What to Write in Your Vows

When you stand in front of the person you love most, surrounded by people who shaped your story, the words you speak matter. Not just in the moment — but forever.

As a wedding filmmaker, I’ve learned that vows are more than promises. They’re the heartbeat of your film. The way your voice trembles, the pauses between laughter, the honesty in your delivery — they all become the foundation of how your love is remembered.

So how do you write vows that sound beautiful in the moment and feel timeless on film? Here’s what I’ve learned from years of documenting stories across mountain tops, villas, and backyards that felt like home.

Speak to Who You Are — Not Just What You Promise

The best vows don’t read like a checklist of promises; they sound like you.Your quirks, your inside jokes, the rhythm of how you actually speak — that’s what makes your film authentic.

Instead of:

“I promise to always support you and make you laugh.”

Try something more personal:

“You’re the only person who can make me laugh when I’m trying to be mad. So I promise to never stop finding reasons to laugh with you.”

These details are what make your film feel like your story, not someone else’s.

Think About Sound — It’s Part of the Story

When I edit a film, your vows aren’t just dialogue — they’re part of the soundtrack. The tone of your voice, your pacing, even your breath all tell a story.

Avoid writing vows that feel too rehearsed or overly formal. Instead, write them how you talk. Read them out loud. Feel the emotion. Let it sound a little imperfect — that’s what makes it powerful.

Anchor Your Words in Moments, Not Metaphors

While poetic language can sound beautiful, real memories connect deeper.Think of 2–3 defining moments in your relationship — the ones that would make your film viewers feel your story without even seeing it.

For example:

“I knew I loved you the night we got lost in the rain, and you just laughed instead of turning back.”

Moments like that create visuals. They give your filmmaker something to show while your words play — transforming your vows into living memories.

Keep One Line Just for Them

One of my favorite things couples do? Including a single line that only the two of them truly understand.

It’s the kind of detail that flies over the heads of everyone else, but when they watch their film later, it hits just them. It makes your vows intimate, even in front of a crowd.

Don’t Worry About Perfection

The most moving vows I’ve ever filmed weren’t perfectly written — they felt perfect. Your voice might shake. You might forget a line. You might even laugh mid-sentence.

That’s the point. Those small, human moments are what make your vows and film timeless — a reflection of love as it truly exists: real, raw, and unrepeatable.