How do you write simple wedding vows?

Short answer

Start with a promise to your partner, then add two or three things you love about them and one or two commitments you will keep. Keep it to a few sentences, and practise reading them aloud until they feel natural.

Simple vows work best when they are short, personal and honest. Begin with your partner's name and a line about what they mean to you, such as "I promise to stand beside you through every season." Then add one or two specific commitments that reflect your daily life, like making tea in the morning or always listening before giving advice. Avoid trying to cover everything. Pick the promises that matter most to you both. If you are writing vows for a civil ceremony in England or Wales, remember that the registrar must approve your words, and they cannot include religious content. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the rules differ, so check with your registrar or celebrant. Write your vows in plain language. Read them out loud several times, and time yourself. A simple vow of around 50 to 80 words is often enough. You can also use a template, but change the details so they sound like you. The goal is not perfection. The goal is a promise you can keep and a moment you both remember.