25 of the best wedding vows to inspire your own
Writing your wedding vows can feel like a mix of pure romance and mild panic, because how do you sum up a lifetime of love in just a few lines? Whether you’re going for classic and heartfelt, modern and personal (or even a little bit cheeky), we’ve got you covered.
From pop culture gems to poetic declarations, these wedding vows are here to inspire (or shamelessly steal). So grab a tissue, a notebook, and maybe a snack—because love like this deserves a moment.
Here’s 25 of the best wedding vows to inspire your own.
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Traditional vows
Classic, timeless, and deeply meaningful, traditional wedding vows have stood the test of time. Whether drawn from sacred texts or inspired by centuries-old customs, these vows focus on commitment, respect, and enduring love. Perfect for couples who want to honour tradition while making a heartfelt promise.
1. A classic promise
“I take you to be my lawful wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”
2. Native American blessing
“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness. Now you are two persons, but there is one life before you.”
3. Song of Solomon 6:3
“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.”
4. Partership for life
“I give you my hand and my heart, as I give you myself, to be your partner in life. I promise to walk beside you in love and faithfulness, now and forever.”
5. An Irish blessing
“You are the star of each night, you are the brightness of every morning, you are the story of each guest, you are the report of every land. No evil shall befall you, on hill nor bank, in field or valley, on mountain or in glen.”
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Modern vows
For those who want something fresh and personal, modern vows put individuality at the forefront. They move beyond formal promises and embrace raw emotions, shared experiences, and the realities of life together. These vows reflect a deep connection while allowing couples to express their love in their own words.
6. The adventure vow
“From this day forward, I vow to be your partner in adventure, your teammate in life, and your biggest supporter in everything you do. I promise to laugh with you in the best times, hold you in the hardest times, and create a life with you that is full of love and joy.”
7. The everyday love
“You are my best friend, my greatest love, and my home. I promise to stand by your side through every adventure, to cheer you on in your dreams, and to laugh with you even when life gets messy. I vow to love you fiercely, to support you endlessly, and to choose you—every day, for the rest of our lives.”
8. Not promises, but privileges
“I see these vows not as promises but as privileges: I get to laugh with you and cry with you, care for you and share with you. I get to run with you and walk with you, build with you and live with you.”
9. You are my reason
“You were my reason back then, my reason now, and my reason every day. I vow to stand by your side, to support your dreams, and to celebrate the life we build together.””
10. Home is where you are
“Let’s build a home of laughter, love, and support. Let us create a warm and welcoming space for the good times and the bad. You are my home, and I will always find my way back to you.”
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Celebrity or pop culture-inspired vows
Love movie-worthy romance? These vows take inspiration from pop culture, TV, and film, proving that sometimes the best words have already been written. Whether it’s a dramatic declaration or a sweet TV moment, these vows add a fun, familiar touch to the ceremony.
11. Meredith and Derek from Grey’s Anatomy
“To love each other, even when we hate each other. No running – ever. Nobody walks out, no matter what happens. Take care when old, senile, and smelly. This is forever.”
12. Leo’s promise from The Vow
“I vow to fiercely love you in all of your forms, now and forever. I promise never to forget that this is a once-in-a-lifetime love.”
13. Chandler’s vow to Monica on Friends
I thought that it mattered what I said or where I said it. Then I realised the only thing that matters is that you make me happier than I ever thought I could be.”
14. Carrie’s love letter to Big from SATC
“His hello was the end of her endings. Her laugh was their first step down the aisle. His hand would be hers to hold forever. His forever was as simple as her smile.”
15. Einstein on love and gravity
“When you trip over love, it is easy to get up. But when you fall in love, it is impossible to stand again.”
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Humorous vows
Love and laughter go hand in hand, and these vows bring a playful twist to tradition. From inside jokes to lighthearted promises, they remind couples (and their guests) that marriage should be filled with fun. Perfect for those who don’t take themselves too seriously but take their love seriously.
16. The ultimate Netflix pact
“I promise to never binge-watch our favourite series without you… unless you take too long, then all bets are off.”
17. The pizza agreement
“I vow to always let you have the last slice of pizza… unless I’m really, really hungry.”
18. The footy season promise
“I promise to always love you… even during footy season.”
19. The shopping dilemma
“I vow to pretend to enjoy shopping trips and never question why we need another throw pillow.”
20. The snacks clause
“I promise to love you endlessly, support you unconditionally… and always order extra fries so you don’t steal mine.”
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Literary or poetic vows
Beautiful, deep, and artfully crafted, literary and poetic vows draw on the power of words. Whether inspired by literature, poetry, or cultural blessings, these vows paint a picture of love in its most expressive form. Ideal for couples who want their promises to feel like poetry in motion.
21. From William Shakespeare, Sonnet 116
“Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments.
Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken.””
22. Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
23. Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
“To love or to have loved, that is enough.
Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.”
24. Edward’s vow to Bella, Twilight
“No measure of time with you will be long enough, but we’ll start with forever.””
25. Westley’s promise, The Princess Bride
“This is true love. You think this happens every day?”
