💌 Writing Your Own Vows: Tips from a North Florida Officiant

bridgette Aybar
Jul 28
2 min read

There’s something magical about hearing vows written from the heart. As a North Florida wedding officiant, I’ve had the honor of witnessing countless couples exchange words that are deeply personal, funny, tearful, and unforgettable. If you're thinking about writing your own vows, here are my top tips to help you craft something meaningful and memorable.

✨ Why Write Your Own Vows?

Personalized vows allow you to:

Celebrate your unique love story
Share promises that reflect your values and dreams
Add authenticity and emotion to your ceremony
Create a moment that guests will remember forever

Whether you're eloping in St. Augustine, planning a garden wedding in Ocala, or saying “I do” under the mossy oaks of Gainesville, your vows are the emotional heartbeat of your ceremony.

🖋️ Tips for Writing Your Wedding Vows

1. Start with a Quiet Moment

Find a peaceful space to reflect. Think about your journey together, what you admire most about your partner, and what you’re promising for the future.

2. Make a Love List

Jot down:

Things you love about your partner
Favorite memories
Shared dreams
Inside jokes or quirks
Promises you want to make

This list will be your vow-writing goldmine.

3. Set the Tone Together

Talk with your partner about the vibe—romantic, humorous, poetic, spiritual? You don’t have to share your vows in advance, but agreeing on tone and length helps keep things balanced.

4. Use a Simple Structure

Here’s a helpful format:

A short story or memory
What you love about your partner
Promises for your future
A closing line (like “I choose you, today and always”)

5. Don’t Stress About Perfection

Your vows don’t need to be Shakespearean. They just need to be you. Speak from the heart, and your words will resonate.

6. Practice Out Loud

Read your vows aloud a few times. This helps with pacing, tone, and confidence. Bonus tip: print them on a card or keep them in a vow book for the ceremony.

💡 Real Vow Inspiration

Here are a few lines I’ve heard that gave everyone goosebumps:

“I promise to always make you coffee—even when you say you don’t want any.”
“You are my home, my adventure, and my calm.”
“I vow to love you fiercely, even when we disagree on where to eat.”

💒 Need Help Crafting Your Ceremony?

As a licensed wedding officiant and coordinator in North Florida, I help couples create ceremonies that reflect their personalities and love stories. Whether you're writing your own vows or need help with the entire ceremony script, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s make your wedding day unforgettable—starting with the words that matter most.