Writing Your Vows

Creating personalized wedding vows is a lot like telling a story. Be sure to give the writing structure-a beginning, a middle, and an end--and use language you are comfortable with, so the words sound like you, not like a speech. Decide early on if you'll write your vows as a couple. If not, will you share them with each other beforehand or wait for the big day? The key to success: Start the writing process early-at least a month before the wedding. Try to incorporate your favorite poems, song lyrics, love letters or religious readings. Be sure to ask your officiant about any required phrasing.

Ask yourself the following questions before you start writing. They'll help focus your thoughts.

1. Why is he/she so special to you?


2. What do you consider his/her best trait?


3. When did you realize you were in love?


4. What is your dream for your life together?


5. What does marriage mean to you?


6. How do you define love and commitment?

The vows below have a mix of traditional vows, personal sentiments, and a few lines of poetry:

I, Leah, take you, Andrew, to be my husband, from this day forward. I've loved you since the day you rescued the stray kitten from the tree. You were so patient and kind, and I knew that very moment that you were the person I wanted to share my life with-see the world, start a family, buy a home. e.e.cummings said it better than I can; "I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart. I am never without it. Anywhere I go, you go...I fear no fate, for you are my fate...I want no world, for beautiful you are my world...And it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you." I will love you and cherish you, from this day forward until death do us part.