how to end a vow speech

How To End Your Wedding Vows

Having no clue how to end wedding vows is normal for someone who has never written one before.

Unfortunately, even people who were brilliant in literature at college or professional journalists often struggle to find the right words.

Starting a wedding vow is challenging enough, but many brides and grooms-to-be run into a real writer’s block when it comes to the ending.

Remember that no one will judge you, and there’s no such thing as a perfect wedding vow ending. You don’t write your vow for anyone but for your partner, and their opinion is all that matters.

Consider your overall vow tone, wedding formality, what makes your relationship unique, and draw inspiration from wedding vow examples to create the perfect ending.

Table of Contents [ show ]

The Vow Style

When thinking about how to end your wedding vow, consider the overall vow style. Define whether it’s humorous, romantic, formal, short and sweet, or sentimental.

As a rule of thumb, the tone should be consistent throughout the entire speech. For example, if your vow has a romantic beginning, it should also have a romantic ending.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t insert a couple of lighthearted jokes here and there in your vow, but the ending shouldn’t be drastically different from the main part.

Suppose you’ve been serious and a bit sentimental throughout your entire vow. Inserting a dumb joke at the end may be odd. The guests and your partner may simply not understand it because they didn’t expect it.

Your vow’s tone should also align with your wedding formality level. Typically, religious or highly formal civil weddings call for traditional vows, while casual ceremonies allow more freedom of expression.

Wrap With a Look in The Future

One of the best ways to end a wedding vow is by sharing your thoughts, hopes, and goals for the future. Of course, you should share thoughts on your future with your partner rather than your personal objectives.

Wrapping up a wedding vow with a look into the future is both romantic and logical. A traditional wedding vow begins with a look at the past in the form of a story or a short statement and expression of current feelings.

Sharing your hopes and goals is a perfect way to tie together the past, present, and future. After all, you plan to be with your partner forever and ever, beyond time. Your wedding is only the beginning of your life as a family.

The wedding ceremony signifies the new chapter of your lives, so your vows are an opportunity to outline what you expect from this new stage. Maybe you’re looking forward to growing old together.

Perhaps, you’d like to travel the entire world with your partner by your side, build a business empire, or create a loving family with many kids.

Most importantly, your look in the future should reflect your attitude to life and relationship goals.

For instance, if you’re both adventurous people, say something like, “I can’t wait to see what adventures await us ahead.”

Or, if you’re both artsy, you may say, “I look forward to visiting every art gallery around the globe with you.”

• 7 Best Wedding Vows Ideas (Classic & Original)
• How Long Should Wedding Vows Be?
• How To Write Wedding Vows (For Him & For Her)
• How To Start Your Wedding Vows

End With a Promise

Although a traditional wedding vow structure is specific, no rules are set in stone. You can refrain from any vow element but one – the actual vows. A promise is what makes an ordinary speech a vow.

Some people prefer short vows that consist solely of promises. Even if you want to begin with a declaration of love, an explanation of what you love about your partner or a story, promises are an excellent way to wrap up your speech.

Perhaps, the first vows that come to mind are to cherish, love, and support your partner until the end of your life.

Feel free to incorporate these words into your vow if you genuinely feel like it, but also try to elaborate and make your vows more personal to avoid them sounding generic.

Think of what matters the most in your relationship with your significant other. Maybe they value honesty in any situation, good or bad; perhaps, they always come up with wild ideas and appreciate you for accepting them.

In this case, you may say something like, “I vow to always stay truthful, in the good times and the bad,” or “I vow to always support your ideas, no matter how crazy they are.”

Your vows are also an excellent place to sprinkle in humor but don’t say anything that could humiliate or embarrass your partner. For example, saying “I vow to never watch new episodes without you” is alright.

However, saying “I promise to never remind you about your ex” or “I promise to always unclog the bathtub from your hair without saying a word” may be inappropriate for a formal ceremony, even if you both find it funny.

Don’t Overthink It & Keep It Short

Many people struggle to end their wedding vows because they overthink. Your wedding vow ending is undoubtedly important, but it isn’t the most critical part of your speech, and it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Frankly, there’s no such thing as “perfect” when it comes to wedding vows. A general fear of writing, saying something dumb, or insufficiently romantic hinders most people from writing their vows.

Say what you think as long as it’s appropriate for the occasion and location. You don’t have to write a Shakespeare-style poem; simply be genuine and sincere.

One of the most common wedding vow writing mistakes is excessive length. This refers to wedding vows in general and endings in particular. Don’t write a 50-word sentence about your hopes and dreams for the future.

Keep the ending relatively short. You can write down everything you can think of your goals, hopes, dreams, and promises. However, you should reread the text and shorten it for clarity afterward.

If you struggle to define the best statements, consider reading your vow to a close friend. They can advise you on which sentences seem redundant and which are spot-on.

Examples of Funny Vow Endings

Each relationship is unique, so there’s no wedding vow ending that would work for everyone. However, wedding vow ending examples can serve as an inspiration source for your writing.

There’s nothing wrong with inserting a statement found online in your vow if you genuinely share the thought. Still, the best practice is to customize the example to better reflect your relationship and feelings towards your partner.

If you’re looking for a humorous vow ending, remember to keep your jokes appropriate and lighthearted. The funniest jokes are usually the most relevant ones, so consider your relationship’s unique traits.

Suppose you deeply admire your partner, but they have odd food habits you often joke about. You may wrap up with something along the lines of:

“I vow to love you for your best traits, for those that drive me a bit mad, and for those that leave me completely perplexed… pickles on peanut butter, really? Either way, I accept all of you for who you are, today and always.”

Or, let’s assume your partner is a very introverted person. You may end the vow with “I promise to always stand by your side, take care of you when you’re sick, and advocate for you when you’re too shy to send back a wrong meal at the restaurant.”

If your partner admires comics, your final promise can be “I vow to always protect you, your secrets, and your comics collection.” The idea is to combine romance with humor without going overboard and transforming the speech into a comedy.

Examples of Formal Vow Endings

You can’t go wrong with a formal wedding vow style. It may feel a bit impersonal, but it’s always perfectly balanced and never awkward. Traditional vows are typically short, only consisting of a couple of sentences.

Perhaps, the most traditional wedding vow wording is “in sickness and death, until death does us part” and its modifications. You likely know it without reciting it, and it usually ends with “I will love and honor you all the days of my life.”

However, you can customize this conventional format to your preference. For instance, you may say, “I will respect and cherish you until the end of times,” instead of “I will love and honor you all the days of my life.”

Either way, a formal wedding vow typically ends with a declaration of love and a promise to love/cherish/respect/honor the partner forever/until death does you part/until the end of times or a variation of it.

Examples of Romantic Vow Endings

Romantic wedding vow wording is similar to formal but more personal and emotional. The goal is to melt your partner’s heart – and everyone else’s.

For example, the bride may end her vow with, “I know I can achieve and overcome anything by your side. I’m proud to call you my lawful husband.”

Or, the groom may say something like, “I promise to always take care of you, be there for you, day or night, to share my hopes and dreams as we build our family. You’re my soulmate and best friend; I love you to the moon and back.”

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In This Article

• Unique Wedding Vows
• Vows For Her
• Vows For Him
• Traditional Wedding Vows

Religious Wedding Vows

• Funny Wedding Vows

Simple Wedding Vows

• Wedding Renewal Vows

Tips On Writing Wedding Vows

• Wedding Party & Reception

36 Wedding Vow Examples To Steal: The Best Quotes + Advice

Welcome to a collection of heartfelt expressions and promises—the essence of love captured in wedding vows. In this article, we present a diverse array of wedding vow examples to inspire and guide you as you embark on crafting your own declarations of love and commitment. Whether you’re seeking traditional, modern , or personalized vows, this compilation aims to provide a source of inspiration to help you articulate the profound promises that will shape your wedding day.

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Take motivation from the real couples who composed their own sentimental real wedding vows.

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How To Write Wedding Vows

We’ve asked Laura Montorio – The Paris Officiant , to share some inside tips on writing your wedding vows:

“The most important thing you need to keep in mind when writing your wedding vows is to stay true to yourself. If you try to be extra funny, super romantic or uniquely clever, then you put yourself under immense pressure and can easily get blocked. Speak from you heart and be yourself. Your partner won’t expect you to be a poet at once, if you are usually not a person of words.

Don’t limit yourself on the length: The quality of your vows does not lay in the word count, but in what your are expressing. Some people only need a few words to say what they feel and promise. Some people prefer to add some more details and feel they could not possible say everything they want to say in three lines. Give yourselves the freedom to choose the lenght that works best for each of you – without judgement or expectations.

And last but not least: Don’t use chat GPT to write your vows! Writing vows is not simply a task that needs to be checked off a list. Instead the process of writing your wedding vows helps you reflect upon your relationship, what you appreciate in your partner and what you want and are able to promise. Your marriage will be based on these vows, so don’t skip this!”

Unique Wedding Vows Examples

Quite similar to personal wedding vows, these unique wedding vows examples are different from the norm, and most definitely the couple’s own words. These do not stick to any specific wedding ceremony script , and below are a few examples.

• “Bride/Groom, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. And I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in the highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.”
• “I, Bride/Groom, affirm my love to you, Bride/Groom, as I invite you to share my life. You are the most beautiful, smart, and generous person I have ever known, and I promise always to respect you. With kindness, unselfishness, and trust, I will work by your side to create a wonderful life together.”
• “I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my [husband/wife], to share the good times and hard times side by side. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as I pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this ring I give you today is a circle without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed.”
• “Bride/Groom, I promise to love you, to be your best friend, to respect and support you, to be patient with you, to work together with you to achieve our goals, to accept you unconditionally, and to share life with you throughout the years.”
• “I, Bride/Groom, pledge my undying love to you, Bride/Groom, as I invite you to share my life. I promise to be kind, unselfish, respectful, and trustworthy so that together, our dreams of a beautiful future can come true. To this end I call upon all present to witness that I take you [name] to be my [husband/wife], to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.”

Wedding Vows for Her Examples

Romantic Vow For Her

“I promise to encourage your compassion, Because that is what makes you unique and wonderful. I promise to nurture your dreams, Because through them your soul shines. I promise to help shoulder our challenges, For there is nothing we cannot face if we stand together.

I promise to be your partner in all things, Not possessing you, but working with you as a part of the whole. Lastly, I promise you perfect love and perfect trust, For one lifetime with you could never be enough. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.”

Short Wedding Vow with A Touch of Humor

“I promise to love and care for you, and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I will always be honest with you, kind, patient and forgiving. And I promise to try to be on time. But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you. I love you.”

Emotional Vow Example

“You know me better than anyone else in this world and somehow still you manage to love me. You are my best friend and one true love. There is still a part of me today that cannot believe that I’m the one who gets to marry you. I see these vows not as promises but as privileges: I get to laugh with you and cry with you; care for you and share with you. I get to run with you and walk with you; build with you and live with you.”

Thoughtful Wedding Vow

“I promise to be your lover, companion and friend, Your partner in parenthood, Your ally in the conflict, And your greatest fan and your toughest adversary.

Your comrade in adventure, Your student and your teacher, And your consolation in disappointment, Your accomplice in mischief. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things. All things.”

Wedding Vows for Him Examples

Explore heartfelt and personal wedding vow examples for him, crafted to express your love and commitment in a meaningful and unforgettable way.

Sentimental Wedding Vows

“You have been my best friend, mentor, playmate, confidant, and my greatest challenge. But most importantly, you are the love of my life and you make me happier than I could ever imagine and more loved than I ever thought possible… You have made me a better person, as our love for one another is reflected in the way I live my life. So I am truly blessed to be a part of your life, which as of today becomes our life together.”

Simple Wedding Vow

“On this day, I give you my heart, My promise, That I will walk with you, Hand in hand, Wherever our journey leads us, Living, learning, loving, Together, Forever.”

Comprehensive Wedding Vow

“I believe in you, the person you will grow to be and the couple we will be together. With my whole heart, I take you as my wife/husband, acknowledging and accepting your faults and strengths, as you do mine.

I promise to be faithful and supportive and to always make our family’s love and happiness my priority. I will be yours in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in failure and in triumph. And I will dream with you, celebrate with you, and walk beside you through whatever our lives may bring. You are my person—my love and my life, today and always.”

Heartfelt Wedding Vow

Meaningful and traditional wedding vow.

“I take you to be my partner for life, I promise above all else to live in truth with you And to communicate fully and fearlessly, I give you my hand and my heart As a sanctuary of warmth and peace And pledge my love, devotion, faith, and honor As I join my life to yours.”

Traditional Sample Wedding Vows

Traditional wedding vows are standard wedding vows; Classics, which have been passed down from generation to generation. Below are a few samples of traditional wedding vows :

• “I, Bride/Groom, commit myself to you, Bride/Groom, as wife/husband/partner, to learn and grow with, to explore and adventure with, to respect you in everything as an equal partner, in the foreknowledge of joy and pain, strength and weariness, direction and doubt, for all the risings and settings of the sun. We tie these knots to symbolize our connection to one another. They represent our trust in each other and our combined strength together.”

UNITARIAN “I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be the wife/husband/partner of my days, to be the parent of my children, to be the companion of my house. We will keep together what measure of trouble and sorrow our lives may lay upon us, and we will share together our store of goodness and plenty and love.”

Religious wedding vows are faith-based vows with wordings based on the particular faith of the couple getting married. Each with different styles of wedding vows.

Christian wedding vows examples

• ROMAN CATHOLIC “I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my [wife/husband], I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. And I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. Bride/Groom, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
• CHURCH OF ENGLAND “I Bride/Groom, take you Bride/Groom, to be my [wife/husband], to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy law; in the presence of God, I make this vow.”
• EPISCOPAL “In the Name of God, I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my wife/husband/partner, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”
• FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER “I, Bride/Groom, take thee, Bride/Groom, to be my wedded [Wife/Husband], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth. With this Ring, I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
• THE PROTESTANT WEDDING SOURCEBOOK “In the presence of God and before our family and friends, I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my [wife/husband]. All that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you. Whatever the future holds, I will love you and stand by you, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.”

Buddhist Wedding Vows Examples

• Example 1: “I take you for the love you hold in your heart and vow to spend my life cultivating my love and care for you, for our family, and for all living things. Our relationship is my most important consideration; it gives me strength, and I vow to put every effort into strengthening it in turn through honesty, faithfulness, and patience. For all the days that we live with one another, I promise to spend each day working to become a more true version of myself, and I will do my utmost to help you do the same. In this effort, I take the Threefold Refuge vows, the Three Boundless precepts, the Ten Grave Precepts, as well as your wisdom and your council as my guides.”
• Example 2: “I, Bride/Groom take you Bride/Groom to be my husband/wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. And I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep.”
• Example 3: “Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of growing in happiness each day. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of using whatever arises in our relationship for our own awakening and for the awakening of all beings. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of receiving everything in our relationship as teachings meant to open our hearts.Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of revealing ourselves fully in our relationship, striving toward complete vulnerability and honesty. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of listening without judgment. And knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of feeling and releasing all obstructions to being fully present in each moment.”
• Example 4: “I Bride/Groom, take thee, Bride/Groom to be my Husband/Wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my Husband/Wife, for as long as we both shall live.”
• Example 5: “Do you, Bride/Groom promise to love, cherish, and work day and night to bring total happiness to Bride/Groom? Do you promise to practice generosity, morality, patience, and joy in all you do; mindfulness and wisdom to treat [Bride] and all others with loving kindness and compassion, for all the time you are together, knowing that this marriage can only be as good as the two of you make it. “I do.””

Funny Wedding Vows Examples

Some couples choose to personalize their vows and have fun doing it. This is what produces fun and comical wedding vows. Below are a few such hilarious wedding vows examples.

• Example 1: “I promise to overdraft the checking account I promise to complain about the kitty litter And I vow to encourage us to try new and strange things I vow to fill your ‘I love you’ bank every day I vow to never use a recipe when fixing dinner And I vow to be the best parts of me that fit perfectly with the best parts of you Although I will be imperfect, I pledge to be sensitive and respectful of your unique talents, abilities, and quirks I pledge to lend you strength for all of your dreams Through our union, we can accomplish more than I could alone I believe in you.”
• Example 2: “I want your worst—give me your bad hair days, your long commutes, your burnt coffee, lost keys, splashed shoes, annoying coworkers, lost receipts, broken copiers. Give me your every day and I will give you my love to make it alright.”
• Example 3: Bride/Groom : “I promise to forget to stack the dishes on the right and leave stagnant water in the sink I promise to always drive the speed limit, even on the freeway I promise to cuss loudly at video games And I vow to snuggle you as often as possible I vow to make you really really laugh out loud I vow to always try one bite of any meal you create And I vow to be the best parts of me that fit perfectly with the best parts of you Although I will be imperfect, I pledge to be sensitive and respectful of your unique talents, abilities, and quirks I pledge to lend you strength for all of your dreams Through our union, we can accomplish more than I could alone I believe in you.I promise to love and cherish you as much as I do our dog, Spot. From this day forward, I will lint roll the chairs whenever your parents visit. I will love you in sickness and in health, as long as you take care of the vet visits. I promise to cuddle with you as much as I do Spot and pick up treats for you whenever he gets some, too.”

Short and sincere, simple marriage vows capture the depth of love and commitment as couples exchange heartfelt promises, expressing their unwavering devotion and lifelong commitment to each other.

• “I, [Partner’s Name], take you, [Spouse’s Name], to be my beloved [wife/husband/partner], to love and cherish from this day forward. I promise to support you, honor you, and be there for you through all of life’s joys and challenges. With all that I am, I pledge my love and fidelity to you.”
• “I take you to be my lawfully wedded spouse, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.”
• “I choose you to be my partner in life. I promise to love you, support you, and cherish you through all the adventures we will face together.”
• “I, [Name], take you, [Partner’s Name], to be my partner in crime and my best friend. I promise to stand by you, laugh with you, and comfort you in times of sorrow. Today and always.”
• “With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow. I choose you to be my person, today and every day that follows.”

