What are vows?
In essence, your vows are both a promise to each other and a legal necessity for your marriage.
To make it legally binding, you must express your intent to be each other’s partner. The simplest way to do this is by saying, “I [Name], take you [Name], to be my lawful (wife/husband).”
Want a bit more of a personal touch? You can change your vows really as much as you like as long as it includes the intent to be each other’s partner. I like to think of it as a declaration of love + your life promise to your future spouse.
Write your own vows
You are thinking of writing your own vows, yay! This is super exciting but can feel a bit daunting at the same time. Where do you start? How do you sum up everything this person means to you in a few sentences? Is it okay to roast them a bit? What if their vows are totally different to yours? Does that matter?!
To assist you in this process, as your celebrant, you will have access to my vow guide which offers a format for you and your partner to follow. It provides recommendations of themes to include, allowing you to write your vows in a similar style but keeping some elements a surprise until the big day. Hopefully this helps, but feel free to contact me if you want some specific guidance. I’m happy to look at your vows confidentially without showing the other person.
Ultimately your wedding vows can never say everything you want them to say perfectly, and maybe they shouldn’t have to. They are simply your personal, specific declaration of love and commitment to your partner. They don’t have to be a set length, or tone, or vibe; they are as unique as your relationship! You are allowed to laugh or cry (or both!) your way through them! We love emotions at weddings. Try not to feel too overwhelmed! Your partner knows you feel about them, and vice versa. Keep it simple. Best of luck!
Poppy the Celebrant 