Sometimes the hardest part of writing your vows is just getting started.

You’re not alone if you don’t know how to start your wedding vows. Many couples have no idea where to start and end up stressing themselves out, staring at a blank piece of paper as their ceremony date creeps closer and closer.

Luckily, we’ve got your back! We’ve been marrying couples for over a decade and even created an entire course on how to write your vows. We’ll help you get past this first hurdle and find the inspiration you need to finish the rest of your vows.

Below we’re sharing our simple formula for starting your wedding vows. We’ll explain why the beginning of your vows is so important and provide you with lots of examples you can use in your own vows!

PS: Don’t miss out on our FREE vow writing cheat sheet!

 

Victor and Ryan exchanging vows during their elopement, how to start your wedding vows, Jades Photos

by Jades Photography

How to start vows

In our vow writing guide, we outline five steps to writing the best vows ever. The beginning of your vows are covered in steps one and two.

Start your vows off by addressing your partner by name, telling them how you’re feeling and sharing a small reflection about your relationship.

Name

The very first word out of your mouth when you start your vows should be your partner’s name. This immediately personalizes your wedding vows and makes them so much more intimate. Look your partner in the eye, take a deep breath and say their name.

Bonus points if you want to add on a little compliment! For example, you can say, “[NAME], you look so beautiful today” or “[NAME], I’ve never met a more kind and loving person.”

How you’re feeling

Next, let your partner know how you’re feeling. This is an opportunity for you to be vulnerable, open up and let your partner know exactly how you feel about marrying them today.

While the majority of your vows should be about your partner and the promises you’re making to them, this is a great moment for you to share from your perspective. Let your partner, and your guests, in on what you’re feeling and share from the heart.

Here are some examples:

  • I stand here today, a little nervous, but incredibly excited to marry you.
  • I can’t believe the day I get to marry my best friend has finally arrived.
  • Words cannot describe all the emotions I’m feeling right now.
  • I am the luckiest person alive to be standing here with you today.

Looking back

Before you dive into the actual promises part of your vows, spend a sentence or two reflecting on your relationship. This is the “story” part of your vows when you’ll share things like how you met, how your partner has changed your life and when you knew they were the one.

Be careful not to make this part too lengthy. Even if you have the best meet-cute in history, you want to keep this section brief. The point of vows is to make promises to your partner, not share your life story with your guests.

Here are some examples:

  • From the moment we’ve met, you’ve surprised me, loved me and challenged me in ways I never knew possible.
  • Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with you again and again, and I still can’t believe that, today, I get to marry you.
  • We have been through so much as a couple, not all of it easy. But together, we have made it through all that life has thrown at us.
  • Before I knew you, I didn’t know what a loving, trusting partnership looked like.
Sean and Jessica sharing their wedding vows, Candace Fast Photography

by Candace Fast Photography

Why the beginning of your vows is so important

Your vows are often the first time – and possibly the only time – during your wedding ceremony when you get to speak. This is the first impression you’re making on your partner and your guests. It’s important that you set the right tone. You don’t want to appear hurried or unprepared.

Don’t skip your intro and rush immediately into all of your promises. You want to set the stage and ground yourself in this important moment. That’s why we encourage you to open up to your partner, share your feelings and reflect on your relationship before you look ahead to your promises for marriage.

Your promises are the meat of your vows but the bookends – the beginning and the ending – are important too. Don’t miss our tips on how to end your vows.

In addition to planning how to start your vows, you’ll also have to decide how you want to say them. Check out our post on five different ways to deliver your vows.

 

Monserrat and Pablo getting emotional during their vow exchange

by Erica Miller Photography

20 examples of how to start your wedding vows

Now that we’ve walked you through the process for how to start your vows, we wanted to share some examples to help inspire your own vow writing!

  1. [NAME], my heart is racing with joy and love as I stand before you today. From our first adventure together, I knew we were meant for something extraordinary, and every moment since has only deepened that belief.
  2. [NAME], I feel overwhelming happiness as I take your hand. Remember our late-night talk under the stars on our very first date? That was the spark that ignited this incredible journey we’re on together.
  3. [NAME], I stand here today with a heart full of love and gratitude. Our laughter, our shared dreams, and even our challenges have led us to this moment, reminding me that we are stronger together.
  4. [NAME], my heart swells with excitement as I look into your eyes. Each day we’ve spent together has woven a beautiful tapestry of love, teaching me the true meaning of partnership.
  5. [NAME], I feel so lucky and a little nervous as I say these words to you. From our first date to this very moment, every step we’ve taken has brought us closer, and I can’t wait for the journey ahead.
  6. [NAME], standing here fills me with joy and anticipation. Over the years, we have built a love that I cherish deeply, leading me to this commitment today.
  7. [NAME], my heart is so full as I gaze at you. Each challenge we’ve faced has only strengthened our bond, and I’m grateful for every moment that has brought us here.
  8. [NAME], I could not be more excited to promise my life to you. From our first shy smiles to this beautiful day, our love has blossomed into something I treasure more than words can express.
  9. [NAME], I stand before you, filled with joy and in awe of your beauty, as we take this next step together. Our journey has been a beautiful mix of laughter and tears, and I wouldn’t trade a single moment for the world.
  10. [NAME], you are the most incredible human I know. Today, I feel an overwhelming sense of love and commitment. Every memory we’ve created together has shaped the person I am, and I can’t wait to build our future as a team.
  11. [NAME], my heart sings with joy as I stand here with you. From our first adventures to our quiet nights in, every moment has brought us closer to this incredible promise.
  12. [NAME], I feel so incredibly blessed to be marrying you today. I am clearly marrying up! Each chapter of our love story has been a testament to our connection, guiding us to this beautiful moment.
  13. [NAME], I love you and I stand here today with a heart overflowing with excitement. Every part of our unpredictable journey has led us to this moment, and I can’t wait for our future together.
  14. [NAME], I still can’t quite believe that we’ve made it here and that my dreams are finally coming true. The moments we’ve shared, both big and small, have built a foundation of love that I am proud to stand on today.
  15. [NAME], today, I feel a deep sense of joy and certainty. Each memory we’ve created, from our silly inside jokes to the way we support each other, has made me realize how perfect we are for one another.
  16. [NAME], I stand here so sure in my love and commitment to you. Our journey together has shown me the true meaning of partnership, and I can’t wait to take this next step with you.
  17. [NAME], I feel an immense sense of peace as I look into your eyes. From our first date to this very moment, every step has been a beautiful reminder of how meant to be we are.
  18. [NAME], today, I can’t put all of the emotions I have for you into words. The last five years have shown me that together we can face anything, and I can’t wait to create a lifetime of memories.
  19. [NAME], you look so handsome today and I feel so grateful and excited as I take this step with you. Every laugh, every tear, and every challenge we’ve faced together has only solidified my belief that we are each other’s person.
  20. [NAME], with a heart full of love, I stand before you today. From the moment we met, our journey has been filled with joy and growth. I know today is just the beginning of our forever.

Discover all of our vow resources

If you need help writing your vows, you’ve come to the right place! Check out our courses, guides and blog posts: