The Best Wedding Vow Template & 22 Questions to Help You Personalize Yours

So you thought writing your vows would take an easy, breezy, beautiful 30 minutes, but instead, you've been staring at a blank page for two hours. (You can stop looking around. We aren't surveilling you.) Luckily, a wedding vow template helps with this writing dilemma and can aid you in transforming life-altering emotions into succinct, coherent words. Find inspiration using the editor-approved wedding vow outline, template and thought-starter questions below to make your affirmations special. Once you get a little rhythm going, you'll nail the marriage vow structure you want and put together deep, funny and personalized vows in no time.

Once you've finished reading, don't forget to save the outline and template so you can reference them later. While logged into your account on The Knot, click the heart icon on the top right to save the printable documents. You'll then be able to access your favorites under the "Inspiration" tab.

In this article: Wedding Vow Outline | Prompts to Help Write Wedding Vows | Printable Wedding Vow Template

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Wedding Vow Outline

Design: Tiana Crispino

Figuring out how to write your wedding vows and jot down all your feelings about your soon-to-be spouse can feel like a daunting task—there's so much to say. That's why we asked Katelyn Peterson, a professional vow and speech writer and owner of Wedding Words by Katelyn, to create this vows outline for couples in need.

1. Reflect on Your Past

Start by detailing a specific memory that brought you to the altar. It could be the first time you met, your first date or your first impression. We suggest taking a look through your camera roll or diary/journal to help jog your memory.

2. Express What You Love About Your Partner

Communicate the traits you admire about your partner and the qualities you appreciate about your relationship. Consider what qualities you lack that your partner has (and vice versa), and how that balance makes you the perfect team. This is one of the most sentimental parts of the writing process, but worth the happy tears.

3. Write Down Specific and Personal Vows

Promises are what make vows. Be sure to include three to six. And remember, it's okay to vary the tone between sweet and serious, and playful and funny.

4. Think About the Married Version of Your Future

Have you already started thinking about what trips you'll go on as a married couple? Do you have a list of future names for pets written down somewhere? This is your opportunity to mention what you're excited about doing with your partner in the coming years.

5. End With a Powerful Conclusion

Whether you go the silly or serious route, always complete your vows with a loving last line. Leave your partner with something that'll make them happy and loved for the rest of the day or even the year. Watch some romantic movies (for research purposes, of course) to gain some inspiration.

Prompts to Help Write Wedding Vows

Yes, we did create an easy wedding vow format for you to follow, but don't forget to be yourself in your speech. Peterson wants to-be-weds to write in their own voice so their personalities come through. To get inspired, here are 22 questions to ask yourself while writing your wedding vows so you aren't starting completely from scratch.

FYI: If you'd like a tool to compile your thoughts for you, there's an option for that. Provenance, which uses AI for wedding vows, ceremony scripts and more, can assist you during the writing process. The site asks you to answer 13 questions, similar to the ones below, to guide you. By the way, The Knot readers get an exclusive 10% discount on Provenance with code THEKNOT10.

1. What's the tone or vibe you want your vows to have?

"This is a great question to ask before you start writing since it determines the direction you take," says Peterson. Do you want your vows to be silly, serious or a hybrid of the two? Answer this question, and writing your vows will be a little easier.

2. What did you think about when you first met?

When it comes to love stories, there's no better place to start than at the beginning. Your first meeting and what went through your head at that moment is a tale your loved ones and partner will love hearing about on the wedding day.

Fill-in-the-blank template: When we met at __________, I thought/knew __________.

3. When did you fall in love?

Was it when your partner brought your grandmother flowers on her birthday, surprised you with a home-cooked dinner after a tough day at work or watched your favorite movie with you for the hundredth time? When you realized this was the big L-O-V-E, did you feel struck with a lightning bolt or like you were being covered with a warm blanket? The more detail you can provide, the more touching and meaningful the story. "This question will help you come up with your introduction," says Peterson.

Fill-in-the-blank template: I knew I loved you when ____________.

4. How has your partner inspired you?

"This will provide material for traits you admire about them," says Peterson. Is there something about your partner you like that makes you want to improve a part of yourself? What do you respect the most about your partner? Put everything you can think of in your personal vows template.

Fill-in-the-blank template: Your ability/willingness to ___________ has shown me how to be ___________.

5. Why are you getting married?

Think about why marrying your partner is so special. You may be surprised at how the answer to this question leads you to the perfect words.

Fill-in-the-blank template: To me, marriage is ___________. With you, it's ___________.

6. How has your worldview changed since meeting your partner?

Finding the right person can expand how you see everything and everyone around you. Since you've met and fallen in love, think about what experiences you've shared that changed your worldview.

Fill-in-the-blank template: Because of you, I see the world __________.

7. What about your partner do you miss when you're apart?

There's often something simple we miss about a loved one when they aren't around. This may be a smile, a gentle touch or an act of kindness, like when your partner brings you a cup of coffee every morning.

Fill-in-the-blank template: When we're apart, I miss __________.

