25 Wedding Vow Speech Templates That Will Save You From Writer’s Block

Hey there, soon-to-be newlywed! Jen Glantz here. As a professional speech writer, I’m ready to help you write memorable wedding vows. Let’s look at five wedding vow templates.

Everyone says the guests are just there for the open bar and the DJ, but let’s be real: most people actually remember the vows as the highlight of the wedding.

When I first read that stat, I panicked. I vividly remember sitting at my kitchen table, staring at a blinking cursor on a blank Google Doc until my eyes actually started watering. The pressure to summarize your entire relationship—the inside jokes, the struggles, the love—in two minutes feels impossible. You want to be profound but not cheesy. You want to be funny without roasting them too hard.

Quick Resources:

• Write your vows with the Wedding Vow Generator

• Explore the full suite of All Wedding Tools

If your chest is tightening just reading this, take a breath. You’re in the right place. Before you start typing furiously, give these 6 things to know before you write your wedding vows a quick read to get your head on straight.

I put together this list of templates to help you get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper so you can stop stressing and actually enjoy the process.

Turn these ideas into real vows using the Wedding Vow Generator

TL;DR: The Cheat Sheet

In a rush? Here are the four pillars that will keep you grounded.

• Be yourself: Your vows should sound like you, not a script from a rom-com you saw once.

• Follow the arc: A good speech usually covers The Past, The Present, and The Future.

• Watch the clock: Aim for 1 to 3 minutes (roughly 150 to 400 words). Any longer and people start checking their watches.

• Mix it up: The best vows combine a solid structure with specific, personal memories.

• Ask for help: If you’re stuck, there’s no shame in using tools or coaching to get unstuck.

Things to Think About Before You Start

Before you pick a template, let’s talk strategy. The trend for weddings lately is moving away from stiff, “olde english” language and toward stuff that feels authentic.

Create vows that sound like you with the Wedding Vow Generator

Tone and Authenticity
Does the template match your personality? If you’re naturally sarcastic and funny, a super solemn poem is going to feel weird. If you’re a private person, don’t force yourself to read a “diary entry” style vow in front of 100 people.

Structure and Flow
Most great vows follow a simple timeline:

• The Past: How we met, or what life was like before you.

• The Present: Why I love you right now (your kindness, your patience, your ability to deal with my hangry moods).

• The Future: What I promise to do for you going forward.

Section	The Goal	What to Include
The Past	Set the scene.	The first date, the moment you knew, or how you met.
The Present	Why them?	The qualities you admire in them today.
The Future	The commitment.	Specific promises for the life you’re building.

Build your past-present-future arc with the Wedding Vow Generator

Length and Timing
Attention spans are short. Keep it under 3 minutes. If you go too long, you lose the emotional punch.

Customizability
How easy is it to plug in your own stories? The best templates are just skeletons—you need to add the meat.

Personalize any template in minutes using the Wedding Vow Generator

Category A: The Timeless & Traditional

This is the go-to for couples who want that classic wedding feel. It honors heritage and feels a bit more formal without being stuffy.

1. The Classic Religious

This is the standard “to have and to hold” script. It’s perfect if you want to lean into religious tradition.

Example: “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.”

The Vibe:
Formal, reverent, and familiar. You don’t change much here—it’s about honoring the tradition.

2. The Secular Standard

This feels classic but removes the religious references. It focuses on accepting your partner as they are.

Example: “I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become. I promise to listen to you and learn from you, to support you and accept your support. I will celebrate your triumphs and mourn your losses as though they were my own.”

The Vibe:
Serious but inclusive. Great for non-religious ceremonies that still want a bit of gravity.

3. The “For All Days” Pledge

A short, punchy option if you’re nervous about public speaking. It covers all the bases: companion, friend, and ally.

Example: “I promise to be your lover, companion, and friend. I will be your ally in conflict and your greatest fan in success. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward, for all the days of my life.”

The Vibe:
Romantic and steady. It’s reliable and hard to mess up if your hands are shaking.

4. The Simple Ring Exchange

This ties your words directly to the action of placing the ring.

Example: “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.”

