud to check for rhythm. Edit down to 2 minutes.
Finalizing	3 Days Out	Write the final version in a vow book. Stop editing. You’re done.

Professional Tools and Coaching

If you are struggling to finalize your ceremony script, we offer access to 100+ AI wedding tools specifically designed to help you draft speeches and vows that sound like you, not a robot. Sometimes you need a human touch. Jen and the team can act as an unbiased sounding board, editing your drafts to ensure they hit the perfect tone. The goal is to remove the guesswork so you can focus on the person standing at the altar with you. We can turn a rough example wedding vow into something polished. Our archive of wedding vows examples ensures you never run out of inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Your vows are the heartbeat of the ceremony. They don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to be yours. Take these examples, mix and match them, or use them as a springboard to write something entirely new. The most important thing is that when you look at your partner and say these words, you actually mean them. Good luck with the writing process. You’ve got this. Your marriage vows are the start of your next great chapter.