8. How do you envision your future?

"When you imagine your life together, create a goal in your vows that you want to work toward achieving," Peterson says. Go beyond thinking, "Happily married in a big house." What are your long-term hopes, dreams and goals? And remember, it could be as simple as enjoying the sunset on a pair of Adirondack chairs.

Fill-in-the-blank template: I can't wait to __________ with you.

9. What will keep your marriage strong?

No matter how many wedding vows templates you see, there will always be a point when you have to get serious and think about how you'll contribute to making the marriage strong. Dig deep and find the bedrock of your relationship.

Fill-in-the-blank template: I know that, even when life gets hard, you and I will __________ because __________.

10. Is there a line from a movie, television show, song or poem that says it all?

It's definitely okay to borrow from song lyrics or funny movie quotes for your wedding vows—you can even do a wedding vow poem inspired by your favorite verse. Some people even steal a line or two from a television show they love. If you're worried about being too cliche, modify your writing with personal details.

Fill-in-the-blank template: Whenever I see you ________, I think, "God only knows what I'd be without you."

11. What funny or touching experience put your partner in a new light?

Think back to all the sweet and humorous moments you and your partner have shared. Was it the time your partner used a spaghetti noodle as a mustache at dinner that let you know they were the one? Did you see your partner differently after they were there for you when you weren't feeling your best? These moments will elicit happy tears when you recount them to your partner.

Fill-in-the-blank template: When I saw you __________ it made me think that __________.

12. What morals do you both share?

Stating what values bond you may expose your inner Wordsworth. These ties, whether it's your shared faith or your mutual love of traveling abroad, will demonstrate why you're a perfect pair.

Fill-in-the-blank template: We share ___________, so together we can ___________.

13. How has your partner changed you for the better?

Most individuals try to choose a partner who improves their inner self. Has your soon-to-be spouse taught you to be kinder or more considerate, helped you develop a new skill or talent, or inspired you to speak out more for yourself or on behalf of others? Let your partner know how much you appreciate them by creating emotional wedding vow promises that express how they've helped you grow as a person.

Fill-in-the-blank template: Before I met you, I ___________. Now, I ___________.

14. How will you change together?

Most likely, you know what you and your partner's goals are. Think about the steps both of you will need to take to reach them as a team.

Fill-in-the-blank template: I look forward to ___________ as we __________.

15. What metaphor or simile captures your love?

Brainstorm things that describe or define your love. (Some of our favorite wedding vows have metaphors and similes.) And remember, it's okay to laugh since this can feel a little corny, but it definitely aids anyone feeling stuck during the writing process.

Fill-in-the-blank template: Our love is like a ___________ because it ___________.

16. What promise can you make to solidify and encapsulate your devotion?

Here's another opportunity to personalize your wedding ceremony vows template. So many couples pledge their endless love, but how many promise to take the dog out in the morning, even when it's snowing, or to always pause the TVwhile their partner gets up for a glass of water?

Fill-in-the-blank template: I promise to always ___________.

17. What do you expect out of married life?

Defining your expectations will help you make and keep promises. Think about your dreams and what you'll have to do to make them come true.

Fill-in-the-blank template: I know our marriage will ___________ and I vow to ___________.

18. What words do you associate with love?

Make a list of romantic terms so you avoid overusing the word "love." Too much repetition can dilute its power.

Fill-in-the-blank template: My devotion/adoration/passion for you is ___________.

19. What are you most looking forward to about married life?

The wedding is just the beginning of your life together. Maybe you can't wait to raise a family with your partner. Or you're psyched to have a built-in plus-one (that you're totally in love with) for the rest of your life. Be funny, be sentimental, but no matter what you do, say what feels right.

Fill-in-the-blank template: I look forward to ___________ as we embark on ___________.

20. Do parts of the traditional vows resonate or not resonate with you?

Look at wedding vows from various religions and see what aspects you like and ones you can live without in your vows. Maybe you're not about the "obey" part in traditional wedding vows. So why not go with love, cherish and [insert the third vow here] for your speech?

Fill-in-the-blank template: I promise to cherish and honor you ____________, [add a time frame and funny reference for levity] all the days of my life, especially when curled up on the couch with takeout.

21. How long are my vows?

"This is a question you shouldn't only ask yourself, but you should also ask your fiancé(e). Ensure you're aligned on the length so that the duration of your vows isn't dramatically different from those of your partner. I recommend that vows are between two to five minutes," advises Peterson.

22. Is this more appropriate for my vows, a wedding letter or a thank-you speech?

"Sometimes we have ideas for things we want to say on our wedding day, but your vows aren't always the best channel for that material. If the information is too detailed or personal, have a private vow exchange with your partner. If you want to thank people or talk about wedding planning, communicate this in a thank-you speech that you'll recite during the reception," says Peterson. It's always good to edit yourself and reflect on if what you plan to say in your wedding vows is suitable for the time and your audience.

Printable Wedding Vow Template

Want a fun way to write your wedding vows? Try this Mad Libs-style template for wedding vows to get you started on the right path. First, use silly words to put you in a more relaxed mood. Next, take time to fill in the blanks with everything unique to you and your future spouse's relationship. We guarantee no two wedding vow templates will look the same.

Design: Tiana Crispino