Short Wedding Vows: Examples and How to Write Them

Short vows are easier to remember, easier to say without crying, and easier for your partner to really hear. When you keep your vows brief, every word carries more weight. You can still be romantic, personal, and meaningful in two or three sentences.

Long vows can become a list of promises that feel like a contract. Short vows feel like a gift. They also keep the ceremony moving, which guests always appreciate. If you are nervous about speaking in public, short vows are a relief.

Start by writing down three things you love about your partner and three promises you want to make. Pick the strongest one from each list. Then turn them into a short paragraph. Speak in your own voice, not in words you think a wedding should sound like.

A simple structure is: say what you love, make a promise, and finish with a line about your future together. For example: "I love your laugh and your kindness. I promise to stand by you in good times and hard times. I choose you today and every day."

If you are writing vows for a groom or for a bride, the same advice applies. There is no special rule for him or her. The best vows sound like the person saying them. Avoid clichés and write what you truly feel.

Here are a few examples you can adapt. Mix and match lines to make them your own.

• "I take you as you are. I promise to love you, support you, and laugh with you for all our days."
• "You are my home. I promise to be your partner, your comfort, and your biggest fan. I choose you, always."
• "I promise to listen, to be patient, and to put us first. With you, my life is brighter. I love you."
• "Before you, I didn't know what I was missing. Now I do. I promise to cherish you and build a life with you."
• "I vow to be your steady place in a busy world. I will hold your hand through everything. You are my person."

For religious vows, you can add a line about your faith. For example: "With God as our witness, I promise to love and honour you all the days of my life." Or: "I thank God for bringing us together, and I promise to love you as my partner in faith."

Personal vows come from specific memories. Instead of saying "you are kind", say "I remember how you looked after me when I was ill". Instead of "you make me laugh", say "I love the way you tell a story with your hands". Specific details make your vows feel truly yours.

Heartfelt vows are honest. They admit that life will not always be easy, and that is okay. You can say "I promise to be patient on hard days" or "I will always try to understand you". That honesty is more romantic than a perfect promise.

Read your vows out loud. If a line feels awkward or too long, cut it. Keep the ones that make you feel something. Ask your partner if they want to see your vows before the day. Some couples prefer to keep them a surprise, but it is fine to share.

If you are having a religious ceremony, check with your officiant about what is allowed. Some faiths have set vows you must use. Others allow you to write your own. Your place of worship or celebrant can guide you. If you want to include a prayer or a blessing, ask them how to do that within your ceremony.

For non-religious vows, you have complete freedom. You can mention your love, your promises, and your hopes without any religious words. Humanist celebrants in Scotland can conduct legal weddings, and they often help couples write personal vows. In England and Wales, humanist ceremonies are not legally binding on their own, so many couples have a short civil ceremony as well. Check GOV.UK for the current position.

Whatever your beliefs, keep your vows respectful of your partner and your guests. You do not have to mention faith if it does not feel right. The most important thing is that your vows are true for you.

Write your vows on a small card that fits in your hand. Practice reading them aloud several times before the day. You do not need to memorise them. It is fine to look at your card. If you feel emotional, pause and take a breath. Your partner will understand.

Agree with your celebrant on how the vows will be exchanged. You might repeat after them, or you might read your own words. If you are writing your own, give a copy to your celebrant in advance. They can help with timing and make sure your words are clear.

On the day, look at your partner, not at your card. Speak slowly and clearly. If you forget a line, it does not matter. The people who love you are not judging you. They are just happy to be there.