Wedding Renewal Vows Examples

Renewing your wedding vows is a beautiful way to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. Here are some examples of wedding vow renewal ceremonies that you can use as inspiration for your own:

Spouse 2: I do.”

[Spouse 2]: I, [Spouse 2], take you, [Spouse 1], to be my beloved spouse.

Officiant: To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.

[Spouse 2]: I reaffirm my love and commitment to you, [Spouse 1], today and always.”

So, never fret, just follow these simple steps.

• Reflect on Your Relationship: Take some time to reflect on your relationship, the journey you’ve shared, and what makes your love unique. Think about the qualities you admire in your partner and the moments that have shaped your bond.
• Define Your Promises: Consider the promises and commitments you want to make to your partner. Think about the values that are important to you both and the qualities you want to nurture in your marriage. Focus on expressing your love, support, and dedication.
• Find Inspiration: Read examples of wedding vows, poems, love quotes, or even passages from books or songs that resonate with you. These can help inspire your ideas and give you a sense of the tone and style you’d like to incorporate into your vows.
• Write from the Heart: Start drafting your vows, writing from the heart and in your voice. Be authentic and genuine in expressing your emotions and feelings for your partner. Use specific anecdotes, memories, or inside jokes to make your vows personal and meaningful.
• Keep It Concise: Wedding vows are typically short, capturing the essence of your love and promises. Aim for around one to two minutes when spoken aloud. Be mindful of the time and ensure your vows are balanced if you plan to exchange them with your partner.
• In order not to forget these vows, write them down.

Finding the right words to say your wedding vows can be quite challenging and confusing sometimes. So, if possible, use any of the above as a wedding vows template, to help boost your ideas while writing your beautiful vows .

Writing wedding vows can be fun, and can be interesting. You might be inclined to include a list of quotes to use in your wedding vows. Either way, be sure to use the words you believe in and go on to have the wedding of your dreams.

Check out this useful infographic with examples of how to write your wedding vows. Pin it, save it, and be inspired!

Infographic

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How (and why!) to end the wedding ceremony with a grand finale-Courtesy of Unboring!Wedding Academy

• theofficiantdirectory
• — March 15, 2022
• — No Comments

1. PRONOUNCE YOUR COUPLE AS MARRIED

2. get ’em to kiss, 3. make your closing remarks.

I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Make closing remarks? Now? Is this really the time for pedantic housekeeping announcements?”

And that’s why a lot of officiants just skip this part! They try to stuff this in after the recessional when the couple and the wedding party are gone. And the ceremony ends like a deflating balloon.

But we’re not gonna do that. We know better. To answer your question: No! It’s not at all time for pedantic housekeeping announcements! What it is time for: building the energy in the room while giving our couple a moment to head up the aisle for the grand finale.

Which means: when we properly orchestrate this moment in the ceremony, two things are happening at the same time here. One: our closing remarks will be fun and get all the guests ramped up for their biggest cheer yet. And Two: our couple will be chomping at the bit to charge outta here – the recessional! So when the couple stop kissing and the guests stop cheering, you’ll feel the energy ebb. It’s like a tide going out. Now, it’s nothing to worry about – when you’re expecting it. It just means it’s time to step back in and step it up.

THE REMARKS In that moment, we want to step back into frame (I keep to the right or left of the couple), and deliver our quick, high-energy closing remarks.

First, we want to tell the guests where our couple are going next – whether to the bar or out for photos. They’re the stars of the show, and people should know where they are and when to expect them to rejoin us.

Second, we want to tell the guests what they’re doing next. Is it cocktail hour? Group photo time? Lawn games back at the barn? Guest-book signing? Check in to their hotel rooms? What time do they need to be back for the reception? In twenty seconds or less, give the guests an idea of what’s in store for them over the next hour or so.

Third, thank everyone for coming – on behalf of the couple and their family. (And if you’re wondering whether you’ve already thanked everyone for coming at the start of the ceremony: no, you haven’t. We avoid platitudes as much as possible at the start of the ceremony. But that’s another article for another time.

Thank the guests now, not before.

Finally, I like to end the closing remarks with a question that will get everyone cheering. Like, “Are you ready to celebrate with these two tonight?” in your best outdoor voice. That will get the guests smiling and laughing and shouting, “Yeah!” Which is the perfect setup for the next part of the Grand Finale Formula.

THE FACE-OUT But wait! Before we get to that, we need to talk about what the couple were doing while you were making those closing remarks. They’re not just standing there! Our couple need to get ready for the big recessional. It’s Face-Out time!

And this is something you want to practice at the rehearsal so they know exactly what to do.

While you’re speaking, your couple need to do two things:

First , they need to turn themselves outward to face the aisle. The guests and the photographer love this part! Your couple has been facing each other the whole time up to now. But at this point, they get to look at their guests straight-on, and the guests get to see them. There are loads of smiles and great photos here.

Second , it’s time to get the flowers back! If your couple has a bride (or two!), she likely doffed that off to a Maid of Honour or parent in the front row. For the recessional, we want the bride to have her bouquet in her hand. So whoever has that bouquet steps over and gives her flowers back. With our closing remarks done, our couple facing the aisle, and our bride holding her flowers, it’s time for the last two steps of the Grand Finale Formula.

4. GET THE GUESTS ON THEIR FEET

5. present the couple as married.

And without skipping a beat, “…because it’s my honour to officially present to you for the very first time….”

Let’s hit pause there – like we’re in a Marvel movie where we control time. Look around. There you are, standing off-centre, gesturing towards the couple.

And your couple? They’re facing their guests, just beaming. The DJ or band are at attention, fingers hovering over the button or the keys or the strings – poised to start the recessional song the moment you finish your sentence. They’re just waiting for their cue word.

And the cue word is whatever your couple decided you’d say to present them.

It might be “Alex and Bailey as wife and wife!” It might be “Mrs. and Mrs. Burns!” Whether first names or a last name, when you say that cue word…. Unpause!

The music comes in with a bang.

The guests clap and cheer.

The couple bounce up the aisle.

The wedding party follows, arms in the air.

The family in the front row follow them, and then the guests eagerly head out to whatever’s waiting for them.

And you? Well, you’re standing front and centre. Smiling at the guests. Drinking it all in. Knowing you just perfectly punctuated a terrific ceremony with the biggest possible ending: a Grand Finale.

Mark Allan Groleau

HAVE WE MET? I'm Mark Allan Groleau.

I've been officiating weddings for 10 years. The first few were rough. In fact, I didn't even like doing weddings. But then in a risky move, I departed from convention and made the ceremony all about the couple and their story.

It was electrifying. I did it again and again. Over a few years, I developed a style and system that could guarantee I'd thrill every couple and their guests.

The Unboring!Wedding Formula was born. And with it, I found my mission: make weddings unboring everywhere. And this mission doesn't only extend to couples getting married. It includes you.

With this training, you join an elite group of officiants and celebrants worldwide who are demonstrating just how fun and moving and elating a wedding ceremony can be. And the world is taking notice. My work has appeared on every major North American news network.

For your couple, their guests, and your maximum potential... let's do this. Let's settle for nothing less than what your ceremony can be: an Unboring!Wedding!

Still looking for a wedding officiant? Search for your perfect Officiant here on our website .

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Examples Of How To End Wedding Vows

Table of Contents:

Your original wedding vows should end with a final pledge to always be the one. Make sure to make this last sentence matter because it’s the big finish. I pledge to love, respect, and cherish you for the rest of my life because you are the love of my life.”.

Weddings are a happy occasion, but one of the most difficult parts is figuring out how to craft wedding vows that are truly yours. You want them to be funny, sweet, heartfelt, and distinctive, but you don’t know where to begin. We have some excellent advice for you!

Let’s get you started on creating your own distinctive or original wedding vows. In the tips that follow, you can find ideas and inspiration for the vows themselves as well as writing advice.

Your officiant, pastor, priest, rabbi, your entire family, and your circle of friends will all be present when you say your wedding vows. Throwing them together at the last minute is the absolute last thing you want to do.

How do you conclude a wedding ceremony?

If the phrase “You may now kiss the bride!” makes you cringe (and we totally understand why it might), you don’t have to include it. You can either change it to: You may seal your promise, union, or marriage with a kiss or simply delete the line altogether.

15 Wedding Announcements to Complete Your Ceremony.

15 Wedding Announcements to Finish Your Ceremony.

A wedding pronouncement is something you’ve probably heard if you’ve ever attended a wedding or watched one in a movie. I now pronounce you husband and wife, goes the standard proclamation from the big screen. When the celebrant announces the marriage and sets the scene for the big smooch, it’s called “You may kiss the bride!”.

How are wedding vows concluded?

“For the duration of our mutual lives.” Make one final promise, one that will last forever, for all of eternity, and until death do us part. CachedSimilar.

The couple expresses their love, promise, and commitment to one another for the rest of their lives during a private moment during the wedding ceremony called the wedding vows. We’ve all probably attended weddings where the couple makes the commitment to have and to hold each other moving forward. However, nowadays, many couples choose to write their own vows to express their true feelings for one another instead of following the traditional wedding vows. In light of this, you two can go beyond the traditional wedding vows by telling your loved ones the extraordinary tale of how you two met on your wedding day.

Writing your own wedding vows gives you and your partner the chance to share the unique details of how you two have developed as a couple over the course of your relationship and gives your guests a more in-depth understanding of the undying and sincere love you share. Each and every love is unique. So you can celebrate how incredibly unique your love is, you can personalize your vows. Check out our guide for tips on how to write your wedding vows beautifully for the big day:

It’s important to speak honestly and put your true feelings on paper when creating memorable wedding vows. However, it can be challenging to find the right words when you’re overcome with emotion and have a lot to say about your significant other. To allay your concerns, use the following as a guide to help you create the ideal words and prevent writer’s block:

How should a vow renewal be concluded?

Officiant: (Couple), today you renewed your marriage vows and reaffirmed your mutual love for one another. I am happy to bring this vow renewal ceremony to a close. As a symbol of your enduring love, you can now kiss each other.

All the information you need to know about renewing your vows.

Whether you’ve been married for one year, ten years, or several decades, hosting a vow renewal is a beautiful way to honor your relationship and recommit to your spouse. It used to be customary to hold vow renewal ceremonies on significant wedding anniversaries, but as we all know, traditions in marriage are meant to be broken. We are strong believers in having a vow renewal whenever you want. Considering everything, your love story deserves it.

You’ve come to the right place if you’ve decided to renew your vows. Consider this your go-to manual for throwing an unforgettable vow renewal party. Whether you’re looking for vow renewal inspiration or are unsure of the details (like when to host or how to address your invitations), we share everything you need to know right here. Learn everything there is to know about vow renewals by reading the information below, and then use a tool like The Knot Marketplace to make reservations with the suppliers you need to make your recommitment ceremony come to life.

What is the final wedding prayer ?

Final wedding prayer: May they always be true and loving, living together in a way that never causes heartache in their union. May you soften their hearts and help them to be sweethearts, helpmates, friends, and mentors so that they can bravely face life’s responsibilities and challenges as a couple.

The Best Wedding Blessings and Prayers for Your Ceremony.

The ideal wedding blessings.

You might want to think about including a wedding prayer or wedding blessing if including religious or cultural elements in your wedding ceremony is significant to you. Including a wedding prayer in your ceremony is a wonderful way to honor your religion and make the occasion more spiritual. Your officiant or a special guest of honor can deliver it.

Do you say “I do” before or after exchanging rings?

The wedding vows are exchanged first, which is how it usually goes. In front of friends, family, and close loved ones, you and your partner take a vow of love and devotion to one another. After you both have exchanged vows, you will exchange wedding rings.

Wedding ring exchanges are deeply meaningful expressions of love and commitment. This custom has evolved over thousands of years in a variety of ways, but it still holds the same significance for us today as it did for our ancestors many generations ago.

You and your spouse may have personal meanings associated with the wedding ring exchange and the lifelong commitment of wearing rings as a symbol of your devotion to one another. Even so, it’s normal to have concerns about the wedding ceremony, the wedding ring exchange, the vow exchange, and the proper way to wear wedding rings.

Traditionally, the bride and groom exchange rings in reverse order. Despite the fact that the majority of couples opt to stick to tradition, doing things differently is not prohibited. You might want to let the person who is more at ease speaking in front of an audience speak first so the other person is less anxious.

What are the three vows of marriage?

The couple could make a vow to “love and cherish” each other, or alternatively, the groom and bride could make a vow to “love, cherish, and worship” and “love, cherish, and obey,” respectively.

The promises made by each member of a couple to the other during the wedding ceremony are known as the “marriage vows,” which are based on Western Christian customs. They are not a requirement in the majority of legal systems and are not universal to marriage. Eastern Christians do not use marriage vows in their customary wedding ceremonies, so they are not even universal within Christian marriage. (1).

The lower classes could marry “freely” during the Roman Empire (17 BC–476 AD). The bride’s father would present her to the groom, and the two agreed that they had been married and would uphold their vow of matrimony through mutual consent. Rich Romans, however, would sign documents outlining property rights to publicly state that their union was legal and not a common-law marriage. This marked the start of the official marriage record. (Reference required).

The manuals of the medieval church contain the earliest known examples of traditional wedding vows. There were manuals from the York and Salisbury (Sarum) dioceses in England. The Sarum manual served as the main inspiration for the writers of the marriage service in the first Book of Common Prayer, which was released in 1549. (2) (3) The Church of England typically gave couples a choice after they decided to get married. Alternatively, the groom and bride could make the pledge to “love, cherish, and worship,” with the bride making the pledge to “love, cherish, and obey.”. (4).

How should I phrase a toast for a vow renewal?

Offer your congratulations to the newlyweds. Tell them how happy you are that they are getting married and what it means to you to be there. Describe yourself. dot. Tell a (selected) tale. dot. Greetings to both partners. dot. Try to appeal to the crowd. dot. Lift your glass in toasts.

It can be a very daunting and nerve-wracking task to figure out how to write a wedding toast. Wedding toasts can go in one of two directions: either they’re hilarious, memorable, and completely sweet, or they’re a train wreck in the making and a moment that guests dread. Every couple hopes that their reception speeches will fall into the first category, but there is no assurance—at least not yet.

Marisa Polansky and Kristine Keller established Speech Tank, which provides completely unique toasts for any occasion, to combat those terrible speeches. We sat down with Polansky and Keller to get the inside scoop on writing a totally killer speech, and what better occasion to consult the professionals than for your best friend’s wedding? Your audience will beg for an encore if you have it!

It should not be overly long, but your wedding toast should be poignant. An introduction, middle, and conclusion should all be included.

How long should a marriage vow be?

The ideal time for wedding vows is between one and two minutes. To make sure you stay within that time limit, practice reading the vows aloud. We read at a different pace in our heads. Do we have to say our vows aloud during the ceremony?

Writing your own wedding vows is a huge undertaking because they must condense your love, aspirations, and promises to your spouse into a short period of time. Even though it can be overwhelming, it’s well worth it because you get a chance to share meaningful words with the person you love and tell your story.

It is also personal. Because you’re really opening up to the love of your life and doing it in front of your loved ones and closest friends. If you’re up for the challenge, we’re here to help, along with a few experts, including author and wedding officiant Monique Honaman, Alexis Dent, the creator of the vow- and toast-writing service XO Juliet, and well-known celebrant JP Reynolds, M.Div., who share their own industry knowledge.

Here is everything you need to know to create your own wedding vows, including writing tips, examples, and inspiration.

What are some actual wedding vow examples?

I make the commitment to remain your loving, devoted, and faithful wife for the rest of my days. As my husband, I promise to respect, adore, and cherish you at all times. Even though I say “I do” today, I actually mean “I will.”. I’ll hold your hand and be there for you through good and bad times.

Writing your own wedding vows is not for the timid of heart, whether you’re recently engaged and can’t wait to put your feelings down on paper or it’s the night before your wedding and you’ve put it off as long as you possibly can. These are some of your most private words ever. They hold promises for the future in addition to being a representation of the love and respect you have for your partner right now.

If you are unsure of how to write your wedding vows, examples from real weddings are a wonderful source of inspiration. This collection of personalized wedding vow examples for him or her includes everything from quick proclamations and conventional promises to sentimental messages and religious wedding vows. Although putting your heart on paper is not the easiest thing in the world, it is possible with some patience and thought.

Some people have long fantasized about saying their vows in front of their loved ones in a church in their hometown, while others may be thinking about it for the first time. Either way, it’s time to create a mental audio recording of your own unique wordsones in a church in their hometown, while others may be thinking about it for the first time. Either way, it’s time to create a mental audio recording of your own unique words. These examples of wedding vows for her range from romantic to religious and are sure to give any bride a great place to start, whether you want to keep things brief and simple or make your sentiments poetic and intimate.

When should a married couple say “I do” again?

Vow renewals are frequently performed at intervals of 2, 5, 10, 25, or 50 years; however, couples are free to do so whenever they choose or not at all. Some couples choose to redo their wedding vows after having children, going through a challenging time in their relationship, or reaching a significant milestone.

You exchanged vows with your special someone a few years or decades ago, and you remain just as devoted to them as you were then. Consider holding a vow renewal ceremony if you want to renew or confirm your commitment. Examine the fundamental idea as well as a few specifics, such as when and how to renew your vows.

A vow renewal is a reaffirmation of two people’s love and commitment to one another. You can recite the same vows you made when you first got married or pick a different one that better fits your situation right now.

Vow renewals are frequently performed at intervals of 2, 5, 10, 25, or 50 years, but couples are free to do so whenever they choose or not at all. Some married couples opt to renew their vows after having children, following a trying time in their union, or following a significant life event.

What do you say after your vows?

Woman replies, “I do,” during the vow-exchange. Repeat after me, says the notary. To the man: “I, (his name), take you, (her name), to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part.”.

How does a vow renewal come to a close?

You can end with a kiss after the officiant performs a closing send-off. If you choose to continue with food, music, and conversation, your vow renewal will have come to an end. The ceremony for renewing your vows will reaffirm your commitment and celebrate your union and your shared life as two people who make love their daily choice.

