Your Guide to Writing Wedding Vows

A Note from Diana

I believe every ceremony should be a reflection of the two people standing together – your story, your promises, your voices. There is no “right” way to write your vows, no template you must follow, and no rules beyond the one legal sentence we’ll include on the day.

This guide gives you ideas and practical advice so you can write vows that feel completely yours – whether that’s heartfelt, humorous, poetic, or simple and real.

The Only Legal Requirement

The law requires this one sentence, spoken aloud during the ceremony:

“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [name], take thee, [name], to be my lawful wedded [husband/wife/spouse].”

Everything else is entirely up to you.

Decide Together, Write Separately

Before you start writing, sit down together and agree on:

• Tone – Romantic? Lighthearted? A mix of both?

• Length – About 1 page or 1–2 minutes keeps things balanced.

• Approach – Storytelling, promises, or reflections (see below).

• Sharing – Do you want to share them beforehand or keep them secret until the day?

After you’ve agreed on the approach, write independently and if keeping them a secret until the day, simply email me separately - diana@dianafisk.com.

What to Include in Your Vows

There are no rules here, just possibilities. You might like to weave in some of these elements, or choose just a few that feel right for you:

• A special memory or story from your relationship.

• The qualities you admire in each other.

• What you’ve learned together or how you’ve grown as a couple.

• What this marriage means to you.

• Your promises - heartfelt, humorous, or a mix of both.

• Your hopes and dreams for the future.

A Simple Structure (Inspired by Storytelling)

If you want your vows to flow naturally, you can borrow a few simple principles from storytelling:

1. Beginning – The Past

   • How you met, what first drew you together, or a favourite memory that tells your story.

2. Middle – The Present

   • What you love about them today, what your relationship means to you, or what makes you choose them now.

3. End – The Future

   • The promises you want to make, the dreams you share, or the life you hope to build together.

This gives your vows a natural arc — where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going, without it feeling scripted.

Tips for the Day

• Ground yourself: Take a big breath, feel your feet on the earth, look at each other.

• Delivery options: You can hold the microphone and vow folder yourself, or I can stand beside you and hold the mic for you. We can work this out at a rehearsal or prior to the day.

• Printing: I’ll have them printed on the day so you don’t have to worry.

• Speaking tips: Go slowly, look up occasionally, and speak as if you’re only talking to each other.

On Tears and Big Emotions

It’s completely normal to feel emotional while reading your vows, you might laugh, cry, or do both at once! Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Take your time – There’s no rush; pauses are powerful.

• Breathe – If you feel emotion rising, pause, breathe, then keep going when you’re ready.

• Look at each other – This is your moment; it’s okay to centre yourselves.

• I’ve got you – If you need a tissue, or a moment to regroup, I’ll be right there to support you.

• Emotion connects – Your guests will be right there with you too; this is what makes vows so special.

Final Word

Your vows don’t need to be perfect, they just need to be yours. They are about connection, honesty, and meaning. Use this guide as a starting point, but let your own voice lead the way.

Once you’re done email me the final draft to diana@dianafisk.com - I can’t wait to read what you create!

With warmth,
Diana