Looking to write short and simple wedding vows? Oftentimes, the most emotionally impactful vows are the ones that can be recited in a short amount of time.

But it can be challenging to capture everything you’re feeling in less than two minutes.

So how do you write vows that don’t run on or fail to articulate your feelings in a quick manner? 

As a wedding vow writer, I’ve created a guide for you to follow to write custom vows that capture your love story in a concise way. 

Tip #1: Follow a Simple Vow Outline

The key to capturing your vows in a short manner is to organize your thoughts. I recommend using a vow outline. This will add structure, create flow, and ensure the length doesn’t run on with unnecessary details.

Recommended Vow Outline for Short Vows

Capture the Moment: Write one sentence that describes how you feel in this moment. You can also flashback to the journey you took to make it here.

Example: It took one swipe right to change my life and today, it will take just two simple words to commit my life to you. 

Focus on Your Fiance: Write one to three sentences that describe what you love and appreciate about your finance. 

Example: Your caring nature, kind heart, and endless patience continuously inspire me to be a better person and partner for you. I’ve never felt a trust like ours, or a love like yours. And I’m thankful that from this day forward, I’ll always have your beautiful smile to wake up to.

List Your Vows: Include three to five specific promises. The majority should be on the serious side but feel free to include one or two more playful promises if you’re going for funny wedding vows.

Close with a Wish for Your Future: Write one to two sentences that describe what makes you most excited for your future as a married couple. And don’t forget to say I love you. 

Tip #2: Edit Your Vows

Your first draft will likely include details that aren’t as impactful or are unnecessary to include. To achieve succinct vows, focus on editing the original draft. 

Here are a few tips for how to edit your vows:

• Read your vows out loud. Does any of the verbiage trip up your delivery? Do certain phrases not feel natural to your speaking pattern? Do you hear ideas that sound redundant? 

• Listen to someone else read your vows. This will provide you with an entirely new perspective on what’s working and what could be reworded. 

• Bust out the highlighters. Use different colors to highlight the various sections of the outline that I suggested above. For example, use orange to highlight the promises and pink to highlight your wish for your future. This will help you to visually see if you’ve captured each section with equal weight or if certain parts are heavier/lighter than others. Then you can adjust as necessary. 

Tip #3: Practice Reciting Your Vows

Practicing reciting your vows out loud will help you to make sure the length is correct.

Use a timer when you recite your vows to determine the length.

Make sure your timer is able to display the length down to the second. This way you’ll know with certainty if your vows are at 90 seconds or if you need to shorten them further. 

Tip #4: Communicate Your Vow Goals with Your Fiance

You may want to write short vows but what if they plan to write vows that are five minutes long?

Make sure you and your fiance share the same vision for your vows.

Discuss the following areas so that you’ll mirror each other’s vows.

• Length: What is the time you agree your vows should be? 30 seconds? 90 seconds? Two minutes? Whatever it is, make sure you’re on the same page so that your speaking length is roughly the same during your ceremony. 

• Tone: What is the vibe you want your vows to have? A mix of funny and sweet? Mostly humorous vows or strictly romantic vows? Align with your fiance so your vows will match in tone.

• Structure: Share a vow writing outline with your fiance so you are both referencing the same guide. This way, you'll both include the same elements instead of one of you including more aspects than the other. 

Tip #5: Use a Vow Booklet 

Just because your vows are short doesn’t mean that don’t deserve to be packaged in a pretty way. 

Beautiful vow booklets are the perfect place to write your short wedding vows.

Plus, they’ll make for elegant details in your wedding photographs. And you’ll have a special keepsake after the wedding where you can reference your vows for many years to come. 

Tip #6: Consult with a Vow Writer

Just because your vows are going to be short does not mean that they will be easy to write.

In most cases, it’s actually harder to write short vows. After all, how do you communicate such big emotions and ideas in so few sentences? 

If you’re struggling to capture your love story in a short yet meaningful way, consider consulting with a professional wedding vow writer.

I work with brides and grooms to write custom vows that fit their exact expectations in terms of tone and length. 

Let’s begin writing your short wedding vows. 

Short and Simple Vow Examples

Sweet and Simple Wedding Vow Example

Daniel, 

You held my hand for the first time during that middle school dance, and now you’ll carry my heart forever.

Your love makes me feel like any dream I have can be fully realized, any fear I have can be minimized, and any step I take will be made better because it’s alongside you.

You are my best friend, my one true love, my husband and I make these vows to you:

I promise to provide you with constant care, support, and comfort. 

I promise to make you laugh, make you feel secure, and make your favorite chocolate chip cookies. 

And I promise to love you as fiercely, deeply, and passionately as you’ve always loved me.

I can’t wait to create more memories with you as we begin this marriage. I love you. 

Short and To The Point Wedding Vow Example

Cassandra,

The first time I saw you smile, I saw my future. Now I can’t wait to step into that future with you today. 

With your sweet spirit, kind heart, and thoughtful nature, you bring my life more meaning, joy, and laughter.

With you by my side, I promise that any challenge we experience will be tackled as one team.

I promise to grow from every disagreement and to celebrate every joy.

I promise to remind you every day why you’re the most wonderful woman I’ve ever known.

And I promise to love you with everything I have and everything I am. 

Cass, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life giving you countless reasons to smile. I love you and I’ll continue loving you for all of my days.