Everything You Should Know Before Pronouncing Your Vows Once More.

Since the day of your wedding, you and your partner have repeatedly made the same decision. Marriage is a wonderful thing when you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, but the most crucial part is what happens after. Marriage is not an easy endeavor, as we all know. We’ll explain what it means to renew your vows, how to prepare, and how your renewal ceremony can reflect your individual love story. Because maintaining a healthy, loving relationship requires constant patience and hard work, you may want to relive your wedding day and renew your vows and commitment to each other with a vow renewal ceremony.

A wedding vow reaffirmation ceremony, also known as a renewal of vows ceremony, is a celebration and public declaration of a married couple’s continued commitment to one another. Here are some reasons you might want to renew your vows, though there are no rules about how long a marriage should last or when it should be done.

How do you say goodbye to a vow groom?

Here are a few examples of how you might choose to end your wedding vows: “Deandra, I love you more today than I did yesterday, and every day, I’ll love you more than I did the day before.”. You are my wife, my best friend, and the love of my life. I am so excited to live my life with my best friend.

What would be a suitable final prayer?

Lord God, we are grateful for your unending love and concern for us. We are grateful that You have pardoned all of our sins, including those we are unaware we have committed. Lord, please give us your knowledge and your love for others. We ask that you shower us with your unending love.

Related Articles:

• Examples Of The Beginning Of Your Wedding Vows
• Examples Of How To Write Your Own Wedding Vows
• Personal Wedding Vows Examples: How To Write Them
• What Are Some Examples Of Wedding Vows?
• Examples Of How To Describe Yourself For Marriage
• Examples Of How To Start A Wedding Speech

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A Complete Guide to Wedding Vows, Toasts, Speeches & Readings

If the thought of speaking at a wedding stresses you out – you’re not alone. Studies have shown that more people are afraid of public speaking than they are of death! It's indeed a significant moment, often in front of friends and family, where you want to deliver a heartfelt and memorable speech. What do you do when you are asked by a best friend or a family member to stand in front of 200 people at a wedding? Take a deep breath – and trust that with a bit of guidance and preparation, anyone can overcome this fear and deliver an impressive speech.

In this complete guide, we've sought out expert advice from Steven Greitzer, the CEO of Provenance , a site that offers easy-to-use tools and professional speech-writing support to help you create personalized and meaningful ceremonies, vows and toasts.. Drawing from Provenance’s pool of expertise, we'll provide you with golden tips and advice on how to ace your wedding vows, toasts, speeches, and readings.

Writing Your Wedding Vows

Your wedding vows are perhaps the most important part of the ceremony. They are a public declaration of your love and commitment to your partner, and they should reflect your unique personalities, authenticity, and values.

Tips on how to write your vows:

Crafting personal vows is indeed an art, a gentle balance between speaking from the heart and painting a vivid picture of your shared journey. Greitzer suggests honing in on the specifics, those little anecdotes and quirks that are unique to your relationship.

Imagine sharing a light-hearted story that perfectly encapsulates your partner's delightful silliness, like the endearing insistence on everyone having a wig collection, or the joyful Harry Styles singalongs that grace your Sundays.

So, when you find yourself seeking those perfect words, dive deep into your well of shared memories, and choose details that are as joyous and real as your love story. It's those little specifics, expressed earnestly, that will bring warmth and a personal touch to your vows, creating a beautiful moment that truly celebrates your unique bond.

How long should your vows be?:

Finding the perfect length for your vows is super important. Steven Greitzer advises aiming for around 2-3 minutes to keep things heartfelt without going overboard.

Break it down like this: spend about a minute sharing 4-5 sentences of personal anecdotes and words of appreciation, another minute to voice 4-5 solid promises you're making to your partner. Then, set aside 30 seconds to give a shoutout to your community, and wrap things up with a 30-second declaration of your love, hinting at the bright future ahead.

And don't forget to sync up with your partner on the length of the vows & possibly even tone to avoid any awkwardness on the big day. Keeping it balanced means there won't be a big difference between one person’s few lines and the other’s long speech. It's all about keeping things even and true to both of your styles.

Mistakes to avoid when writing your vows:

Navigating the do’s and don’ts while writing your vows can be a tightrope walk. Steven Greitzer suggests avoiding clichés and steering clear of overly romantic language that doesn’t feel true to your story.

Keep the promises realistic and achievable, bypassing the temptation to share overly intimate details or to turn the spotlight solely onto your partner’s LinkedIn achievements.

Another crucial tip is to ensure your vows match your partner's in both length and tone, maintaining a harmonious vibe during the exchange.

And for those drafting vows at the last minute — though it’s not the recommended route — make it a point to practice them aloud several times before the big moment. This helps in delivering them smoothly, avoiding any hiccups when all eyes are on you.

Crafting a Memorable Wedding Toast

Wedding toasts are an opportunity to celebrate the couple and offer well-wishes for their future together. However, delivering a toast can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're not used to public speaking.

How to write a killer wedding toast:

Crafting that killer wedding toast is all about structure. Steven Greitzer advises starting strong with an opening that grabs attention.

Move on to share 2-3 stories that really paint a picture of the person you're closer to, but don't forget to spotlight the other partner and their standout traits. A good rule of thumb is a 70-30 split between the two.

Round it all off by highlighting how they’ve grown individually and as a pair, aiming for a takeaway that has everyone nodding in agreement, thinking “yup, that’s so them.” It might feel overwhelming, but this blueprint can help keep you on track.

How long should a wedding toast be?

When it comes to the ever-important wedding toast, the golden rule is to check in with the couple or the wedding planner, suggests Steven Greitzer. They’ll often have a vision for the flow of the day, which would guide the length of the speech.

Yet, if a direct guideline remains elusive and you’re aiming to hit just the right note, a roundabout perfect pitch could be a toast lasting approximately 3 minutes. It’s a timeframe that allows for a sweet spot of heartfelt words without holding up the festivities for too long. It’s like a cozy chat that leaves everyone with warm smiles and perhaps a glistening eye or two!

Do’s and don't’s of wedding toasts:

Do keep it short and sweet, do practice beforehand, and do speak clearly and confidently, suggests Greitzer. It's equally important to steer clear of certain don'ts: avoid drinking too much before your toast, refrain from using inside jokes understood only by a few, and ensure you celebrate both halves of the couple rather than just your friend. And, perhaps most importantly, avoid embarrassing stories that might leave anyone red-faced.

If you’re unsure about certain content, the couple can provide guidance on what to avoid. The perfect toast harmonizes humor and sentimentality, utilizing personal stories to convey genuine affection and well wishes for the couple.

How to overcome your nerves and deliver a memorable toast with confidence

“Practice, practice, practice!” stresses Greitzer. Run through your toast multiple times before the big day, and don’t hesitate to ask friends for honest feedback during rehearsal sessions. In your quiet moments, visualize yourself on stage, radiating confidence as you deliver a memorable speech.

Doing a Wedding Reading (or the whole Ceremony Script)

Whether you’re doing one reading during the ceremony, or you’re officiating the whole thing, it’s important to be intentional and personalize the moment for the couple.

How to choose the right reading for the occasion:

Choosing the right reading can be a significant task, especially when aiming to find something that truly resonates with the couple, shares Greitzer. He advises to deeply consider the couple's unique blend of beliefs and values, coupled with the envisaged tone and style of the ceremony. Whether the choice swings towards a profound religious text or something as light-hearted and classic as a quote from “When Harry Met Sally,” the core idea is to echo the heartbeat of the couple's relationship in the reading.

How many wedding readings should there be?

Traditionally, the sweet spot tends to be around 0-2 wedding readings, which generally unfold over a span of roughly five minutes, with each reading lasting between 1-3 minutes, shares Greitzer. However, he notes that he has witnessed ceremonies where readings become a vibrant canvas representing the couple's diverse cultures, involving as many as 14 friends and family members each sharing passages in different languages, adding a rich texture of inclusivity and celebration to the ceremony.

How to make your ceremony script personal and meaningful:

Undoubtedly, officiating a wedding is both a great honor and a substantial responsibility, Greitzer points out. To craft a ceremony script that is both personal and brimming with meaning, it’s essential to delve deep into the couple’s love story. Engaging with them to understand their vision for the wedding can be a vital step.

Do’s and don't’s of wedding officiant ceremony scripts

Greitzer shares some golden nuggets to ace this role!

Do aim to wrap things up in 20 minutes or so, keeping it crisp to hold everyone’s attention (but always stick to what the couple wants). A little rehearsal never hurt anybody; in fact, rehearsing aloud in front of a friend for feedback is the way to go to perfect that script.

Avoid making it the ‘me' show; a tiny snippet about your bond with the couple is more than enough. The spotlight should evenly grace both the bride and the groom, ensuring a balanced and harmonious narrative that's 50/50, a little different from the wedding toast scenario where a 70/30 ratio works just fine.

As D-day approaches and it's time to hold the mic, remember to pace yourself, articulating each word with warmth. Engaging with the gathered friends and family through spontaneous eye contact adds that magical touch. Let your heartfelt joy resonate through gentle body language, creating a ceremony brimming with love and shared happiness.

FAQ about Wedding Vows, Toasts, Ceremony Scripts, and Readings.

In this section, Greitzer answers some frequently asked questions about wedding ceremony scripts, vows, toasts, speeches, and readings.

How can I personalize my wedding ceremony script?

You can personalize your wedding ceremony script by including readings or passages that are meaningful to you, writing your own vows or speeches, and incorporating cultural or religious traditions that are important to you.

What if I'm not a good public speaker?

If you're not a good public speaker, don't worry! Practice beforehand, take deep breaths, and speak slowly and clearly. You can also consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member to deliver a speech or reading on your behalf. Public speaking coaches can help give you that final confidence boost as well!

How can I make my wedding toast stand out?

To make your wedding toast stand out, use personal anecdotes or stories about the couple, strike a balance between humor and sentimentality, and practice beforehand.

Can I include religious or cultural traditions in my wedding ceremony?

Yes, you can include religious or cultural traditions in your wedding ceremony. You also don’t have to! At the end of the day, delivering a memorable and heartfelt wedding vow, toast, ceremony script, or reading doesn't have to be stressful or overwhelming.

And there we have it, your one-stop guide to mastering the art of wedding words – from vows to toasts, and everything in between! Thanks to tips from Provenance's speech guru Steven Greitzer, you're now ready to craft messages that are both genuine and memorable.

Remember, the best speeches are the ones that feel true to you and the couple's journey. So, take a breath, embrace those little stories that make your relationship unique, and you'll nail it.

With a bit of prep and your personal touch, you’re all set to contribute to the day's joy with words that resonate. You’ve got this!

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How To Write Your Wedding Vows (With Examples To Steal)

Updates for this wild world we're living in

I t’s funny how not too long ago, wedding vows felt like the thing that landed at the bottom of your wedding to-do list. While “writing marriage vows” languished at the bottom, the top of the list was all that logistical (and sometimes fun and pretty stuff): figure out your seating chart , nail down your perfect dance party playlist , create an amazing photo booth filter. And then the pandemic happened, and in an instant, weddings went from “all the things,” to “just the things that really mattered.”

Coronavirus may not have given us much, but it gave fresh perspective on some key wedding vows: “In sickness and in health, till death do us part.” Suddenly, we’ve all been forced to remember that the most important thing we have in this world is our love for each other, and our commitment to care for each other till the end. No pandemic, budget, or changes to plans can take away the most beautiful parts of your wedding day. Wedding vows are the commitment we make to each other. They make us understand what we’re committing to. They’re the heart and soul of the wedding.

I’ve known too many people who saved writing their marriage vows for the night before. (Pro-tip: start early.) We’ve put together this seriously helpful post of wedding vows—a comprehensive list of real marriage vows (including vows from world religions), and some tips for exactly how to get it done, to get your own creativity flowing.

Related Post

But before we start, a note. You don’t have to write your wedding vows. You might want to. To that, we say: Go for it! Or perhaps you want to say the time-tested traditional marriage vows, echoing the generations before you. (I did.) Or maybe you’re looking to tweak traditional vows just a little bit to make them feel like yours. Whatever you’re looking for, chances are we’ve got something on our list that will help you craft the promises you want to make.

How to write wedding vows

This might feel obvious at first, but just because you might have known that you’ve wanted to write wedding vows for years and years, your partner might not. Talk to them! Decide together that you definitely want to write them. There is nothing wrong with saying traditional marriage vows . But if you’re going to DIY this, both of you have to be equally committed to this concept.

Remember that marriage vows don’t have to be long or complex, or put you on the spot. Hannah Nielsen-Jones, officiant with River and Root Ceremonies in Washington, D.C., advises,  “Consider how comfortable you are with public speaking. If it’s not something that you enjoy or if it’s something that makes you anxious, it is 100% acceptable to ask your officiant to structure vows so that you only have to say ‘I do’ or ‘I will’ or something similar. If speaking on your own feels hard, you can also consider speaking at the same time as your partner, so you are saying the same things to each other at the same time.”

Writing Vows: Step By Step

Talk to your officiant

Many houses of worship may require you to say all, or part, of the traditional marriage vows of that religious practice. Sometimes this won’t preclude also saying vows that you wrote (though sometimes it will), but you’ll want to know what the rules are—and what the religious reasoning for them is—upfront. Some officiants may ask to review your vows before the ceremony, so be prepared to have them early if this is the case.

Come up with a plan

Will you write your vows together, or separately? Will you show them to each other beforehand, or will you keep them a secret until the ceremony? Do you want to set a due date for when you need to have your vows written? If you’ve decided that you will not see each other’s marriage vows before the ceremony, Nielsen-Jones of River and Root Ceremonies recommends showing them to someone else. “I encourage people to send them to their officiant or a good friend beforehand at least two weeks before the wedding. This has at least two benefits: 1) you will actually write them before the day you get married, and 2) the person who looks over them can let you know if they are roughly congruent in length and tone.” You don’t want to be promising to care for someone on their deathbed, while they’re promising to always DVR Grey’s Anatomy for you. As Nielsen-Jones says, “In my experience, it’s rare that the vows are so different from each other, but when they are, I would say that half the time couples try to meet in the middle, and half the time they say, ‘Yep that’s our dynamic! let’s keep it that way!’ The aim of this is to avoid an unfortunate surprise during vows.”

Photo: Zoe Larkin

Create a Structure

Think together about how long you want your vows to be, and think about how you want them to fit into your ceremony. Having a structure will also help you keep your word limit and help your vows match your partner’s. Finding a structure that works for you may require some tracking down, but don’t be afraid to mix and match from lots of examples you find. And of course, look to your own story and build around that. Alexis Dent, who owns vow-writing company XO Juliet , says, “I always recommend including an anecdote or quote to start, at least one anecdote in the middle, and a clear declaration of vows towards the end.”

Photo: Hannah Shea Photo

A good place to start is reading traditional vows . See what strikes a chord with you. You can even incorporate these into what you write, or use them as a jumping-off point. Secondly, steal ideas! Borrow freely from poetry , books, and even movies or video games . Jot down words and phrases that capture your feelings. The quotes you keep closest to your heart ring true for a reason. Use them. And if you’re someone who keeps a journal, go back and steal from your past self too. You’re not publishing a book or writing a college essay. Plagiarism is both allowed and encouraged (though as always: avoid cultural appropriation , which is a whole different thing). The truth is, most vows are plagiarism since we’re hoping to steal some wisdom from people that have gone before us, both in vows and in marriage.

Think About Your Relationship

Take some time, both separately and together, to think about what you love about each other and what makes your relationship special. Write down the most memorable moments you have shared together, good or bad. Think about the promises you want to make to your partner, and which ones you don’t. Alexis of XO Juliet says that “The best advice I would give to someone who is writing their wedding vows is to include the tough times in their relationship. It makes it much more meaningful to hear about the struggles the couple has endured. We all know that relationships are not all rainbows and butterflies, but people get so wrapped up in thinking that vows only have to be about the perfect times. Including an allusion to hard times makes your vows more relatable, and it also seems honest.”

Jackie Reinking , a wedding officiant specializing in elopements in New York City, says that if you get stuck, ask yourself some questions. “What is something your partner did for you that made you feel special? Is there something about your partner that you never want to live without? Think back to the first time you said, ‘I love you.’ Why was that the moment you had to say it?” She advises that “After reading the question, take a mental note of the first thing that comes to mind. Don’t give yourself more than a couple of minutes to flip through your thoughts. This shouldn’t be something to add stress but an exercise in feeling the joy of how much you absolutely adore this person you are marrying.”

Edit for tone, and then shorten

It’s best to decide on your overall tone before you put pen to paper, but make sure to go back over your words and refine the tone you want to achieve. Poetic and romantic? Humorous but touching? It’s up to you. The most important thing is that your marriage vows ring true and sound like they’re from your heart. While your vows can be lighthearted, they should, in some way, acknowledge the seriousness of the commitment you’re about to make. Use humor in moderation, and remember, at the end of the day, making the audience laugh is not your goal. Keep in mind that your vows shouldn’t be so personal that they can’t be followed by anyone, so don’t make them overly cryptic or embarrassing. You’ve invited your family and friends to witness your vows in order to make your bond public, so think about your words from their point of view—your guests want to feel included in that moment, even if they’re not feeling exactly what you’re feeling. That means putting a soft limit on inside jokes, deeply personal anecdotes, obscure nicknames, or code words.

And then, shorten. Aim to have your vows last for about one minute or less per person. Believe me, it’s longer than it sounds. Get at the heart of what marrying this person means to you; pick the most important promises and make them well. If you have more to say, save the more personal thoughts and give your spouse a letter on the morning of the ceremony .

Photo: Imani Photo

Memorization is optional, practicing is not.

Not only will practicing help with your delivery, but it’s also an important part of the editing process. Beth Stokes, a Humanist wedding officiant in Massachusetts and owner of Well Wed by Beth , says “My best advice for delivering vows is to practice. Especially practice saying the whole thing out loud. Send your partner out to dinner with friends while you walk around your place practicing. You’d be surprised how many words sound great on paper, but stiff and ungainly when spoken. Practice looking up while you read your vows, so you can actually look at your partner as you say the words. Beth advises that “Once you’ve got the right words for delivering your vows aloud, use different colored pens if you want to underline words for emphasis. Insert pauses that will allow you to look at your partner in those moments. You want to connect with your partner when saying your vows.”

It’s common to mumble or speak softly when reading, so practice your vows to make sure your family and friends will hear you. These are words that are meant to be heard by the assembled crowd, so check how they sound when spoken. Read your vows out loud to make sure they flow easily and watch out for tongue twisters and run-on sentences—both easy mistakes to make when you write marriage vows. And then, practice slowing down and speaking clearly. Beth notes that “unless you’re a professional speaker, you’re probably rushing through the reading. Aim for 150–170 words a minute. During the ceremony, see if you can pace your reading to a pretty relaxed inhale and exhale.”

Then do what you want

At the end of the day, they’re your words. Do what you want .  Seriously. Your vows don’t even have to sound or read like marriage vows; you could write an essay, a sonnet, or rap them if that’s what is going to mean the most to you. Vows should sound like you , especially when you’re making promises to your partner. On this day of all days, you shouldn’t sound like someone else, so write vows that matter to you and feel authentic. 

Photo: Rad + In Love

THE BEST SAMPLE WEDDING VOWS TO STEAL (OR BE INSPIRED BY)

Now that you know how to write your vows, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite vows from APW couples, along with marriage vows from religions across the world, to get you started. And yes, we’ve added some real vows—even special post-pandemic ones. Let’s look at some of the best real wedding vows we’ve come across, plus a selection of beautiful traditional vows from world religions.

Pandemic Inspired Vows

I promise to love you every day of our lives; even in the event that a pandemic caused by a bat virus turns the world upside down and forces us to quarantine.

I promise to cherish you for eternity; even if we are putting together backyard furniture during said pandemic because we didn’t want to pay for assembly and this resulted in my nose being bruised.

I will do my best to never forget to order our groceries a few days before we are out, knowing that Instacart will repeatedly tell me “no delivery times available”, which will, in turn, cause us to mass panic.

I hope to be your constant strength, even when I am certain every single day that the tickle in my throat is not in fact allergies but The Virus and that causes mini (big) mental breakdown.

I promise to continue learning with you, like reading crisis news articles to you out loud every single day when you absolutely did not ask me to. You’re welcome.

Most importantly, I vow to be one of the first to hoard toilet paper, as to save us from having to worry about where we will get our next roll. (Also this is a joke please do not stockpile TP, for the love of all that is good). And with these promises, I know we can build a life that we are proud of (in, or out, of quarantine). I love you. Wouldn’t want to be stuck inside with anyone else.

— Kaila Strickland (pictured at the top of the post)

Romantic Vows From Real Weddings

Alex, you are my best friend. I promise to laugh with you, cry with you, and grow with you. I will love you when we are together and when we are apart. I promise to support your dreams and to respect our differences and to love you and be by your side through all the days and nights of our lives.

I, Alex, choose you Sam to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, trusting what things I will discover. I will respect you as a person, a partner, and an equal. There is little to say that you haven’t already heard, and little to give that is not already freely given. Before you asked me, I was yours and I am devoted to you in every way. I marry you with no hesitation or doubt, and my commitment to you is absolute. Do you take me to be your lawfully wedded husband/wife/partner?

I choose you. To stand by your side and sleep in your arms. To be joy to your heart and food for your soul. To learn with you and grow with you, even as time and life change us both. I promise to laugh with you in good times and struggle alongside you in bad times. I promise to respect you and cherish you as an individual, a partner, and an equal, knowing that we do not complete, but complement each other. May we have many adventures and grow old together.

I, Alex, do pledge you, Sam, my love, for as long as I live. What I possess in this world, I give to you. I will keep you and hold you, comfort, and tend you, protect you and shelter you, for all the days of my life.

More PersonaL

I love you unconditionally and without hesitation. I vow to love you, encourage you, trust you, and respect you. As a family, we will create a home filled with learning, laughter, and compassion. I promise to work with you to foster and cherish a relationship of equality knowing that together we will build a life far better than either of us could imagine alone. Today, I choose you to be my husband/wife/partner. I accept you as you are, and I offer myself in return. I will care for you, stand beside you, and share with you all of life’s adversities and all of its joys from this day forward, and all the days of my life.

Today, I promise you this: I will laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sorrow. I will share in your dreams and support you as you strive to achieve your goals. I will listen to you with compassion and understanding, and speak to you with encouragement. Together, let us build a home filled with learning, laughter, and light, shared freely with all who may live there. Let us be partners, friends, and lovers, today and all of the days that follow.

I, Alex, take you, Sam, to be my husband/wife/partner.   I promise to always be your biggest fan and your partner in crime. I promise to create and support a family with you, in a household filled with laughter, patience, understanding, and love. I vow not just to grow old together, but to grow together. I will love you faithfully through the difficult and the easy. What may come, I will always be there, each one believing that love never dies. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.

Modern marriage Vows From Real Weddings

Officiant: Do you, Sam, promise to be a loving friend and partner in marriage , to talk and to listen, to trust and to appreciate, to respect and to cherish Alex’s uniqueness? Do you promise to support, comfort, and strengthen him/her/them through life’s joys and sorrows? Do you promise to share hopes and dreams as you build your lives together, and to grow with Alex in mind? Will you strive to build a home that is compassionate to all, full of respect and honor, filled with peace, happiness, and love? Do you promise to always be open and honest with Alex, and cherish him/her/them for as long as you both shall live?

I, Sam, take you, Alex, to be the wife/husband/partner of my days, the companion of my house, the friend of my life. We shall bear together whatever trouble and sorrow life may lay upon us, and we shall share together whatever good and joyful things life may bring us. With these words and all the words of my heart, I marry you and bind my life to yours.

Today, surrounded by people who love us, I choose you, Alex, to be my partner. I am proud to be your wife/husband/partner and to join my life with yours. I vow to support you, push you, inspire you, and, above all, love you, for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, as long as we both shall live.

I take you to be my spouse. I promise to choose you every day, to love you in word and deed, to do the hard work of making now into always. To laugh with you, cry with you, grow with you, and create with you. To honor the divinity in you, of you, and around you. To be your kin and your partner in all of life’s adventures. Loving what I know of you and trusting what I don’t yet know, I give you my hand. I give you my love. I give you myself. Will you give me yourself? Will you come travel with me?

Photo: River Medlock Photography

More-traditional

I, Sam, commit myself to you, Alex, as wife/husband/partner, to learn and grow with, to explore and adventure with, to respect you in everything as an equal partner, in the foreknowledge of joy and pain, strength and weariness, direction and doubt, for all the risings and settings of the sun. We tie these knots to symbolize our connection to one another. They represent our trust in each other and our combined strength together.

Today, surrounded by people who love us, I choose you, Alex, to be my partner. I am proud to be your wife/husband/partner and to join my life with yours. I vow to support you, push you, inspire you, and above all love you, for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, as long as we both shall live

OFFICIANT: Do you, Sam and Alex, pledge to create a life of mutual respect, compassion, generosity, and patience toward each other as you grow together in years? COUPLE: We do. OFFICIANT: Do you pledge to recognize each other’s individuality and celebrate each other’s uniqueness as a strength in marriage? While at the same time, will you guard one another’s weaknesses with understanding, support, and inspiration? COUPLE: We do. OFFICIANT: And do you pledge to share the love you have for each other with all living beings? To be a couple that lets their marriage radiate into others, making their lives more beautiful because of it? COUPLE: We do. OFFICIANT: Sam and Alex, if you will face each other and repeat after me. Sam: Alex, I give you my life. With all that I am and all that I have, I honor you. Alex: Sam, I give you my life. With all that I am and all that I have, I honor you.

You have taught me that two people joined together with respect, trust, and open communication can be far stronger and happier than each could ever be alone. You are the strength I didn’t know I needed and the joy that I didn’t know I lacked. Today, I choose to spend the rest of my life with you.

I promise to love you for who you are, and for who you are yet to become. I promise to be patient and to remember that all things between us are rooted in love. I promise to nurture your dreams and to help you reach them. I promise to share my whole heart with you and to remember to show you how deeply I care for you, no matter the challenges that may come our way. I promise to love you loyally and fiercely—as long as I shall live.

Do you take me to be your lawfully wedded husband/wife/partner?

I, Alex, do pledge you, Sam, my love, for as long as I live. What I possess in this world, I give to you. I will keep you and hold you, comfort, and tend you, protect you, and shelter you, for all the days of my life.

Our Favorite marriage Vow Books on Etsy

1. Celestial Stars Vow Books by Peach Paper Shop | 2. Best Day Ever Vow Books by Peach Paper Shop | 3. Boho Vow Books by The Cozy Comfy Home | 4. Personalized Wedding Vow Books by Blush Printables | 5. Leather Wedding Vow Booklet by Cover Cafe | 6. His & Her’s Personalised Vow Books by Paigen Co. | 7. Minimal Vow Books by Pape In Co. | 8. Custom Vow Book by Studio Tenebris

 Have you written your marriage vows? If you have, please share! What did you say? What felt hardest about writing them yourselves? What marriage vows have moved you the most? Share in the comments!

Parts of this post were excerpted from the #APWPlanner . For more useful advice like this, get your #APWPlanner at AMAZON , BARNES & NOBLE , INDIEBOUND , or on ITUNES .

Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Meg is the Founder of APW, and has been the sites EIC for the past twelve years. She has written two best selling wedding books:   A Practical Wedding   and  A Practical Wedding Planner .  Meg’s work has been referenced in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Jezebel, and Refinery29 . She’s also written hugely viral wedding articles for Buzzfeed. She lives in Oakland, CA with her husband and two children. For more than you ever wanted to know about Meg, you can visit MegKeene.com .

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How to Write the Perfect Wedding Vows and Speeches

Writing your own wedding vows and speeches is no small feat. But if you know how to handle it right, all your efforts will be totally worth it in the end. Sure, you can always follow the traditional wedding vows that your officiant has already prepared, but nothing leaves a deeper impression more than personalized wedding vows. The same goes with wedding speeches, which are a chance for you to show your heartfelt appreciation for your beloved spouse and wedding guests. Do you want to start writing but don't know where to start? Don't worry, we've got some great tips to help you get started. Just read our guide below, try to spend some time alone, and write it one at a time.

Wedding Vows

Wedding vows are the most important and meaningful part of every wedding ceremony, so we understand if you're a bit nervous about writing your own vows. Before you give up, just think about it. In ten years, your vows will be the things you'll cherish even more than your five-tier cake and color-coordinated table settings. Just take a deep breath, go through our guide slowly, and you'll be just fine.

Step-by-step guide for writing your own wedding vows

1. Start doing some research

You can find many templates for traditional, by-the-book wedding vows online, but don't just copy them blindly without any adjustments. Use the vows as guidance to give you a bigger picture about wedding vows. Remember to always bookmark or save vows that you love to make your work a lot easier.

2. Agree on some rules with your fiancé

Do you want your future spouse to know about your special vows or do you prefer keeping them as a secret? Have you both decided on a specific style, like poetic or funny wedding vows? These days many couples tend to do away with the rules and limitations, but setting expectations is never a bad idea

3. Read dozens of wedding vow samples

Read up on as many wedding vow examples as you like, but try to limit them to the kinds of vows you are planning to say. Most brides prefer romantic vows, but if you have a fun personality, you can always incorporate some light jokes. Just remember, you'll only have around two minutes to finish your vows.

4. Write down all the ideas you can think of

Whenever you have new ideas, jot them down right away. Keep a notebook or binder at hand or use a text app on your smart phone. It's fine to have messy jumbles of text at first, as this is only the first step of writing your personalized wedding vows. Later on, you can create an outline and organize all your ideas.

5. Sort through your notes and cast out clichéd phrases

Clichéd words can sound insincere, so always try to rephrase overused phrases and tailor them to your own relationship. For instance, instead of saying "love surpasses all", you can say something like, "I promise to always be your partner in crime in creating an adventurous life free of boredom."

6. Keep it short, simple, and to the point

For wedding vows, the suggested time span is around 1 to 2 minutes for each person. Stop yourself from rambling and just keep your private inside jokes for you and your partner. It's good to have a personal touch, but don't confuse your guests and risk losing the heartfelt moment of the sacred ceremony.

7. Save a few copies of your finished vows

Feel free to write your vows on a paper napkin, post-its, or anything you can find whenever you get a sudden bout of inspiration, but don't forget to take additional notes. Type it up on your phone, send it to your own email, or save it in a document on a cloud-based service like Google Drive.

Questions to ask yourself before writing your wedding vows

To get you started, refresh the fond memories of your relationship by asking yourself the following questions. Aside from giving a smile on your face, these questions will also help you decide on what you should add to your vows.

Click here to download the image.

The dos and don'ts of writing your own wedding vows

1. Do: Be personal and sincere

The whole point of writing your own vows is being yourself, so you should add your own personal touch. If you're fine with traditional vows, you can slip in romantic quotes from your favorite movie as the intro.

2. Don't: Make it too lengthy

What is touching at first can turn lackluster if it drags on. Keep your vows simple yet meaningful without taking too much time. Remember that your guests won't have the time or attention span for overly long vows.

3. Do: Try to memorize your vows

Saying your vows without reading them leaves a better impression. Imagine looking at your partner's eyes while declaring your vows, how romantic is that? Just keep practicing and you'll have them memorized in no time.

4. Don't: Add overly private inside jokes

Avoid things that only you and your partner can understand. It's good to add a personal touch, but having only the two of you laughing while all the guests are scratching their heads will make the whole situation awkward.

5. Do: Surprise your partner

State your intentions of having personal wedding vows up front, but keep the exact words under wraps before the wedding. This way, your partner will get a pleasant surprise when hearing your vows for the first time.

6. Don't: Underestimate your vows

Your vows may be short, but they're not exactly a piece of cake. Your nerves can get the better of you on your wedding day, so you should always take time to practice out loud without a cheat sheet.

7. Do: Keep calm and stay confident

This is your show, and there is no right or wrong. To deal with stage fright, try to breathe slowly, smile, and focus your eyes and thoughts on the most important person standing in front of you.

8. Don't: Forget to take notes

Any good idea that pops up in your head can be easily replaced by other thoughts about work, wedding planning, or other problems. Write notes anywhere you can; on your phone, post-its at the office, or your notebook.

9. Do: Remember to have fun

There's no better way to enjoy your own wedding than to relax and just let it flow. Even a slip of the tongue can be remembered by everyone as a lighthearted, memorable moment instead of an embarrassment.

10. Don't: Drink too much or even at all before saying your vows

Sure, a drink or two can calm you down and make you feel confident, but it's better to find more sober ways so you can stay focused. If you really must, limit your alcohol consumption to only 2 glasses.

Examples of religious and non-religious wedding vows

Wedding Speeches

Giving a wedding speech is a good way to show just how much you appreciate your new spouse, your parents, your trustworthy bridal party , and all your beloved guests who especially came to celebrate your union. To create heartfelt moments and avoid embarrassing ones, just follow this guide we've prepared for you and anyone who is planning a speech on your wedding day.

The who's who of wedding speeches

Traditionally, the ones giving out speeches are the father of the bride as the host, the groom, and the best man, but these days you don't really need to follow these often outdated rules. To help you schedule and prepare your speech, here is a simple guideline for each responsible party.

Father of the bride's speech : Welcomes the guests and thanks them for coming, compliments his daughter and welcomes her new husband into the family, and ends with a toast for the happy couple.

Groom's speech or bride's speech : Traditionally, the groom responds to the father of the bride's toast. These days, sometimes both the bride and groom thank the guests, their parents, and the bridesmaids, before offering a toast together.

Best man's speech or maid of honor's speech : The best man and maid and honor thanks the groom and bride, compliments them, reads out messages from absent friends and relatives, and proposes a toast.

The steps involved in writing a wedding speech are actually not much different from the ones used for wedding vows. The main difference is how the speech is delivered, as it is usually more informal and jovial. Below, we've compiled a comprehensive guide for writing a wedding speech. Be sure to learn from it and pass it along to your partner, father, and everyone else who will be giving a speech on your wedding.

Step-by-step guide for giving a wedding speech

1. Study up on wedding speeches

Find as many examples of wedding speeches as you can and save the ones you like the most. As with the wedding vow examples, you should save or bookmark every speech for future reference.

2. Dig up some memorable anecdotes

Take some time to ask for amusing or touching insights and anecdotes from the bride and groom's family members. Remember, this doesn't mean you can snoop around for family secrets.

3. Stay organized

Take notes whenever you get ideas from books, movies, or other sources. Though they can be messy at first, try slowly organizing them once you have enough ideas.

4. Practice with the right time frame

The ideal time frame for a wedding speech is 5 to 7 minutes. As this isn't a formal speech, you can speak casually and make changes on the spot when they feel right. When practicing, try to speak out loud in front of a mirror and keep your eye contact locked to yourself. This way, you will feel less stressed out when you need to look at the guests. Record it if you need, so you can see how you performed and easily fix any awkward gestures.

5. Scout the location

Take some time to see where you are going to give your speech before the reception takes place. Check out the scenery and imagine the guests looking at you. If you have time, try to rehearse there.

6. Be confident with your speech

Start the speech by letting your guests know just how nervous you are in a humorous way. This trick acts as a simple ice breaker than can make you feel relaxed instantly. Keep your talking points on a small card or phone and maintain eye contact with the guests.

7. Use visual props

For someone who is not fully comfortable with public speaking, props can work wonders. Just prepare a slideshow filled with funny and nostalgic photos of the groom or bride to keep you company and entertain all the guests.

Questions you should ask yourself before writing a wedding speech

Whether you're the bride or groom, a family member, or part of the bridal party, asking these questions to yourself will help you get ideas for your wedding speech.

The dos and don'ts of giving a wedding speech

1. Do: Tell jokes that everyone will understand

If you want to spice it up with amusing stories and anecdotes, make sure to explain them so all the guests can laugh together with you. Otherwise, you can leave them confused and stuck in an awkward situation.

2. Don't: Embarrass the couple with inappropriate stories

You might know him or her longer than they know each other, but that doesn't mean you can say anything you want. Stories of exes, bad break ups, or any below the belt digs should not be included.

3. Do: Share memorable moments

There is no better speech than one that includes poignant memories. Try to end your wedding speech on a high note by sharing a touching experience you had with the groom or bride.

4. Don't: Give cryptic messages that only you and the couple understand

It's great that you have inside jokes or secret codes that only you and the groom or bride understand. But unless you're willing to share with everyone else, just exclude them from your speech.

5. Do: Invite other family members to participate

If you're the only one giving a speech, try asking someone else, like the father of the bride and groom, to add their own stories. Make sure to limit the number of people you're asking to join in on the speech.

6. Don't: Comment on the other guests

Maybe your high school rival or that ex you hate is sitting among the guests, but your wedding speech shouldn't be used to insult them publicly. Remember that it's about the bride and groom, not about you.

How to structure your wedding speech

Now that you've figured out all the basics of creating a wedding speech, it's time to start putting your thoughts into writing. To keep your words organized and easy to understand, just follow the basic wedding speech structure below.

Other ideas for your wedding vows and speeches

Still can't get those creative juices flowing? Don't worry, you still have plenty of time. Even if your wedding is less than 6 months away , we're sure you'll make it in time. As with any case of writer's block, all you need to do is relax, have a notebook ready at all times, and get inspired. A fun way is to read plenty of books, watch a lot of movies, and look through famous quotes. If you're wondering about the best sentence to start with, you can quote the romantic quotes we've collected for you below.

There you have it, all you need to know about writing your own wedding vows and speeches. Do you have any other romantic quotes you'd like to add to your vows? Any funny or touching anecdotes for your wedding speech? Share your stories on the comments section below.

Vendor yang mungkin anda suka

Ikuti akun Instagram @thebridestory untuk beragam inspirasi pernikahan

How to Write Your Wedding Vows with Examples

For many couples, the thought of writing their own wedding vows (and then sharing them in front of loved ones!) can be seriously daunting. 

Let’s be honest – summarising your love towards your partner, your marriage and your future together in just a few short paragraphs is no easy feat. But we promise, the end result will ultimately be one of your favourite memories from the entire day!

Writing your wedding vows requires careful thought and reflection, but that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful. If you’re looking for some wording inspiration to get those creative juices flowing, keep reading for a selection of wedding vow examples you can totally swipe for yourself – from traditional to modern and fun.

Traditional Wedding Vow Examples

If you and your partner share an appreciation for tradition, you might want to follow a more classic route when it comes to writing your wedding vows. Traditional wedding vows usually include meaningful sentiments that have stood the test of time – maybe even the same words your parents and grandparents shared for their very own ceremony.

Traditional wedding vows tend to be short and sweet, with a more serious and formal tone. They can also be customised to include any religious or cultural sentiments that are significant to you and your partner. 

If you love the idea of sharing classic vows that have been passed down through the generations, check out these traditional wedding vow examples below:

I, (name), take you, (name), to be my (husband/wife). To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part.

I, (name) take you, (name), to be my (husband/wife). I promise to always be faithful to you, honest with you, and supportive of you. I promise to stand by you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I promise to respect, trust, help and care for you as we share our life together. Today, I give you my hand, my heart, and my eternal love, from this day forward, as long as we both live.

I, (name), commit myself to you, (name), as your (husband/wife), partner in life, and loving soulmate. Through this commitment, I promise to learn and grow alongside you, to explore and adventure with you, to laugh and cry with you, and to respect you in everything as my equal partner. I promise to always cherish our union, and love you faithfully through good times and bad, from this day forward until eternity.

I, (name), take you (name), to be my (husband/wife). I promise to be faithful, supportive and loyal, and to give you my companionship and love throughout all the changes of our life. I vow to bring you happiness, and I will treasure you as my companion. I will celebrate the joys of life with you. I promise to support your dreams, and walk beside you offering courage and strength through all endeavors. From this day forward, I will be proud to be your (husband/wife) and your best friend.

Modern Wedding Vow Examples

If you’re the kind of couple looking to deviate from tradition and add a personal feel to your ceremony , these modern wedding vow ideas might be the perfect fit for you.

Modern wedding vows usually have a more light, relaxed and conversational tone, while still remaining romantic and sincere. This vow style is generally longer and more informal than traditional vows, and often includes anecdotes and personal references to your partner.

Check out these modern wedding vow examples below to get the ball rolling:

(Name), my partner in crime, my best friend and my number one supporter. Today I take you to be my (husband/wife), loving everything I already know about you, and looking forward to discovering new things about each other as we embark on the journey of a lifetime together.

I promise to always respect and appreciate you for the person you are, as well as the person you wish to become. I promise to support your goals and ambitions, celebrate your wins, and cheer you on through any obstacles, because we are a team – now and for always.

I promise to keep our lives exciting, spontaneous and full of passion, embarking on adventures together, and creating new memories together. Above all, I promise to show you every day how lucky I am to have you by my side. I can’t wait to start building our life together.

(Name), from the moment I met you, I just knew we were meant to be in each other’s lives. I love everything about you –  your adventurous outlook on life, your ridiculous sense of humour, and your infectious passion for making the world a better place.

I feel like the luckiest person in the world to be standing by your side here today. From this day forward, I promise you these things.

I promise to laugh with you in the good times, and comfort you through the bad. I promise to share in your dreams, and support you as you strive to achieve them. I promise to help you when you need it, and step aside when you don’t. 

I promise to listen to you with compassion, to speak to you warmly, and to have patience. I promise to make space for adventure and romance, and to cherish the special bond we both share. 

Above all, I promise to always remember the gratitude I feel when I wake up next to you each morning and fall asleep with you each night. You are my best friend, and I will love and respect you always.

(Name), it seems like only yesterday we were making awkward small talk on our very first Tinder date. I remember being so captivated by your quiet confidence, witty banter and rugged good looks, and feeling the same butterflies that I feel standing here with you today. 

There are so many things I love about you, but here are a few of my favourites. I love the way you talk to people, the way you treat your friends and family, and most of all, the way you care for me. I love knowing that you have my back, and I want you to know that I will always have yours. I love how ambitious you are, and I promise to always support your goals and dreams (even the crazy ones). 

I promise to always put our relationship first, to keep sharing experiences and adventures together, to laugh and cry together, and to keep our sacred Friday dinner dates alive until we grow old and grey together. I feel so grateful to have you as my partner in life, and I wouldn’t want to embark on this crazy ride with anyone else.

Fun Wedding Vow Examples

If getting deep and meaningful with your wedding vows just isn’t your style, why not inject some humour? This is a celebration of you and your partner, so have some fun with it if that feels more natural to you.

Fun wedding vows can help to ease the tension, calm your nerves and showcase your personality. If you want to take a more playful and authentic approach to your wedding vows, don’t be afraid to insert some funny anecdotes, witty jokes or banter if that reflects the relationship you both share.

Pro tip: The key to injecting humour into your wedding vows is to find the right balance between silly and serious. Remember, you’re making a pretty special commitment to one another, so try to include some more sincere sentiments amongst the jokes. 

A great way to do this is by inserting some “realistic” promises to break up the serious stuff, like:

• I promise to never secretly watch an episode of (tv show) without you. I swear, it was just the one time!
• I vow to protect you from spiders, insects, and everything else you deem creepy or gross
• I promise to always remind you of our anniversary 2 days beforehand
• I promise to always love you, even when you (insert bad habit – eg, steal the covers every night)
• I promise to always comfort you when (favourite sports team) loses…again.
• I promise to like your Facebook photos within a reasonable time frame
• I promise to never keep score – even when I’m clearly winning

You can also share some of your favourite memories from your relationship journey, your partner’s little quirks and mannerisms, or simply poke fun at each other in a loving way. 

Take some inspiration from these fun wedding vow examples below:

7 years ago, I went on a blind date with a guy who rocked up 20 minutes late, forgot his wallet, and took 2 weeks to call me back. Today, I’m here to marry him.

(Name), in all honesty, you’re the best person I know, and I feel pretty damn lucky to be standing here by your side today. You make me laugh until I cry, you pick me up when I’m down, and you inspire me to be a better person.

 I promise to always be your biggest fan and number one supporter. I promise to put up with your bad habits, if you promise to put up with mine. Yes – this means I’ll be okay with you stealing the blankets each night, as long as you remain cool with my poor sense of direction and navigation skills.

I promise to love you, support you, respect you, and above all, make sure I’m not just yelling at you because I’m hungry. I promise to encourage and appreciate you, and to frustrate and challenge you. And one day, if the stars align, I might even let you win an argument.

Most importantly, I promise to never forget that this is a once in a lifetime kind of love. I can’t wait to make new memories, tick off our bucket list together, and build an awesome life with you.

(Name), today, in front of our friends and family, I promise to love and support you as your (husband/wife) as we begin this new chapter together. I know, right – who would have thought that the (guy/girl) who spilled an entire glass of red wine on me during our first date would end up becoming the (man/woman) of my dreams? 

From this day forward, I vow to love you through everything – including your obsession with trashy reality tv, your questionable taste in music, and your bad dad jokes. If I’m honest, these things somehow make me love you even more.

I promise to always stand by you – when it’s easy, and when it’s not. I promise to be your biggest cheerleader, your best friend and your number one supporter. I promise to try my hardest to keep my makeup in its designated drawer – as long as you promise to pick your wet towel off the floor.

I promise to cherish those everyday moments that make me smile – walking down to the beach together each morning, attempting (and failing) to impress each other with new recipes, and sitting down to watch a movie knowing we’ll both fall asleep within 10 minutes. I still get excited to see you at the end of each day, and miss you whenever we’re apart. (Name), I love everything about you, and I can’t wait to live a long and happy life with you.

(Name), the thing I love most about you is how you inspire me to be a better person.  You’ve taught me to stand up for the things I believe in. You’ve taught me to have confidence and to always back myself. You’ve taught me to treat people with kindness, patience and generosity. And of course, you’ve taught me the many virtues of watching football. Wait, no, I think we’re still working on that one.

(Name), you are my best friend and my favourite person in the whole world. I love that we share an appreciation for Italian food, bad puns and funny cat videos. I love that we can spend our weekends together doing nothing at all, but somehow having the best time ever. 

From this day forward, I promise to love and support you through everything, and to care for you the way you care for me. I promise to kill the spiders, share my food, and eat the pineapple off your pizza. I choose you as my (husband/wife), best friend and equal partner. I can’t wait to spend forever with you.

Wedding Vow Wording 101

When it comes to crafting the perfect wedding vows, all you need to do is speak from the heart and you can never go wrong. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just take a step back and simply think about the things you love most about your partner, your relationship, and your dreams for the future. Because ultimately, that’s what this day is all about.

Need some extra help pulling your vows together? We’ve got you. Check out our list of brainstorming prompts and bonus wedding vow tips right here!

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How to Write Wedding Vows: A Procrastinator’s Guide

Found yourself waiting until the last possible minute to figure out how to write your wedding vows? Don't panic. Follow these steps to get your thoughts onto paper ASAP.

Just Marry!

So,  the big day is tomorrow ...and you were supposed to have figured out how to write your wedding vows a month ago. We get it, there's a lot involved with wedding planning and it's easy to avoid writing those vows. Or maybe you both agreed to exchange traditional wedding vows and then changed your mind the day before your walk down the aisle. Whatever the situation, you now have to put pen to paper — and fast. First, take a deep breath. Your future spouse probably knows he or she is marrying a procrastinator and loves you regardless. But you should still try to impress your soon-to-be spouse by  writing some truly amazing wedding vows  that seem like you spent weeks on them. Ready? Here's how to write wedding vows in 11 procrastinator-friendly steps—plus some vow examples to help you get started. 

1. Decide what tone you want your wedding vows to take.

Don’t try to be anything you’re not. If you’re a silly person, you can write funny wedding vows. A bit more sentimental? More romantic wedding vows may be appropriate. On your wedding day especially, you don’t want to be anything other than yourself. Whether you’re funny, musical, sentimental, or concise, stay true to who you are.

One big rule of writing your own wedding vows? They should echo  the tone of your wedding , whether it be casual, elegant, or themed. Annie Lee, a wedding planner with  Daughter of Design  in New York, New York, says, “I believe in personal vows, sharing the small inner moments of every day that make people feel like they know you. Your wedding guests should leave feeling like they are closer to the couple after the wedding.”

2. Write anything that comes to mind. 

There’s actually science behind this: Free writing is an efficient way to pour all of your thoughts onto one page. That way, you can see them all in one place. Not to mention, it gets your brain going and helps combat writer's block. Think about: If you’re too worried about what you’re going to put on the page or following a template, you’re never going to write anything at all. And remember, none of these words ever have to see the light of day. They’re just for you. And if you need some more inspiration...

3. Peruse pictures of you and your partner from your relationship. 

If you need a little extra sentimental inspiration,  photos from your love story tend to stir up emotions . Skim through your favorite early photos of you two as a couple to remember feelings from the beginning of your relationship. Try thinking of memories like the first time you saw your future spouse and best friend, the moment you knew you were in love, or the moment you knew you wanted to marry them. Whether or not these memories end up in your final wedding vows, revisiting the early days will stir up important emotions (which is the key to writing your own vows). JP Reynolds of  JPR Weddings  in Sherman Oaks, California, recommends beginning your personal marriage vows with a memory of a moment when you realized your partner was your one and only.

4. Pick your favorite memories.

After you’ve taken a trip down memory lane, now’s the time to pick your favorites. Luckily for you,  wedding vows are supposed to be relatively short . Try to stick to one or two especially meaningful memories as your writing wedding vows; the examples offered above, such as the moment you knew you were in love, are good options. You might also think about some hard times that you were able to work through together. These memories don’t need to completely cover your entire relationship, because that’s impossible. Think of the classics — when you look back on your wedding in 20 years, which memories will still be vivid and important in your mind? Express your gratitude for all that your soulmate has given to you.

5. Think of your guests.

Stay away from inside jokes, because while these jokes may be significant to you and your spouse,  you don’t want to exclude your guests . You should also not write anything too personal or embarrassing in your wedding vows — your partner might not be a fan of sharing intimate details with everyone you know!

Kieran Mangels Photography

6. Come up with some promises.

Wedding vows are composed of promises, and both vague and specific promises are needed to make the best handwritten vows. Think big – “I promise to always cherish you,” or “I vow to always be honest about what I’m thinking.” Also, think small – “I promise to always make enough coffee for two in the morning,” or “I promise to comfort you when your favorite team loses.” The promises are also a great place in your wedding vows to showcase both your serious, sentimental side, coupled with your funny side. For every “big picture” promise, you can include a more specific one. Try to vary your language by using words such as, “vow,” “pledge,” or a simple “I will.”

7. Think about the future with your partner.

Of course, that’s what this day is all about. You and your spouse are declaring your partnership and  beginning to build a life together  in front of your closest friends, family members, and loved ones (or just yourselves, if you're opting for an elopement). At this stage of your wedding vow writing, you should start to think of what you will be doing with your spouse in the future. This part is slightly different from your promises, where you talked about what role you will play in nurturing your relationship. Now, talk about what lies ahead – your goals and the adventures you want to have. This is the time where you can talk about the type of couple you are. Whether you’re an adventurous couple, a career-oriented couple, or an artsy couple, this section of your vows should reflect that. A few wedding vow examples: “I can’t wait to collect art with you for the rest of my life,” or “I look forward to many more adventures to come.”

8. Finish off your wedding vows.

Figure out what you want your last sentence of your vow to be. JP Reynolds recommends saying, “I take you as my husband/wife/spouse” somewhere within your promises and wedding vows: “That phrase is what turns your words of love into a vow.” End your vow with love and emphasis.

9. Edit it down.

At this point in your first draft, you should have jotted down some memories, picked your favorites, made a few promises, and looked toward the future. Luckily for you, procrastinator, wedding vows should only be one or two minutes, max. They may be one of the most important parts of the ceremony, but personal wedding vows shouldn’t drag on. If something’s important, you only need to say it once, with emphasis.

10. Practice out loud.

Anyone will tell you that you need to practice, and unfortunately, even though you waited until the last minute to write your marriage vows,  this step can’t be skipped . Practice it once, and time yourself. Then edit it down some more. You’ll likely talk more quickly when you’re nervous at the ceremony, so keep that in mind while practicing — and try to speak as slowly as possible, even if you think you sound a bit ridiculous. Plan where you’ll take significant pauses, and write them in the margins. Of course, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, especially since there’s not much time left before your ceremony. Practice it a few times through until you’re not stumbling over any words and pat yourself on the back.

11. Make a clean copy for yourself.

Even though you’re working on it at the last minute, the copy you  bring to the wedding ceremony  should look nice, and be easily readable. Make a copy with no cross-outs or eraser marks. Write in where you want to take pauses. Annie Lee of Daughter of Design, remarked that this sheet of paper will become a keepsake and “end up in the wedding video and photos. I suggest a nice note card that matches the wedding colors or a little vow book [ a great gift idea! ] or pad.” You may want to make two copies, and give one to your officiant, so they can prompt you if needed.

No matter what tips you may find, including these, don’t stress too much over writing your wedding vows. Be concise, but be yourself. You don’t have to suddenly become a wordsmith to create memorable vows. They’ll be meaningful because you wrote them with your whole heart.

