Vows typically come after the Commitments or Declarations led by your Wedding Celebrant and before the ring exchange. They are personal, unique, and include sentiments of what you think about each other. Vows are from the heart but don’t have to be totally serious, you can try to mix sentiment and romance with humour, it’s normally the part where tears come and can be quite emotional and nerve wracking for some. You could begin with a sentence about how you felt when you first met, or how your partner makes you feel, has changed your life, has bettered your life, then include some promises (3-5), it is then nice to end with a statement about your future together. If you feel vows, and speaking out loud aren’t for you, then don’t! Discuss with your wedding celebrant about alternatives, like handfasting, wine or cocktail blending. It’s your ceremony to do your way! I have included some samples below; it is usual to keep your vows a surprise from each other, so they do not need to be in the same format. As your wedding celebrant I will need a copy so they can be printed out nicely for the day and included in the script just in case you need any support or prompt on the day. If you need help, I’m here. Remember, deep breaths, just be yourself, and write with your own words, your way… Example 1 “Beck’s, from the first time I saw you I thought wow! I knew I had found the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. You are always there for me, you encourage and support me, I am a better person with you by my side. I promise to always be there for you, to be your best friend, to take care of you no matter what. I can’t wait for our married life to begin and I’m so excited for the future, with you by my side. I love you!” Example 2 “Megan, our first meeting may not have gone to plan but little did we know that it would end up with like this! I didn’t know what love was until you came into my life, thank you for being patient and never giving up on me. Today I stand here with my best friend and lover, I promise to love, support, and take care of you. I know we can achieve anything together. I can’t wait to start a family together; I know you will be a fantastic mother as well as a fantastic wife. I love you” Example 3 “Mark, we finally took the next step and here we are, we must be all grown up! Now I am standing here with my best friend, my soul mate and couldn’t be happier, you make me feel safe, loved, and we have so much fun together. Thank you for all the wonderful times we have already had together, and for showing me love I never thought possible. I promise to keep laughing at all your silly jokes, dance with you, cook with, drink wine with you! I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, for new adventures and new additions, Love you forever”