If you’re planning a beach wedding and wish to recite personalized wedding vows, this guide is for you. 

As a wedding vow writer, I’ve compiled my top tips and examples so you can learn how to write vows that capture the spirit and theme of your beach wedding.

Tip #1: Lean into the Beach Vibe

The two most popular questions I receive as a wedding vow writer are:

• How long should my vows be?

• How should my vows sound? 

The answer to each question varies depending on the couple’s style, ceremony details, and wedding theme.

However, in general, I recommend writing vows that run between two to five minutes and are a mix of heartfelt with funny vows. 

So how might the vibe of your vows change for a beach wedding? Beach weddings are inherently more laid back and casual. Your vows can mirror that same tone. 

Aim to write vows that capture a voice that’s just as relaxed as the waves around you while still being polished, heartfelt, and articulate.

To make your vows sound more casual while also being impactful, focus on the language you use.

Opt for words that are less formal and more in line with your natural speaking pattern. 

For example, a more formal line from your vows may sound like this: “From the moment our eyes locked, you captured my heart, and for eternity my heart is yours to hold.”

To make these lines more in theme for your beach wedding, consider this: “After our first date, you had my heart and after today you’ll have it for always.”

Notice how the message communicates the same meaning but the delivery is less formal? This is the kind of delivery you’ll want to keep in mind when writing beach-inspired wedding vows.  

Tip #2: Use a Microphone 

A beach ceremony often means enjoying a beautiful ocean breeze while you recite your vows.

But crashing waves provide more than just the sweet smell of saltwater. They also create loud background noise.

To make sure that your fiance and your guests hear your wedding vows, be sure to use a microphone. This way, everyone, including your videographer will pick up on your promises.  

Tip #3: Use a Beach Inspired Vow Booklet 

When it comes to packaging your vows, choose something that will mirror the theme of your wedding. 

For example, if you were having a black tie wedding, you may want to use a hardcover book with gold or silver inscription on the cover and gold or silver gilding on the pages. 

For your beach wedding, opt for a vow booklet that fits this natural feel. Materials worth considering are lightweight handmade paper, chiffon ribbon, light and airy colors, and distressed edges. 

Tip #4: Practice Reciting Your Vows

Once you’ve finished writing your beach wedding vows, practice reading them out loud. I recommend reciting your vows three to six times before your ceremony. 

This way, you can dial in your public speaking skills and you’ll feel prepared when it’s time to say your vows in front of your fiance and all of your guests. 

Tip #5: Consider a Beach Quote

When it comes to including quotes within your vows, I suggest selecting ones that have special meaning to you and your relationship. This will help to illustrate your unique love story rather than simply sounding generic. 

Here are a few beach-inspired love quotes you could consider using if they feel especially meaningful to your love story. 

• “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” – Wyland

• “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

• “As the ocean is never full of water, so is the heart never full of love”. – Unknown

• “The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace.” – Kate Chopin

Be sure to apply the quote to your relationship and marriage so that it flows and feels emotionally applicable within your wedding vows.

Example of How To Weave a Quote Into a Section of Your Vows

Sammy, there’s a quote by Psyche Roxas-Mendoza that goes, “Every time I stand before a beautiful beach, its waves seem to whisper to me: If you choose the simple things and find joy in nature’s simple treasures, life and living need not be so hard.”

Sam, in choosing you, I know that life will not be hard.

Instead, any sadness I feel, I will have you to help carry the burden.

Any disappointment I encounter will be minimized because of a corny joke you will inevitably tell.

And any challenge will not be insurmountable because I’ll have you as my teammate, my best friend, and my husband for the rest of my life. 

Tip #6: Consult with a Vow Writer

If you’re planning a beach wedding ceremony, you likely want a stress-free wedding. Make the task of vow writing less overwhelming by working with a professional vow writer. 

For couples who are planning both local and destination beach weddings, I can work with you to write personalized vows.

Get in touch to see how we can best work together. 

Example of Beach Wedding Vows 

Cori, 

When we first met, I not only realized that you were the woman who was meant for me. I also learned how happy I could be. 

I heard a quote by Dennis Wilson that says, “On the beach, you can live in happiness.”

I suppose it’s appropriate then that this beautiful setting is where we have chosen to commit our lives together because with you, I know I will always live in happiness.

And I promise as we move forward in marriage to create a life that fills you with that same level of joy.

I promise to be there for you through each phase of life … the joys, the challenges, and the unforeseen trials.

I promise to make you laugh so hard you cry and to give you comfort when your tears aren’t from my ridiculous jokes.

Most of all, I promise to love you as steadily, surely, and consistently as these waves kiss the shore. 

You are my everything and I can’t wait to give my everything as I become your partner for life. I love you.