Rock Creek Golf Club

Sample Wedding Vows

We asked wedding vow and speech writer Katelyn Peterson, owner and creator of  Wedding Words , to share some of her favorite vow examples to help inspire your own: 

"Had I known you were a Red Sox fan when we met, I would have never agreed to a first date. But then I also would have never said yes to this moment and I can not imagine spending my life with anyone else.  Despite your inability to show up on time or your capacity to prank me... Ignoring the fact that you can't sing and yet, you're still the first one up at karaoke night... And even though you still wear that Red Sox jersey around our West Village neighborhood... ...I love you and I choose you to be my partner for life.  I promise to cheer you on as loudly as I do my beloved New York Yankees. I promise to make you smile during the challenging times and make you laugh during the good times.  I promise to love all of you...the parts that make me feel special, the parts that drive me a bit crazy, and the parts that leave me completely perplexed...peanut butter on pickles...really?  Today, I take all of you, for exactly who you are, and for always."

Romantic Vows

"First date coffees turned into one-year anniversary cocktails. Your apartment soon became ours.  And today marks a commitment to forever.  From the moment we met, I knew you were special. Your laugh made me feel comfortable. Your hand made me feel safe.  And your heart showed me a kind of love I'd never felt before.  As we begin this new chapter together, I make these vows to you: I promise to be the trustworthy and faithful partner you deserve.  I promise to support your dreams and talk through our disagreements.  I promise to love you with my whole heart for my entire life.  We have already created such a beautiful partnership together and I can't wait to spend a lifetime designing more memories with you."

A Mix of Romanic and Funny Vows

"Little did I know when I accepted a job in Los Angeles that my new co-worker would one day become my spouse. But as I stand here in front of you today, I couldn't dream of a better partner or future.  With you by my side, my life is full of more joy, adventure, and kitchen dance parties than I ever thought was possible.  You're the only one who can simultaneously make my heart swoon over your romantic gestures while also making me laugh until I cry.  Throughout our marriage, I promise to care for you when you're sick and to advocate for you when you're too shy to send back your meal.  I promise to protect your heart, your secrets, and your comic book collection.  I promise to spend our marriage making you feel happy, supported, and loved.  You're my best friend and I love you."

Real Wedding Vows

These vows were written and recited by bride Lauren to her husband, Adam:

“I, Lauren, choose you, Adam, to be my husband, best friend, and faithful partner. In you have found the love of my life and my truest friend. Your unfaltering energy, ambition, and generosity are admirable and contagious. You inspire me, challenge me, and remind me to always find the fun in life. You make me a better woman. I will work with you to build a life together and I will strive every day to strengthen our relationship. Thank you for choosing me to love and grow old with. On this day in front of our family and friends, I vow to have the patience that love demands, to speak when words are needed, and to share in the silence when words are not. I promise to support you emotionally and spiritually so that we can continually grow together as one. I will be your greatest supporter and toughest adversary. I will remain your greatest supporter and toughest adversary. I will remain yours in want and in plenty, in sickness and health, in failure and in triumph. I promise to encourage your dreams, honor your goals, and cherish you until death parts us. With all of my heart, today and forever, I love you.”

Related WeddingWire Articles

50 Speech Closing Lines (& How to Create Your Own) | The Ultimate Guide

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

While speech openings are definitely one of the most important components of a speech, something that is equally as important is the way you conclude your speech.

There are few worse ways to end your speech than with a terse ‘thank you’–no elaboration or addition whatsoever.

Speech endings are just as crucial to the success of your speech as speech openings, and you must spend just as much time picking the perfect ending as you do to determine your best possible speech opening.

The words you speak at the beginning and end of your speech are words that your audience will pay the most attention to, and remember longer than any other part of your speech.

Speech endings can put even the most experienced speaker in flux, and increase their anxiousness manifold as they sit there attempting to figure out the perfect way to end your speech.

If you’re someone who’s in flux about your speech ending too, don’t worry. We’ve got some amazing ways to conclude your speech with a bang!

1. Circling Back To The Beginning

The idea behind circling back to the beginning of your speech is to reinforce the idea of your speech being a complete whole. By circling back to the beginning and connecting it to your ending, you let the audience understand that the idea of your speech is complete & standalone.

Circling back to the beginning of your speech also acts as an excellent way of reinforcing the central idea of your speech in the audience’s mind, and makes it more likely that they will remember it after the speech ends.

Need more inspiration for speech opening lines? Check out our article on 15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines & Tips To Create Your Own.

How To Circle Back To The Beginning

The easiest way to do this is to set up your beginning for the conclusion of your speech. That is, if you’re saying something like, say, a story or joke in the beginning, then you can leave your audience in a cliffhanger until the ending arrives.

Another great way to circle back to the beginning is by simply restating something you said at the start. The added knowledge from attending the rest of your speech will help the audience see this piece of information in a new–and better–light.

1. Will Stephen

Ending Line: “I’d like you to think about what you heard in the beginning, and I want you to think about what you hear now. Because it was nothing & it’s still nothing.”

2. Canwen Xu

Speech Ending: My name is Canwen, my favorite color is purple and I play the piano but not so much the violin…

Think of a memorable moment from your life, and chances are you’ll realize that it involved a feeling of happiness–something that we can associate with smiling or laughter. And what better way to generate laughter than by incorporating the age-old strategy of good humor.

The happy and lighthearted feeling you associate with good memories is the kind of emotional reaction you want to create in your audience too. That’s what will make your speech stick in their memory.

Done incorrectly, humor can be a disaster. Done right, however, it can entirely transform a speech.

Humor doesn’t only mean slapstick comedy (although there’s nothing wrong with slapstick, either). Humor can come in many forms, including puns, jokes, a funny story…the list is endless.

How To Incorporate Humor In Your Speech Ending

The simplest way to incorporate humor into your speech ending is by telling a plain old joke–something that’s relevant to your topic, of course.

You can also tell them a short, funny anecdote–may be an unexpected conclusion to a story you set up in the beginning.

Another way would be by employing the power of repetition. You can do this by associating something funny with a word, and then repeating the word throughout your speech. During the end, simply say the word or phrase one last time, and it’s likely you’ll leave off your audience with a good chuckle.

1. Woody Roseland

Ending Line: “Why are balloons so expensive? Inflation.”

2. Andras Arato

Ending Line: “There are three rules to becoming famous. Unfortunately, nobody knows what they are.”

3. Hasan Minhaj

Ending Line: “And you want to know the scariest part? Pretty soon every country on the earth is going to have its own TLC show.”

4. Sophie Scott

Speech Ending: In other words, when it comes to laughter, you and me baby, ain’t nothing but mammals.

5. Tim Urban

Speech Ending: We need to stay away from the Instant Gratification Monkey. That’s a job for all of us. And because there’s not that many boxes on there. It’s a job that should probably start today. Well, maybe not today, but, you know, sometime soon.

6. Hasan Minhaj

Speech Ending: Showing my legs on TV is probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done. And keep in mind last week I went after the Prince of Saudi Arabia.

3. Question

The idea behind posing a question at the end of your speech is to get the wheels in your audience’s minds turning and to get them thinking of your speech long after it has ended. A question, if posed correctly, will make your audience re-think about crucial aspects of your speech, and is a great way to prompt discussion after your speech has ended.

How To Add Questions To Your Speech Ending

The best type of questions to add to your speech ending is rhetorical questions. That’s because, unlike a literal question, a rhetorical question will get the audience thinking and make them delve deeper into the topic at hand.

Make sure your question is central to the idea of your speech, and not something frivolous or extra. After all, the point of a question is to reinforce the central idea of your topic.

1. Lexie Alford

Speech Ending: Ask yourself: How uncomfortable are you willing to become in order to reach your fullest potential?

2. Apollo Robbins

Speech Ending: If you could control somebody’s attention, what would you do with it?

Quotes are concise, catchy phrases or sentences that are generally easy to remember and repeat.

Quotes are an age-old way to start–and conclude–a speech. And for good reason.

Quotes can reinforce your own ideas by providing a second voice to back them up. They can also provoke an audience’s mind & get them thinking. So, if you add your quote to the end of your speech, the audience will most likely be thinking about it for long after you have finished speaking.

How To Use Quotes In Your Speech Ending

While adding quotes to your speech ending, make sure that it’s relevant to your topic. Preferably, you want to pick a quote that summarizes your entire idea in a concise & memorable manner.

Make sure that your quote isn’t too long or complicated. Your audience should be able to repeat it as well as feel its impact themselves. They shouldn’t be puzzling over the semantics of your quote, but its intended meaning.

1. Edouard Jacqmin

Speech Ending: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

2. Chris Crowe

Speech Ending: “It’s more certain than death and taxes.”

3. Olivia Remes

Speech Ending: I’d like to leave you with a quote by Martin Luther King: “You don’ have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.”

4. Tomislav Perko

Speech Ending: Like that famous quote says, “In twenty years from now on, you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do.

5. Diana Nyad

Speech Ending: To paraphrase the poet, Mary Oliver, she says, “So, what is it? What is it you’re doing with this one wild and precious life of yours?”

5. Piece Of Advice

The point of giving a piece of advice at the end of your speech is not to pull your audience down or to make them feel bad/inferior about themselves. Rather, the advice is added to motivate your audience to take steps to do something–something related to the topic at hand.

The key point to remember is that your advice is included to help your audience, not to discourage them.

How To Add Piece Of Advice To Your Speech Ending

To truly make your audience follow the advice you’re sharing, you must make sure it resonates with them. To do so, you need to inject emotions into your advice, and to present it in such a manner that your audience’s emotions are aroused when they hear it.

Your advice shouldn’t be something extra-complicated or seemingly impossible to achieve. This will act as a counter-agent. Remember that you want your audience to follow your advice, not to chuck it away as something impossible.

Our article, 15 Powerful Speech Ending Lines And Tips To Create Your Own , is another great repository for some inspiration.

1. Ricardo Lieuw On

Speech Ending: “Learn something new, or a new way of approaching something old because there are a few skills are valuable as the art of learning.”

2. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

Speech Ending: “If we want to improve the competence level of our leaders, then we should first improve our own competence for judging and selecting leaders.”

3. Sharique Samsudheen

Speech Ending: “Some people love money, some people hate money, some people crave money, some people even kill for money. But what they miss is they just need to learn how to manage money well, and that will give them financial freedom.”

4. Kate Simonds

Speech Ending: Teens, you need to believe in your voices and adults, you need to listen.

5. Melissa Butler

Speech Ending: When you go home today, see yourself in the mirror, see all of you, look at all your greatness that you embody, accept it, love it and finally, when you leave the house tomorrow, try to extend that same love and acceptance to someone who doesn’t look like you.

6. Iskra Lawrence

Speech Ending: Speak to your body in a loving way. It’s the only one you got, it’s your home, and it deserves your respect. If you see anyone tearing themselves down, build them back up And watch your life positively grow when you give up the pursuit of perfection.

6. Contemplative Remark

As the name itself suggests, contemplative remarks are intended to make your audience contemplate or mull over something. The ‘something’ in question should be the idea central to your speech, or a key takeaway that you want them to return home with.

The idea is to get your audience thinking and to keep them thinking for a long, long time.

How To Add A Contemplative Remark To Your Speech Ending

To add a contemplative remark to your speech ending, you first need to figure out your key takeaway or main theme. Then, you want to arrange that as a question, and propose it to your audience at the end of your speech.

Remember that your question shouldn’t be something too wordy or complicated to understand. As with the quotes, you don’t want your audience stuck on the semantics. Rather, you want them to focus on the matter at hand.

1. Lisa Penney

Speech Ending: “So I invite you to pay more attention to your thoughts & consider the legacy you leave behind.”

2. Grant Sanderson

Speech Ending: “Some of the most useful math that you can find or teach has its origin in someone who was just looking for a good story.”

3. Greta Thunberg

Speech Ending: “We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up & change is coming whether you like it or not.”

4. Bill Eckstrom

Speech Ending: Now, think about this: it’s not the complexity-triggering individuals or events you should fear the most, but it’s your own willingness to accept or seek discomfort that will dictate the growth of not just you, but our entire world.

5. Robert Hoge

Speech Ending: Choose to accept your face, choose to appreciate your face, don’t look away from the mirror so quickly; understand all the love, and the life, and the pain that is the part of your face, that is the art of your face. Tomorrow when you wake up, what will your choice be?

7. Personal Anecdote

Personal anecdotes, as the name suggests, are anecdotes that are personal to the speaker or instances from their life. Personal anecdotes are a great way to incorporate the magical powers of storytelling in your speech, as well as to make a personal connection with the audience. Using personal anecdotes, you can hit two birds with one stone!

How To Add Personal Anecdotes To Your Speech Ending

To add personal anecdotes to your speech ending, you need to filter through your life experiences to find out ones that directly relate to your topic at hand. You don’t want to include an anecdote, no matter how compelling it is, if it doesn’t relate to your topic.

Remember to not keep your anecdote too long. Your audience will most likely lose their attention if you do so.

1. Sheila Humphries

Speech Ending: “Why do you go work for these people?” My answer to them was, “If I could help one child make it in this world, it’ll be worth it all.”

8. Call To Action

A call-to-action is one of the absolute best ways to conclude a speech with a bang. A well-written speech should aim to alter the audience’s mind or belief system in some way and to make them take an action in that direction. One crucial way to assure your audience does this is by using a call to action.

How To Add A Call To Action To Your Speech Ending

A call to action comes right before the ending of your speech to provide your audience with a clear idea or set of instructions about what they’re supposed to do after your talk ends.

A call to action should provide a roadmap to the audience for their future steps, and to outline clearly what those future steps are going to be.

1. Armin Hamrah

Speech Ending: “So tonight, after you finish your Math homework & before you lay your head down on that fluffy pillow, bring a piece of paper and pen by your bedside…”

2. Graham Shaw

Speech Ending: “So I invite you to get your drawings out there & spread the word that when we draw, we remember more!”

3. Andy Puddicombe

Speech Ending: You don’t have to burn any incense, and you definitely don’t have to sit on the floor. All you need to do is to take out 10 minutes out a day to step back, familiarize yourself with the present moment so that you get to experience a greater sense of focus, calm, and clarity in your life.

4. Amy Cuddy

Speech Ending: Before you go into the next stressful evaluative situation, for two minutes, try doing this in the elevator…

5. Jia Jiang

Speech Ending: When you are facing the next obstacle or the next failure, consider the possibilities. Don’t run! If you just embrace them, they might become your gifts as well.

9. Motivational Remark

As the name clearly explains, a motivational remark motivates your audience to carry out a plan of action. It ruffles the audience’s mind and emotions and has a powerful impact on the steps that your audience will take after you’ve finished speaking.

How To Add A Motivational Remark To Your Speech Ending

The key to a good motivational remark is to inspire your audience. Your motivational remark should act as a ray of hope to your audience and positively inspire them to take a desired course of action.

Your motivational remark should not be negative in any way. You don’t want to guilt or coerce your audience into doing something or feeling a certain way. You want to leave them on a positive note to move forward with their life.

1. Khanh Vy Tran

Speech Ending: “No matter what you’re going through right now & no matter what the future holds for you, please don’t change yourself. Love yourself, accept yourself & then transform yourself.”

2. Mithila Palkar

Speech Ending: “Get a job, leave a job, dance, sing, fall in love. Carve your own niche. But most importantly: learn to love your own randomness.”

3. Andrew Tarvin

Speech Ending: “Anyone can learn to be funnier. And it all starts with a choice. A choice to try to find ways to use humor. A choice to be like my grandmother, to look at the world around you and say WTF–wow, that’s fun.”

4. Laura Vanderkam

Speech Ending: There is time. Even if we are busy, we have time for what matters. And when we focus on what matters, we can build the lives we want in the time we’ve got.

5. Julian Treasure

Speech Ending: Let’s get listening taught in schools, and transform the world in one generation into a conscious listening world, a world of connection, a world of understanding, and a world of peace.

6. Mariana Atencio

Speech Ending: Let’s celebrate those imperfections that make us special. I hope that it teaches you that nobody has a claim on the word ‘normal’. We are all different. We are all quirky and unique and that is what makes us wonderfully human.

10. Challenge

Much like a call to action, the aim of proposing a challenge at the end of your speech is to instigate your audience to take some desired course of action. A challenge should make an appeal to your audience’s emotion, and motivate them to meet it.

How To Add A Challenge To Your Speech Ending

To apply a challenge effectively to your speech ending, you need to make sure that it’s something relevant to your topic. Your challenge should drive the central topic of your speech forward, and make your audience engage in real-life steps to apply your idea in the real world.

While its always a good idea to set a high bar for your challenge, make sure its an achievable one too.

1. Jamak Golshani

Speech Ending: “I challenge you to open your heart to new possibilities, choose a career path that excites you & one that’s aligned to who you truly are.”

2. Ashley Clift-Jennings

Speech Ending: So, my challenge to you today is, “Do you know, would you even know how to recognize your soulmate?” If you are going out in the world right now, would you know what you are looking for?

11. Metaphor

Metaphors are commonly used as a short phrase that draws a comparison between two ideas in a non-literal sense. People use metaphors quite commonly in daily life to explain ideas that might be too difficult or confusing to understand otherwise. Metaphors are also great tools to be used in speech, as they can present your main idea in a simple and memorable way.

How To Add Metaphors To Your Speech Ending

To add a metaphor to your speech ending, you need to first decide on the main idea or takeaway of your speech. Your metaphor should then be organized in such a way that it simplifies your main idea and makes it easier for your audience to understand & remember it.

The key is to not make your metaphor overly complicated or difficult to retain and share. Remember that you’re trying to simplify your idea for the audience–not make them even more confused.

1. Ramona J. Smith

Speech Ending: “Stay in that ring. And even after you take a few hits, use what you learned from those previous fights, and at the end of the round, you’ll still remain standing.”

2. Shi Heng YI

Speech Ending: “If any of you chooses to climb that path to clarity, I will be very happy to meet you at the peak.”

3. Zifang “Sherrie” Su

Speech Ending: “Are you turning your back on your fear? Our life is like this stage, but what scares are now may bring you the most beautiful thing. Give it a chance.”

12. Storytelling

The idea behind using stories to end your speech is to leave your audience with a good memory to take away with them.

Stories are catchy, resonating & memorable ways to end any speech.