The Vibe:
Visual and metaphorical. You can swap “shelter” or “home” for words that mean more to you.

5. The Solemn Oath

This is for the formal, black-tie affair. It carries a lot of weight.

Example: “In the presence of our friends and family, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow.”

The Vibe:
Very serious. If you’re wearing a tux and a ballgown, this fits perfectly.

Category B: Romantic & Emotional

If you’re comfortable being vulnerable and want to make people cry (in a good way), these are for you. For more deep-dive inspiration, check out our ultimate guide to writing vows for her.

6. The “Why I Love You” Narrative

A fill-in-the-blank style that tells a story.

Example: “[Name], the moment I met you at [Place], I knew my life had changed. You are the kindest person I know. I promise to nurture your dreams because they are now my dreams too.”

The Vibe:
Story-driven. It moves perfectly from how you met to what you promise for the future.

7. The “Safe Harbor” Metaphor

Great if your partner is your source of calm in a crazy world.

Example: “The world can be chaotic, but you are my calm. You are my safe harbor. I promise to protect our peace and build a home where we can always be our true selves.”

The Vibe:
Gentle and intimate.
Pro Tip: If you have a high-stress job, like an ER nurse or a stock trader, make this specific. “After a 12-hour shift when my mind is racing, the only thing that quiets the noise is walking through the front door and seeing you.”

8. The Soulmate Discovery

High romance for the couples who had a whirlwind love story.

Example: “I didn’t believe in soulmates until I found you. You have unlocked parts of me I didn’t know existed. I vow to honor this connection every single day.”

The Vibe:
Dramatic and passionate.

9. The “Better Together” Vow

Focuses on how you make each other better.

Example: “I am proud of who I am, but I am better when I am with you. You challenge me to be sharper, kinder, and more patient. I promise to always strive to be the partner you deserve.”

The Vibe:
Synergistic. It’s easy to add examples here, like “You challenge me to actually fold my laundry.”

10. The Vulnerable Promise

Raw and emotional. This is about dropping your guard.

Example: “I promise to be open with you, even when it’s hard. I promise to drop my defenses and let you in. I vow to trust you with my fears and my biggest hopes.”

The Vibe:
Deeply emotional. Best for couples who prioritize psychological safety.

Category C: Lighthearted & Humorous

If you guys are always roasting each other, don’t stop now. Just make sure the humor is grounded in love.

Balance humor and heart with help from the Wedding Vow Generator

11. The “Real Life” Promise

Promising to love them despite the annoying stuff.

Example: “I promise to love you even when you refuse to stop for directions. I promise to unclog the drain without complaining. But mostly, I promise to be there for the boring days and the exciting ones.”

The Vibe:
Funny but real. Swap the generic examples for your actual quirks.

12. The Sports/Hobby Compromise

Perfect for rivals or obsessed fans.

Example: “I promise to love you more than [Sports Team], or at least as much as I love them during the playoffs. I vow to cheer for you always.”

The Vibe:
Playful. “I promise to love you even when the Eagles beat the Giants. I will respect your designated ‘Sunday Football Silence’ zone, provided you respect my ‘Bachelor Monday Commentary’ zone.”

13. The “Hangry” Clause

We’ve all been there.

Example: “I vow to always keep the fridge stocked and to never take your words personally when you are hungry. I promise to feed you, love you, and make you laugh.”

The Vibe:
Relatable.

Humor “Do”	Humor “Don’t”
Do poke fun at light quirks (leaving caps off toothpaste).	Don’t bring up past fights or deep insecurities.
Do ensure the punchline is about loving them anyway.	Don’t make the joke at their expense just for a laugh.
Do pivot back to sincerity immediately.	Don’t turn the vows into a stand-up routine.

14. The “Opposites Attract” Joke

For the night owl marrying the morning bird.

Example: “You are the morning person to my night owl. You are the organized spreadsheet to my chaotic sticky notes. I promise to respect our differences and let them balance us out.”

The Vibe:
Endearing. It highlights why you work well together.

15. The Best Friend Banter

Use your favorite show references.

Example: “I promise to be the Jim to your Pam. I promise to laugh at your bad jokes and send you memes when we are sitting in the same room.”

