How do you write non religious wedding vows?

Begin by thinking about what matters most in your relationship. Is it kindness, honesty, adventure, patience or humour? Use those values as the backbone of your vows. Write promises that are specific to your life together, such as supporting each other through career changes, laughing at bad jokes or always saving the last bite for the other person.

Avoid religious words like God, blessing or prayer unless you want them, but know that in a civil ceremony in England and Wales, religious content is not allowed. Your registrar can guide you. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, rules differ, so check with your registrar or celebrant. For a humanist ceremony in England and Wales, humanist celebrants can conduct non religious ceremonies, but they are not legally binding on their own, so you may need a separate civil ceremony.

Keep your vows positive and realistic. Instead of promising to never argue, promise to argue kindly and make up quickly. Instead of promising to always be happy, promise to choose each other on hard days. End with a strong line, like "I choose you, today and always." Read them aloud to check they sound like you, not like a poem you found online. Your celebrant or registrar can help you shape them if you get stuck.