Human beings can easily relate to stories. This is because most people have grown up listening to stories of some kind or another, and thus a good story tends to evoke fond feelings in us.

How To Incorporate Stories In Your Speech Ending

A great way to incorporate stories in your speech ending is by setting up a story in the beginning and then concluding it during the end of your speech.

Another great way would be to tell a short & funny anecdote related to a personal experience or simply something related to the topic at hand.

However, remember that it’s the ending of your speech. Your audience is most likely at the end of their attention span. So, keep your story short & sweet.

1. Sameer Al Jaberi

Speech Ending: “I can still see that day when I came back from my honeymoon…”

2. Josephine Lee

Speech Ending: “At the end of dinner, Jenna turned to me and said…”

Facts are another excellent speech ending, and they are used quite often as openings as well. The point of adding a fact as your speech ending is to add shock value to your speech, and to get your audience thinking & discussing the fact even after your speech has ended.

How To Add Facts To Your Speech Ending

The key to adding facts to your speech ending is to pick a fact that thrusts forward your main idea in the most concise form possible. Your fact should also be something that adds shock value to the speech, and it should ideally be something that the audience hasn’t heard before.

Make sure that your fact is relevant to the topic at hand. No matter how interesting, a fact that doesn’t relate to your topic is going to be redundant.

1. David JP Phillips

Speech Ending: 3500 years ago, we started transfering knowledge from generation to generation through text. 28 years ago, PowerPoint was born. Which one do you think our brain is mostly adapted to?

14. Rhethoric Remark

Rhetoric remarks are another excellent way to get the wheels of your audience’s minds turning. Rhetoric remarks make your audience think of an imagined scenario, and to delve deeper into your topic. Rhetoric remarks or questioned don’t necessarily need to have a ‘right’ or one-shot answer, which means you can be as creative with them as possible!

How To Add Rhethoric Remarks To Your Speech Ending

Since rhetorical questions don’t need to have a definite answer, you have much freedom in determining the type of question or statement you wish to make. However, as with all other speech endings, a rhetorical question shouldn’t be asked just for the sake of it.

A rhetorical question should make your audience think about your topic in a new or more creative manner. It should get them thinking about the topic and maybe see it from an angle that they hadn’t before.

Rhetorical questions shouldn’t be too confusing. Use simple language & make sure it’s something that the audience can easily comprehend.

1. Mona Patel

Speech Ending: Pick your problem, ask “What if?” Come up with ideas. Bring them down. Then execute on them. Maybe you’re thinking, “What if we can’t?” I say to you, “What if we don’t?”

2. Lizzie Velasquez

Speech Ending: I want you to leave here and ask yourself what defines you. But remember: Brave starts here.

Another great way to end your speech with a literal bang is by using music! After all, if there’s something that can impact the human mind with just as much force as a few well-placed words, it’s the correct music.

How To Add Music To Your Speech Ending

To add music to your speech ending, you must make sure that the music has something to do with your speech theme. Remember that you’re not playing music in your concert. The piece of music that you choose must be relevant to your topic & work to have a contribution in your overall speech.

1. Tom Thum

Speech Ending: *ends the TED Talk with beat boxing*

16. Reitirate The Title

The title of your speech is its most important component. That’s why you need to pay careful attention to how you pick it, as it is something that your viewers will most likely remember the longest about your speech.

Your title will also act as a guiding hand towards how your audience forms an initial idea about your speech and is what they will associate your entire speech with.

By repeating your title at the end of your speech, you increase the chances that your audience will remember it–and your speech–for a long time.

How To Retierate The Title In Your Speech Ending

Your title is something that your audience associates your entire speech with. However, you don’t want to simply add the title in your speech end for the sake of adding it. Instead, make it flow naturally into your speech ending. This will make it seem less forced, and will also increase the chances of your audience remembering your entire speech ending and not just the title of your speech.

1. Ruairi Robertson

Speech Ending: I feel we can all contribute to this fight worth fighting for our own health, but more importantly, our future generations’ health by restoring the relationship between microbe and man. There is SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

Need more inspiration for speech closing lines? Check out our article on 10 Of The Best Things To Say In Closing Remarks.

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To sum up, speech endings are just as imperative to the success of your speech as speech openings, and you must spend just as much time picking the perfect ending as you do to determine your best possible speech opening. The words you speak at the beginning and end of your speech are words that your audience will pay the most attention to, and remember longer than any other part of your speech.

Still looking for inspiration? Check out this video we made on closing remarks:

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8 Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts to Guide Your Own Celebration

Plus, we're sharing writing tips to customize your wedding vows and ceremony scripts.

Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and makeup artist whose work has appeared on HelloGiggles, Slate, Elite Daily, and Bustle.

Photo by Brittany Painter Photography

In This Article

The wedding ceremony is the heart of the big day. The attire, the flowers, and the food are all icing on the cake, but the wedding ceremony —the time when a couple exchanges vows and rings—is when two people actually become married. Considering the significance, it’s surprising that many couples often leave the wedding ceremony planning to the last minute, according to wedding officiant and professional vow writing coach Tanya Pushkine. “It’s so rare that the wedding ceremony is thought of as a priority,” says Pushkine. “It’s almost like an afterthought.”

Meet the Expert

Tanya Pushkine is a professional vow writing coach, ceremony planner, and officiant based in New York City. She’s known as the “vow whisperer” for her ability to craft authentic and memorable ceremonies that reflect the unique personalities and beliefs of the couple.

Pushkine recommends that couples start thinking about the ceremony early in the wedding-planning process so that they know what to ask for when they meet with their wedding planner or day-of coordinator. Religious ceremonies are typically more fixed in terms of the service, language, and traditions while secular/non-religious ceremonies give couples a lot more flexibility to personalize the ceremony to their unique tastes.

All weddings have a standard format ( processional , readings, vows, exchange of rings, pronouncement, first kiss, and recessional), but by changing up the readings, verbiage, and incorporating creative rituals into the service, you can make it completely your own and create a service that leaves your guests laughing, crying, and excited about what’s coming next. “Millennials are writing their own rules,” Pushkine says of modern wedding ceremonies . “They’re looking to create an experience, which is different than before, where couples just did what their parents did.”

Below, we’ve outlined wedding ceremony script writing tips and a few sample wedding ceremony scripts to inspire you.

Photo by Liz Andolina Photography

Wedding Ceremony Script Writing Tips

Whether you're working with a professional officiant , a member of a religious house of worship, a justice of the peace, or a friend or family member, you might decide to customize your wedding ceremony. If so, know that scripting your wedding ceremony can be a fun, joyful experience, but the pressure to do and say the right thing can interfere. Here's how to keep it from becoming overwhelming.

Start Early

Don’t leave writing your wedding ceremony until the last minute. Get ahead of it and start doing your research early on in the wedding-planning process so that you have plenty of time to find inspiration and craft a ceremony that reflects you as a couple. “It’s like a puzzle,” Pushkine warns. “There are so many different variations and themes to choose from when it comes to planning a wedding ceremony, so try to find unique elements that fit your personal style.”

Work With Your Officiant

The officiant is the most important person at the ceremony—more than the newlyweds—because they’re leading the entire service, and they hold the power to actually marry the couple. If your officiant is a religious leader or experienced wedding officiant , they might already have an outline for the wedding ceremony that you can add to, if you so choose. If you’re having a friend step in as the officiant, they’ll need some direction from the couple as to what they’ll want to include in the ceremony.

Don’t Procrastinate on Writing Your Vows

If you decide to write your own vows , make sure you dedicate plenty of time to not only writing your vows but practicing your delivery as well. Your vows are a lifetime promise that you’re making to your partner in front of your closest friends and family, so they should be meaningful and personal, but without being too revealing. Choose your words carefully, and rehearse until you feel confident and comfortable saying them aloud. 

Keep It Short and Sweet

Unless your ceremony involves a religious service, try to keep the ceremony length to no more than 30 minutes. Any longer and your guests might start looking at their watches. If you want a memorable ceremony that’s fun for everyone—not just the couple—try to make your ceremony interactive. “The best thing you can do to make your ceremony unique is to get people laughing,” Pushkine says. “Wedding ceremonies can be a lot of fun without completely disregarding the serious element involved.” 

Consider Printing Programs for Your Guests

Personalized wedding ceremonies can be entertaining, but the further away you get from the traditional ceremony format, the more confused your guests might be. Wedding programs are a great addition to make your guests feel more involved and aware of where the service is going.

Programs are also great to further explain more meaningful elements of the ceremony, like why you chose to include certain readings or rituals. 

Get a Second Opinion

Make sure to have someone look over your wedding script before the big day to make sure it flows well and sounds both authentic and natural. It never hurts to have a second pair of eyes to provide feedback and edit suggestions on what is likely the most important speech you’ll ever deliver.

Photo by Lance Nicoll

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Now that you’re ready to start writing your own wedding ceremony script, here are a few sample scripts to use as a jumping-off point, all prepared by American Marriage Ministries (AMM) .

Photo by Getty Images / Brides

Traditional Wedding Ceremony Script

PROCESSIONAL Beginning of the wedding ceremony. Guests are seated followed by the entrance of the bridal party.

INVOCATION Welcome, loved ones. We are gathered here today to join [Name] and [Name] in holy matrimony.

VOW EXCHANGE [Name], I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us.

[Name] I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us.

RING EXCHANGE AND DECLARATION OF INTENT With this ring I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us.

With this ring I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us.

PRONOUNCEMENT By the power vested in me by the state of [State], I now pronounce you [husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife]!

Nonreligious Wedding Ceremony Script

PROCESSIONAL Beginning of the wedding ceremony. Guests are seated.

INVOCATION Family and friends, thank you all for coming today to share in this wonderful occasion. Today we are here together to unite [Name] and [Name] in marriage.

DECLARATION OF INTENT Do you [Name], take this [woman/man/person] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to live together in matrimony, to love [her/him/them], comfort [her/him/them], honor and keep [her/him/them], in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?

Do you [Name], take this [woman/man/person] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to live together in matrimony, to love [her/him/them], comfort [her/him/them], honor and keep [her/him/them], in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?

RING EXCHANGE [Name] and [Name] have chosen rings to exchange with each other as a symbol of their unending love. As you place this ring on [Name]’s finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed and pledge you my love now and forever.

[Name], as you place this ring on [Name]’s finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed and pledge you my love now and forever.

PRONOUNCEMENT By the authority vested in me by the State of [State], I now pronounce you [husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife]!

RECESSIONAL End of the wedding ceremony.

Modern Wedding Ceremony Script

INVOCATION Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of [Name] and [Name]. This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgment of the next chapter in their lives together. [Name] and [Name] have spent years getting to know each other, and we now bear witness to what their relationship has become. Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly.

[Name] and [Name] will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but by also celebrating the love between all of us—including the love of their parents, siblings, extended family, and best friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous.

DECLARATION OF INTENT Do you [Name] take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife]? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto [him/her/them] for as long as you both shall live?

Do you [Name] take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife]? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto [him/her/them] for as long as you both shall live?

RING EXCHANGE A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other.

[Name], place the ring on [Name]'s finger and repeat after me:

[Name], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

And now...[Name], place the ring on [Name]'s finger and repeat after me:

PRONOUNCEMENT Before these witnesses, you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings. By the authority vested in me by the great State of [State], I now pronounce you married!

Christian Wedding Ceremony Script

INVOCATION We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join together [Name] and [Name] in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, since the first man and the first woman walked on the earth. Therefore; it is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly. Into this holy estate, these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

READING A reading from the Apostle Paul, The first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13, verses 4 through 7: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Father, as [Name] and [Name] pledge themselves to each other, help them and bless them that their love may be pure, and their vows may be true. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

DECLARATION OF INTENT [Name] and [Name], you have come together this day so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of this minister of His word and this community of family and friends and so, in the presence of this gathering, I ask you to state your intentions: Have you both come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? If so, answer by saying 'I have.'

RING EXCHANGE [Name], please take the ring you have selected for [Name]. As you place it on [his/her] finger, repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed.

[Name], please take the ring you have selected for [Name]. As you place it on [his/her] finger, repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed.

PRAYER May Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, always be at the center of the new lives you are now starting to build together, that you may know the ways of true love and kindness. May the Lord bless you both all the days of your lives and fill you with His joy. Amen.

PRONOUNCEMENT Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder. In so much as [Name] and [Name] have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, having given and pledged their faith, each to the other, and having declared same by the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that you are husband and wife. I ask you now to seal the promises you have made with each other this day with a kiss.

Jewish Wedding Ceremony Script

SIGNING OF THE KETUBAH The Ketubah is an ancient document and is a marriage contract that lays out the commitment that the couple has to each other. It is signed by two Jewish witnesses, neither of whom can be blood-related family members to the couple.

BEDEKEN After the Ketubah signing, there is a short but meaningful ritual where the groom covers the bride’s face with her veil. The veiling itself is a symbol of modesty, based upon the biblical account of Rebecca meeting Isaac. Some couples put a modern spin on the tradition by having the bride place a yarmulke on the groom.

INVOCATION We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of [Name] and [Name]. A special thanks to all of you that traveled from far and wide to witness the promise these two are about to make to one another. We are here to offer our love and support, and to stand with [Name] and [Name] as they begin this new chapter of their lives.

RING EXCHANGE The couple will now exchange rings. These rings symbolize the never-ending love you feel for each other. The ring has neither a beginning nor an end, just as there is no beginning or end to what the partners give and receive. These rings will be a reminder of the vows you have taken today. By this ring, you are consecrated to me according to the law of Moses and Israel.

BLESSING OF THE HANDS [Name] and [Name], please join hands. Looks at these hands for they are of your closest friend. They are strong and full of love. As you join hands today, you make the promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

THE SEVEN BLESSINGS The Seven Blessings are now recited.

BREAKING THE GLASS The ceremony is concluded by the groom stamping on a glass and smashing it. This is the signal for the gathered people to cheer, dance, and shout “Mazal Tov!” Some couples choose to update this tradition by breaking the glass together with one swift smash in unison.

Baptist Wedding Ceremony Script

PROCESSIONAL Beginning of the wedding ceremony. Guests are seated followed by the entrance of the bridal party.

INVOCATION Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of God, family, and friends to witness a joyous occasion—the union of [Name] and [Name] in holy matrimony.

PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE Who gives [Name] to be married to [Name]?

[Bride’s father or parent] I do.

DECLARATION OF INTENT [Name] and [Name], as you stand here before friends, family, and God, I ask you to declare your intentions to join in the sacred covenant of marriage.

Do you take [Name] to be your husband, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him, as long as you both shall live?

[Name], have you come here freely and without reservation to marry?

[Name], do you take [Name] to be your wife, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her, as long as you both shall live?

EXCHANGE OF VOWS AND RINGS [Name] and [Name] will now exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment and endless devotion.

 [Name], you may place the ring you’ve chosen on [Name]’s hand.

 And [Name], you may place the ring you’ve chosen on [Name]’s hand.

 [Couple exchanges rings.]

This marriage unites not just [Name] and [Name], but all of the families sitting here today. They ask now for your blessing. Do you promise to support [Name] and [Name] in their marriage, to keep them in your prayers, to hold them up with love, and to rejoice in companionship in Jesus as they walk this path together?

[Audience] We do.

Closing prayers.

PRONOUNCEMENT [Name] and [Name], having witnessed your marriage vows in the eyes of God and before all who are assembled here, by the authority invested in me by the State of [State], I pronounce you husband and wife. 

You may kiss the bride!

Protestant Wedding Ceremony Script

PROCESSION Beginning of the wedding ceremony. Guests are seated followed by the entrance of the bridal party. 

INVOCATION Dearly beloved, we’re gathered here today in the presence of God to witness and bless this union as [Name] and [Name] join together in holy matrimony. 

This holy bond is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, thoughtfully, and in accordance with those purposes for which God created it. 

INTERROGATION AND CHARGE TO THE COUPLE If anyone present knows of any reason why this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace. 

[Name] and [Name], here in the presence of God, family, and friends, if either of you know any reason why you should not marry, do now confess it. 

PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE Who presents [Name] to be married to [Name]?

DECLARATION OF INTENT Please face each other and join hands.

[Name] if it’s in your heart, please repeat after me. 

In the name of God,  I, [Name], take you, [Name],  to be my (wife/husband/spouse),  to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse,  for richer for poorer,  in sickness and in health,  to love and to cherish,  until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

[Partner repeats this vow.]

EXCHANGE OF RINGS Lord, bless these rings as you bless this union, in your infinite wisdom, today, tomorrow and always. Amen

[Partner] I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. With all that I am, and all that I have, I promise to honor and cherish you, in God’s name. 

[Partner repeats.]

PRONOUNCEMENT [Name] and [Name], remember to love each other faithfully, just as Christ loved the church, for marriage is a lasting promise of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Trust in God with all your heart, and your path forward will be filled with joy and light for all the years to come. 

By the power vested in me by the beautiful state of [State], in the presence of God and the witness of friends and family, it is my great privilege to pronounce you husband and wife!

Catholic Wedding Ceremony Script

INVOCATION In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Opening prayer and readings.

CELEBRATION OF MATRIMONY All stand, and the couple comes to the altar flanked by their witnesses. The priest will address the couple with a celebration of matrimony:

Dearly beloved, you have come together into the house of the church so that in the presence of the church’s minister and the community, your intention to enter into marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal.

ADDRESS AND STATEMENT OF INTENTIONS [Name] and [Name], have you come here to enter into marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?

 [Couple] I have

Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?

[Couple] I am

 EXCHANGE OF CONSENT I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [wife/husband]. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.

[Partner two repeats this vow.]

BLESSING AND GIVING OF RINGS Bless, O Lord, these rings which we bless in your name. So that those who wear them may remain entirely faithful to each other, abide in peace and in your will, and live always in mutual charity. Through Christ our Lord.

[Priest sprinkles wedding rings with holy water, then hands them to each partner.]

[Name], receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the father, and the son, and the holy spirit.  

