Writing Your Own Vows: Advice from a Perth Marriage Celebrant
Whether you're planning a registry wedding, elopement, or minimony at our Perth registry wedding office, personalising your wedding vows adds an unforgettable touch to your special day.
As your Perth marriage celebrant, Amanda of House of Vows has witnessed countless couples express their love through personalised vows. These heartfelt declarations transform an ordinary ceremony into a deeply meaningful celebration of your relationship.
Should We Write Our Own Vows?
Your wedding vows are more than just words - they're the foundation of your marriage journey. When you choose to write your own vows, it’s an opportunity to tell your unique love story.
At House of Vows, we've witnessed countless beautiful moments where couples' personal vows brought tears, laughter, and joy to everyone present. These heartfelt declarations become cherished memories that you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Plus, writing your own vows gives you the freedom to express your commitment in a way that feels authentic to your relationship - whether that's sweet and romantic, fun and lighthearted, hilarious or deeply emotional.
A Marriage Celebrant’s Tips for Writing Memorable Vows
Amanda has three trusted tips that over 200 couples have followed, with consistently positive feedback from every couple who has used them. Her tried-and-tested approach has helped these couples express their deepest feelings and promises in meaningful, authentic vows.
Here are her essential tips for crafting vows that will resonate with both you and your partner.
1. Reflect on Your Relationship
Take time to recall the special moments that define your journey together. Think about:
The moment you knew this person was "the one"
Challenges you've overcome together
Here’s what Amanda has to say:
“Include 3 things you love about each other - why are you marrying the man or woman in front of you, what sets him or her apart from every other man or woman that you’ve collided with?
Include 3 promises you want to make to each other - what are those precious attributes that you value in your relationship? Is it loyalty, love and respect, or sticking together no matter what? You’ll know the non-negotiables that matter to you and your partner, so declare these things!”
2. Speak from the Heart
Your vows should feel natural and authentic - just like having a heartfelt conversation with your beloved. Instead of trying to write what you think wedding vows "should" sound like, focus on expressing your genuine feelings and promises in your own voice with your own words.
Amanda emphasises:
"Speak from the heart, no ChatGPT, Google, or best man input... put your heart on paper and tell your partner why you want to spend forever doing life with them!"
3. Agree on Word Count
Amanda says this last tip is very important but often overlooked…
“Agree on a word count - why… we don’t want one party pouring out their heart and the other sharing just a sentence or two… let’s set you up for a win right from the start!’’
Setting a target word count helps create a balanced, harmonious ceremony where both partners share their love equally. We recommend aiming for 250-300 words each - enough to express your heartfelt emotions while keeping your vows short, sweet and meaningful. This gentle structure ensures neither partner feels overwhelmed or underprepared, letting you both shine in your special moment together.
Additional Tip: Practice reading your vows aloud to make sure it flows naturally when spoken!
Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Vows
Dos:
Keep your vows concise (2-3 minutes in length)
Mention specific traits you love about your partner
Practice reading them aloud several times before the ceremony
Don'ts:
Don't leave writing your vows until the last minute
Avoid generic phrases and clichés if you can help it
Skip the inside jokes that guests won't understand and avoid oversharing personal details
Perth Registry Wedding Packages
At House of Vows, whether you choose our Minimony package ($525) or Ultimate Registry Experience ($795), you'll have the opportunity to share your own heartfelt vows.
Our registry style wedding packages offer a beautiful ceremony in our modern Perth registry wedding venue, creating an intimate setting for exchanging your personal vows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should wedding vows be?
Aim for vows that take 2-3 minutes to read aloud - approximately 250-300 words.
Can a marriage celebrant write your vows for you?
Yes, but Amanda’s very happy to help YOU write your own vows. Your celebrant generally provides guidance and examples and can help get you started!
Should both partners write vows together or separately?
While you should agree on length and general structure together, writing separately maintains the element of surprise!
Can I include quotes or poems in my vows?
Definitely! You can incorporate meaningful quotes or poems. Tip: It’s best if they complement rather than replace your personal promises.
Your Love, Your Words: The Power of Personal Vows
Writing your own vows might feel challenging, but it's a beautiful opportunity to express your love story. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a registry wedding at our Perth marriage office, your personal vows will make your ceremony truly special.
Contact House of Vows today to learn more about our registry wedding services and how we can help make your ceremony unforgettable.
