Is it time to write your vows but you have no idea where to begin? To help your writer’s block, I’ve outlined a wedding vow structure. As a vow writer, I’ve found that the biggest struggle couples have around writing their vows is often not understanding how to organize their thoughts.

With this wedding vow structure that I’ve created, you can take all those emotions and slot them into their respective sections. This will make writing your vows easier and less stressful. Grab a pen and a blank page. It’s time to outline the framework for your vows.

Step #1: Start by Setting the Scene

There’s no need to overthink or overcomplicate the start of your vows. Simply begin by addressing your fiance by name. Next, explain how you’re feeling at this exact moment.

Examples:

• Jordan, when I asked to be your science project partner in 5th grade, I never imagined it would result in standing in front of you today. 

• Kelsey, I knew from the moment we shared our first kiss under the stars, that you’d one day become my wife.

• Theo, standing here with you today, I know that I’m exactly where I am meant to be. 

Step #2: Communicate What You Love About Your Partner

The next section of the vow writing structure involves listing qualities you admire in your partner. 

Here are a few writing prompts to help you come up with material for this part: 

• What is your favorite thing about your partner?

• What qualities do they have that you don’t?

• How do they inspire you?

• What stands out as characteristics that are uniquely them? 

• What makes you most grateful when you think of them?

Step #3: Describe What You Love About Your Relationship

During this third section of the vow writing structure, explain what you appreciate about your relationship.

Do you two share a special sense of humor? Do you have this unique way of reading each other’s minds? Do you both have a passion for adventure and travel? 

Write a few sentences explaining why you feel your relationship is special.

Step #4: List Specific Promises

Promises are key to making your wedding vows actual vows. As a professional vow writer, I recommend listing three to six specific promises. 

The majority should focus on sincere promises that can stand the test of time. One or two of the promises could be more playful and humorous. 

Examples of Promises for Your Vows:

• I promise to laugh at your jokes, even when they’re only kind of funny.

• I promise to be honest, loyal, and respectful.

• I promise to support your dreams as my own.

• I promise to care for you when you’re sick, laugh with you when you’re sad, and carry your worries when you’re upset.

• I promise to be there for you during all of life’s moments...the ones that will bring us laughter and the ones that will cause us tears.

• I promise to not keep any secrets.

• I promise to share my life with you, my heart with you, and my dreams with you. 

• I promise to care for and love your son as my own child.

• I promise to love you for all of my days. 

Step #5: Describe Your Vision for Marriage

As we near the end of the vow writing structure, it’s time to describe how you envision your marriage.

How will your supportive nature keep your marriage strong? What shared dreams do you see coming true? How will you two remain close, even though the challenges and changes that will occur throughout your marriage? 

Use this section of the structure to provide insight into how you see your marriage looking from now and into the future. 

Step #6: Close with a Loving Last Line

For the last section in the vow writing structure, end with a love-filled last line. 

Examples:

• To my soul mate, partner for life, and now my wife. I will always love you. 

• You are my North star, my best friend, my forever.

• I love you to the moon and back.

• I will forever be your person.

Just like with the first line of your vows, don’t overthink the last line. When in doubt, a simple but heartfelt, “I love you,” is a wonderful ending to your vows and start to your marriage. 

Need More Help with the Wedding Vow Structure? 

This wedding vow structure may help you to get started but if you’re still struggling, consider working with an expert vow writer. 

I work with each client to write custom vows that reflect their unique love story. Get in touch to learn how we can work together to write your custom vows. 

Vow Example Using the Vow Writing Structure

Here is an example of a set of vows I wrote to illustrate each of the six steps in the vow writing structure.

Kenan, 

During that summer 9 years ago at Camp Robin when we met as counselors, I could see what a fun, kind-hearted, and spirited person you were. I never imagined back then that I’d be standing on this campground all these years later to say I do to you, in the same place where you kissed me for the very first time.

You were this bright-eyed boy who showed me what it meant to be spontaneous, adventurous, and authentic. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to stand by your side as you’ve grown into the man you are today: thoughtful, brilliant, and deeply loving. 

Our relationship is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Together, I feel like we can conquer any challenge and every celebration means more when your hand is in mine. 

As I become your wife today, I make these vows to you: 

I promise to continue living a life full of adventure and fun.

I promise to keep encouraging your personal growth.

I promise to travel the world with you, and to think the world of you.

I promise to love you unconditionally from this day forward. 

I know our marriage will be full of endless laughter, constant comfort, and unwavering love and I know it will be wonderful because I’ll be experiencing it with you.

Here’s to our greatest adventure yet. I love you, Kenan.