The Vibe:
Modern and fun.

Category D: Modern & Partners in Crime

For couples who view themselves as a team first and foremost. If you want to break the mold, check out our creative wedding vow ideas guide.

16. The “Partner in Crime”

Great for adventurous couples or business partners.

Example: “I choose you as my partner in crime. I promise to plot with you, dream with you, and execute our wildest plans together. We are a team of two against the world.”

The Vibe:
Empowering. It feels like you’re starting a glorious conspiracy together.

17. The Individual Growth Pact

Promising to let them be themselves.

Example: “I promise to support your independence and celebrate your individual growth. I vow to help you become the person you want to be, while we build a life together.”

The Vibe:
Mature and respectful. “I promise to be the one clearing the table so you have space to work on your dreams.”

18. The Adventure Buddy

Perfect for destination weddings or hikers.

Example: “Life is a great adventure, and I want to take every step with you. I promise to say ‘yes’ to new experiences and to hold your hand through the unknown.”

The Vibe:
Exciting and forward-looking.

19. The “Choose You Daily”

Love is a choice, not just a feeling.

Example: “Love is a choice, not just a feeling. I vow to choose you today, tomorrow, and every day after, even when it is difficult. I am all in.”

The Vibe:
Grounded. Great for couples who have been together a long time and know that love takes work.

20. The Equal Teammate

A feminist, modern approach.

Example: “I promise to pull my weight, to share the load, and to contribute equally to our happiness. I am your equal in all things.”

The Vibe:
Modern partnership. No outdated gender roles here.

Category E: Minimalist & Short

Sometimes less is more. If brevity is your goal, look at these 25 short wedding vow examples.

21. The Three Sentences

Takes 15 seconds. Direct and sweet.

Example: “You are my favorite person. I promise to make you happy. I will love you forever.”

The Vibe:
Efficient but powerful.

22. The “Here and Now” Statement

Eliminate the fluff.

Example: “Standing here today, I have no doubts. You are the one for me, and I give you everything I am.”

The Vibe:
Certainty.

23. The Haiku Style

For the creative types.

Example: “My heart is now yours / I promise to love you well / Today and always.”

The Vibe:
Poetic and unique.

24. The One-Word Focus

Anchor your speech around a single value like Loyalty or Trust.

Example: “My vow to you is simple: Loyalty. I promise to be loyal to you, our family, and our love, no matter what.”

The Vibe:
Clarity.

Theme Word	Focus	Best For…
Loyalty	Unwavering support.	Couples who value security.
Adventure	Growth and travel.	Couples who hate routine.
Grace	Forgiveness and patience.	Couples who value emotional maturity.
Joy	Laughter.	Couples who are naturally playful.

25. The Unspoken Bond

For the shy speakers.

Example: “We don’t need many words. You know my heart, and I know yours. I simply promise to keep loving you as I always have.”

The Vibe:
Intimate.

How Bridesmaid for Hire Can Help You

Even with these templates, the pressure of the big day is real. Writing vows is often the task that makes couples want to uncork the wine and hide under a blanket.

Get unstuck and finish strong with the Wedding Vow Generator

That’s where Bridesmaid for Hire comes in.

Jen Glantz, the founder (and the world’s first professional bridesmaid), knows that a wedding isn’t just about the party—it’s about the emotional work behind it. If you need personalized support, look into our wedding speech coaching services to make sure you nail the delivery.

• Writing Tools: We have tools that can take the templates above and personalize them for you in minutes.

• Emotional Support: If you’re terrified of reading these out loud, Jen offers coaching to be that calming voice of reason.

• Day-of Execution: Whether you need help writing them or just someone to hold the mic and calm your nerves, we’ve got you.

Don’t let the stress of writing overshadow the joy of the moment. We can help remove the guesswork so you can focus on saying “I do.”

Final Thoughts

The goal here is just to tell your partner you love them clearly. Pick a template that feels right, make it yours, and focus on the person standing in front of you. Forget the audience. Forget the cameras. Just tell your partner why you chose them.

Use these examples as a guide, but let your heart do the talking. You got this.