Writing Your Wedding Vows? Know Your Worth (Then Add Tax)
You’ve got one shot to say it all — and the blank page is staring you down.
Don’t stress. I’m here to help.
I’m Marie — a Sydney marriage celebrant and wedding MC who’s had the absolute joy of hearing hundreds of couples speak their hearts out loud. And here’s the truth: the best vows aren’t perfect. They’re personal.
I’m all about helping couples ditch the cheesy one-liners and write vows that actually sound like them. So if you’re ready to write something real, funny, emotional, or a mix of all three… let’s talk vows.
You’d be amazed how often couples send me their personal vows for review and start with:
“Sorry if this sounds silly…”
“I know I’m a lot…”
“Thank you for putting up with me…”
Ahem — no. Absolutely not.
Your wedding vows are not the time to apologise for being human, having feelings, or going through things that made you who you are. This moment? It’s about celebrating your whole self — baggage, brilliance and all. You’re not too much. You’re just right. And your partner chose you. They adore you. That’s why we’re here!
So if you need to hear it: you are enough. And your vows should reflect that — not shrink from it.
Why Personal Vows Are Magic ✨
Sure, we’ll do the legal vows (you’ll repeat after me, easy peasy). But adding personal vows? That’s where the goosebumps happen. The teary guests. The nervous giggles. The actual magic.
And listen — even if you’re not a writer, or hate public speaking, I’ve got tips to make it fun, doable, and authentically you.
Marie’s Vow-Writing Cheat Sheet
Whether your ceremony is under a tree, in a city rooftop bar, or barefoot at the beach — these vow-writing tips will help you say what matters most:
1. Just Start Somewhere
Open your notes app, grab a pen, or jot things down on the back of a napkin. Don’t overthink it. Start messy. Just brain-dump all the feelings. That’s where the good stuff lives.
2. Write Like You Talk
This isn’t Shakespeare. It’s you, telling your person why you love them, why they’re your favourite weirdo, and why you’re promising to keep choosing them.
3. Speak to Them (Not the Crowd)
Your guests will hear it — but these words are for your partner. So it’s totally fine to call them “Babe” or “Sweet Potato” if that’s your vibe. Keep it personal.
What to Include in Your Wedding Vows
Here’s a little structure you can play with:
🩷 The Journey – How you met, fell for each other, and knew this was it.
🩷 The Feels – What you love about them. The little (and big) things they do. How they make you feel? How do you feel when you're with them? What do you bring out in each other?
🩷 The Promises – This is the heart of your vows. Mix meaningful with playful. Think: “I promise to be your biggest cheerleader (and not laugh when you talk to the dog in that voice)”, “I promise to support your dreams and laugh at your terrible jokes.”
🩷 The Future – What are you excited for? What’s your vision for life together?
Pro vow-Writing Tips (From Someone Who’s Seen It All)
✨ 200–250 words (3 or 4 paragraphs) is the sweet spot. Enough to say something special, not so long you pass out from nerves.
✨ Send your vows to me ahead of time (individually please!) and I’ll check they’re balanced in tone and length.
✨ Practice reading them aloud a few times — to yourself, your dog, or a trusted mate. It helps.
✨ On the day: breathe, go slow, look at your partner. Cry if you need to (I've got tissues). If you freeze, I’m there to help. Pinky swear.
Final Word? No More Apologising!
You are worthy of love and celebration — not despite your life experience, but because of it. Your vows should honour that. So skip the self-deprecating jokes and start with the truth: you’re here because you love, and are loved in return.
So be bold. Be real. Be totally, unapologetically you.
Let’s Make Ceremony Magic Together - get in touch with me today!
Marie 💋
Your celebrant, vibe curator & teller of epic love stories