[Places ring on partner’s finger]

[Partner two repeats this vow and places ring on partner’s finger.]

PRAYER Priest leads congregation with the Lord’s Prayer.

COMMUNION Priest performs communion, starting with the married couple. 

PRONOUNCEMENT By the power vested in me by the state of [State], I now pronounce you husband and wife.

The best place to find ideas for your very own wedding ceremony script is, you guessed it, the internet. From wedding videography on YouTube to bridal blogs, wedding planning sites, and of course, Brides , there is certainly no shortage of inspiration.

Traditionally, a wedding script begins with the officiant seating the guests and thanking them for bearing witness to the marriage of the couple. While religious ceremonies may begin with a bible verse or another custom, a more modern approach may start the ceremony with a story of the couple.

While the format for your wedding ceremony script largely depends on how religious the occasion is, there are a variety of ways to make it personal to you as a couple. Incorporate guests who are taking witness to your marriage or include a story of how you met followed by a time where you rose above a challenge together to add a personal touch to the proceedings.

The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Guide

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Writing Tips From Experts

How to Create a Unique Wedding Ceremony

How Long Should the Ceremony Last?

Tips for Writing the Perfect Program

Seating: Who Sits Where?

Modern Ways to Walk Down the Aisle

What Is a Unity Ceremony?

Creative Ideas to Personalize Your Ceremony

Questions to Ask Your Officiant

How Much Does an Officiant Cost?

How to Lead a Wedding Ceremony

How to Write Your Own Vows

Who Traditionally Goes First?

Quotes About Love to Get You Started

Traditional Vows to Inspire Your Own

Modern Vows That Are Unique

Unique Vow Ideas From TV Shows and Movies

Should You Exchange Vows Before the Ceremony?

The Best Vow Books to Keep Your Love Alive

How to Choose Music for Your Ceremony

Blessings and Prayers From Different Cultures and Religions

The Best Songs to Play While Guests Arrive

Non-Religious Readings We Love

The Best Songs to Walk Down the Aisle To

Incredible Altar Ideas

Beautiful Ways to Decorate Your Aisle

Unique Chair Layouts

Stunning Ceremony Locations

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Powerful Tips on How to Write Wedding Vows + 65 Vow Examples

Author: Elizabeth Nelson

Table of Contents – CLICK TO SKIP TO:

• Part 1 – Basic Tips on How to Write Wedding Vows
• Part 2 – Step-By-Step Tips to Writing Your Unique Wedding Vows (includes an example for each step)
• 17 Short Sample Wedding Vows
• 28 Unique Sample Wedding Vows
• 12 Funny Sample Wedding Vows
• 3 Sample Wedding Vows for Him

Weddings are a joyous occasion, but one of the most stressful parts is how to write wedding vows and make them truly yours. You want them to be funny, sweet, heartfelt, and unique, but you don’t know where to start. We’ve got some great tips for you!

Part 1: Writing Your Own Wedding Vows that Don’t Suck

Let’s get you started on writing wedding vows, unique wedding vows, or original wedding vows. These tips below will give you ideas and inspiration about the vows themself as well as tips on how to write.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute.

Your wedding vows are going to be spoken In front of your officiant, pastor, priest or rabbi, your entire family, and your circle of friends. The last thing you want to do is throw them together at the last minute.

We recommend getting started right away. That will give you time to write, revise, and even procrastinate a tiny bit.

Use keepsakes, letters, cards, and gifts for inspiration.

When writing anything you need inspiration. Writing wedding vows is the same, which is why you should surround yourself with keepsakes, cards, gifts, and anything else that you’ve gotten from your spouse-to-be.

These objects will remind you of special dates , events, and occurrences that can inspire your words of love and devotion.

Agree on a format beforehand.

If you’re like most couples you’ll probably want to keep your vows a little bit of a secret until the big day. However, agreeing on a specific format, length, and other ground rules, if you will, is a good idea. Things like humor, for example, might be OK with one of you but not the other.

The length of your vows should also be agreed on so that you both stick to the same amount of words, more or less. Of course, nothing says that you can’t write your vows together either, which some folks find extremely romantic.

Ask a trusted friend or family member to read your vows.

If writing comes naturally to you this might be a tip you can skip. If not, asking a trusted family member or friend to read your vows before you speak them on your special day is a great idea. Better yet, have them read the vows out loud to you so that you’ll hear the words, cadence, inflections.

Non-traditional wedding vows can break the mold but you don’t want to say anything that some might feel go overboard, especially your spouse-to-be.

Write. Stop. Write Again. Repeat.

This is a great tip for people who don’t write all the time; don’t try to write everything in one sitting. Some of the best writers on the planet take breaks from their writing. That way, they can come back to it with a fresh mind, clearer outlook, or new inspiration. You should do the same.

Take a couple of hours one day to write and then stop. Come back a day or two later, write some more and then stop again.

Do this until you perfect your wedding vows and feel like they’re as good as they’re going to get. You’ll be surprised how well this works, trust us.

Make a list of the things you love.

If you’re having trouble getting started putting words to paper (or to the computer screen) you might consider writing a list instead. List all of the things that you love about your special guy or special gal. Make another list of the things that you enjoy doing together or a list of the hopes and dreams you both have.

Write everything down that you can think of without worrying about how it sounds. When you’re done, you can then use your lists to inspire what you write and make your wedding vows unique.

Don’t get too personal or TMI.

Yes, your wedding vows are supposed to be romantic and talk about the deep personal feelings you have for each other. That being said, don’t go too far because, remember, all of your friends and family will be listening.

You probably want to skip any inside jokes that no one else would understand or anything about your sex life (obviously).

Then again, these are your vows and you can pretty much say whatever you want. As long as you both agree on it, go for it.  (BIG TIP- Do NOT throw in a surprise personal reference that might embarrass your sweetheart. That could start your wedding day on a slightly sour note.)

Answer your own questions.

This is another tip for those of you who are having trouble writing. Make a list of questions and then answer them. This is a great way to inspire yourself based on facts that you already know. Here are a few good ones:

• Where did you meet?
• When was the first time he or she said: “I love you”?
• What do you have in common?
• What was your first impression when you met?
• What interesting things have you done together? (vacations, etc.)
• What do you love most about them?
• How have they inspired you?
• What activities do you enjoy together?

Get the idea? You can ask a million questions like these and then use the answers to write your vows! They can be about anything you wish when you’re writing original wedding vows. They can also be a great source when writing secular wedding vows.

Part 2- Step-By-Step Tips to Writing Your Unique Wedding Vows

In this section, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions that you can follow (like paint-by-numbers!) and write your non-traditional wedding vows. You can use them as-is or customize them to your particular style.

State who this wonderful person standing before you is.

Whether they’re your best friend, the love of your life, the yin to your yang, start with a statement that says just that.

Here’s an example:

“Jesse, you are the love of my life, my best friend, and partner-in-crime.”

Write down the things you love about your spouse-to-be.

This next part is focused on the traits you adore about your partner. Maybe the thing that first attracted you to them or the trait that you find the most endearing. It could be the thing you miss when they’re not around or the reason that you love them.

“Since the day I first saw you, I knew you were my soulmate. I love you for the way you make me feel when we’re together and miss you so much when we’re apart. We’ve grown so much together and you enrich my life and inspire me to be better.”

Tell a Story About How You Met or Fell In Love

Many couples like to add in an anecdote about how they met, where they first kissed, etc. This can make your vows more memorable and give your family and friends some insight into why you’ve decided to marry (and how deeply you care for each other).

“Since the day I watched you get yanked around on a rope on your skis by a horse named Peanut – (turn to guests) Jesse does skijoring for those attending who don’t know – I knew that I couldn’t picture my life without you ever again. On the ski lift at Sundance, you told me I was the partner you’d only dreamed about. That moment felt perfect because I felt the exact same way about you.”

Tell the promises you want to make to your partner.

This is the ‘vow’ part of unique wedding vows. It’s here where you promise, as they say in many traditional wedding vows, “to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer’ etc.

These also vow to support your partner and demonstrate how you will do so. Adding your style and flair here is why you wanted to write these vows in the first place, so go for it!

• “I promise to love you and always be by your side, through all of the ups and downs.”
• “I vow to always be faithful, and always be your best friend, no matter what the future might bring.”
• “I promise to always root for you, cheer you on, and be your biggest fan.”
• “I promise to love and support you.”
• “I promise to spend the rest of my days loving you madly.”
• “I promise to cherish you for the rest of your life.”
• “Before our family and friends, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, I promise to love you and spend the rest of my days with you.”

Add some humor or romance. Why not both?

When writing secular wedding vows you’re allowed to add in anything you like, including humorous and romantic vows. These can add a lot of uniqueness and spice and make them even more memorable.

• “I promise to love you until my dying breath and never leave your side.”
• “I promise to share my dreams, my secrets, and my innermost feelings with you always and forever.”
• “I promise to never leave the toilet seat up and always give you fair warning if my mother is coming for a visit.” (Be careful with that one!)
• “I vow to root for the Niners even if they’re playing the Raiders.”

Mention things you will do together.

On your wedding day, you and your partner will be merging into a couple, a team, or a lifelong partnership (choose whichever term you like best). For that reason, you should mention a few of the things that you will do when you’re growing together down the road.

• “Together we’ll face the future without fear because we’ll always have each other to lean on.”
• “We’ll grow together, learn together, and change the world together.”

Remember to add the tough stuff.

We’re talking about rough times, of course, which all couples inevitably face. It won’t all be tea and crumpets in the future and you should be sure to attest to that in your vows.

• “I promise to be faithful during the best of times, the worst of times, and everything in between.”
• “I promise to take care of you and prioritize your needs when you really need me.”
• “I promise to not get caught up in petty arguments, (even if you gave me the wrong directions!) Because our relationship is so much more meaningful than that.”

Wrap it up in a beautiful bow.

The last sentence in your original wedding vows should be one last promise to always be the one. It’s the big finish, so make sure you make this last sentence count.

• You are the love of my life and I promise to adore you, cherish you and respect you for all the days of my life.”
• Today and forever, I give you my heart, my soul, and my trust, no matter what our future might bring.”

Part 3: Full Non-Traditional Unique Wedding Vow Examples

This blog post is about how to craft wedding vows that are original. There are many different styles of wedding vows, so there should be something for everyone! Wedding planning can be stressful – one way we try to help ease the process is by providing examples like these for your wedding ceremony!

Writing vows should come naturally because they are such an important part of the wedding ceremony, right? Wrong! For many of us, we stumble to find the right words to express our infinity of love for our partner.

Want to know how do you write a short wedding vow? View our examples below!

If you’re writing a short wedding vow, speak from your heart, and don’t be afraid to get emotional. It’s okay to ask for help as long as the person is someone who knows you well enough not to feel offended by it. We have some original examples below if you find them more helpful.

These are not your average “In sickness and in health.” Here are sample wedding vows with a bit of sentiment, empathy, humor, silliness, and heartfelt love. (Who cut the onions?).

We wrote these ourselves, don’t judge. So feel free to steal them, get inspiration, and make them yours – we won’t claim credit ;)

Short Sample Wedding Vows

• “I promise to be kind, patient, and forgiving. I promise to hold from this day in my heart, mind, and soul, and to take care of you for the rest of my life.”
• “In all my thoughts about how best to love you, it occurs to me that the best way is to keep showing up.”
• “I will always strive to do my best for you and to be the person that you need me to be.”
• “I vow never to take away any of myself but instead give more than ever before as I guide you through every part of my heart until eternity.”
• “I promise you my heart and with it, I’m forever yours. My wedding vows stand true; you have me completely. My love is never-ending.”
• “We will be best friends, partners, and lovers. We’ll share everything from our deepest secrets to the most intimate moments of passion.”
• “I promise you my heart and with it, I’m yours completely. My wedding vows stand true; you have me forever. My love for you is endless.”
• “I pledge you my love and devotion now, tomorrow, into eternity.”
• “Wherever life’s journey leads us, please know that my heart belongs with yours.”
• “It’s been a long time coming, but I want nothing more than to be your husband/wife.”
• “I promise to share everything from my deepest secrets to the most intimate moments of passion with you.”
• “I will never give up on us.” “No matter how many ups and downs we face, I will always love you.”
• “I promise to love you, to be your faithful partner in life, and live with gratitude for you daily.”
• “You are the most important person in the world to me. Together we will build a home of our own making where there is respect for each other’s feelings and ideas. I promise to love you for the rest of the days of my life.”
• “I vow to love you unconditionally for all of eternity.”
• “I give myself completely to you. I offer my love for your own happiness. I surrender all that is within me so we may grow old together.”
• “You are my best friend in the universe, my other half. You are the love of my life.”

Unique Sample Wedding Vows

• “Today and every day for the rest of my life, I promise to be your navigator and sidekick in all of life’s adventures. I’ll always keep you by my side so that we can experience this wonderful journey of life together. I promise to be your best friend, partner-in-crime; someone who will remind you how much they love you when life gets hard.”
• “Today and every day for the rest of my life, I promise to be there for you. Whether we’re exploring a new country or Netflix and chillin’, I am excited about our journey. Through good times or bad ones including those trying moments – and I am so grateful they happen because I love you so much more when we overcome adversity – at all points along our life path, just know that you have all of me through thick and thin.”
• “Today and every day for the rest of my life, I promise to be your (husband/wife), partner, and sidekick in all of life’s adventures. Together, we will have an adventure that is greater than any other! I promise you myself completely.”
• “I promise that I will love you for all the years of my life and remain open to your wishes, thoughts, feelings, and needs. I will always listen with empathy as we share our hopes for the future. Together we can work out any difficulties or challenges so long as we are willing to communicate in a meaningful way about them. No matter what may come our way, this commitment shall never falter from us.”
• “This relationship has given me opportunities to grow into myself and learn more about what I want out of life. Now that we have found each other again, there will be no holding back from exploring our future life together!”
• “I promise to stay by your side through sickness and in health as your husband/wife; even when difficult times come along. Your happiness shall forever be most important to me.”
• “I vow never, ever to hurt you or make you feel less than perfect in any way; both now and forevermore. I promise not only to love but also to respect and cherish our union from this day forward until death parts us apart again.”
• “The most important thing is that we grow together as a couple through shared experiences – good times or bad- so we can share with each other what life means on a deeper level. I want all of your dreams to come true, even if they aren’t mine too because it makes them no longer just yours alone… ours!”
• “I promise to love you endlessly for the rest of our days as your husband/wife. I will keep you safe and warm as I shelter us from the tribulations that may come our way. In lean times, we can rely on each other for comfort. Together, let’s make today a day of firsts by making memories to last a lifetime!”
• “Today and every day for the rest of my life, I promise as your (husband/wife) to always be by your side. We are one soul with two halves – our hearts beat in unison. From sunrise until sunset, dusk to dawn, through world pandemics and quarantines, from here on out it’s just me and you baby!”
• “When I am with you, the world fades away. All that matters is being there for every moment of your life and making sure to cherish it as best we can together. You are my greatest gift in this lifetime and I’m so lucky our paths crossed because if they didn’t then none of these wonderful moments would ever have happened, and it means so much more that we got to experience these together!”
• “I love you so much it almost hurts! You are my life. The joy I feel when we’re together is indescribable in words. All that matters to me now and always will be is our family together. I am for this gift called marriage and to call you my husband/wife.”
• “I cherish every second with you. You are my life and the heartbeat that keeps me going day after day. But from this day forward on as we stand before these witnesses here today, I vow to make each of our days count more than any other in existence because they’re all ours together-forever, to share and enjoy.”
• “It’s not about the rings that we wear. It’s all about us! And I vow to be your best friend, lover, and soul mate from this day forward for better or worse until death do us part.”
• “We are more than just two souls coming together; we’re a family united by love. We pledge to focus on our shared values which will guide both of our lives as one through happiness and sorrow, in sickness and in health till death parts us.”
• “I pledge myself to you today. I am yours now and forevermore.” “With this ring, I seal our promises together for all time. And with these hands, I offer my heart forevermore.”
• “You are my best friend in the world. We’ve had our share of hard times but they have only made me realize what a precious gift your companionship is to me. We are now committed together forever… as it should be.”
• “We are going into this life together. We will face the difficulties of today as well as tomorrow with courage born anew each day by our faithfulness to one another’s needs—physical, spiritual, emotional.”
• As your husband/wife, I promise to be your rock. I promise to uplift and encourage you. I promise to never give up on you. I will work hard every day to make sure that we both know how much I love and cherish you.”
• “I pledge myself, my life, my heart, and all that is within me, to be your one faithful husband/wife from this day forth for better or worse, in sickness and in health. All the days of our lives together are like a beautiful tapestry with threads coming together which create a perfect whole. With these wedding vows completed here today through making promises before our friends and family, it has been woven by two people who have decided they want their life together forevermore as one solid and cherished thread.”
• “For better or less than whatever may come our way…we stand fearless knowing nothing can stop our love or keep us from each other. You have been the most important person in my life. From this moment forward, I will be your husband/wife and you shall be my husband/wife.”
• “I take thee as my wedded spouse, to have and to hold from this day onward; for better or worse; forsaking all others that come before me. Do so with peace of mind knowing our lives intertwine together…and create a perfect whole called love.”
• “I promise to always be there for you, in good times and bad. I know that we can make it through anything together. Every day I fall more deeply in love with you and am so happy to have found someone who is willing to face all of life’s challenges with me.”
• Be my partner in life, we’re so much better together. I want to laugh with you when you are happy; to support you when you’re down, and to encourage you always. We’ll always be there for each other so we can see overcome whatever comes our way long after today has gone.
• Together, let’s build a lifetime of happiness on this foundation of love. We shall not give up hope or surrender to adversity but instead renew our faith in ourselves and one another again and again.”
• “As we walk down life’s path together hand in hand, you have my entire heart and soul.”
• “Oneness has been our destiny since first we met. This moment two became one on earth and now our souls have mated. My love for you grows ever stronger with each passing hour like the mountain’s roots that hold it.”
• You are my destiny. I promise always to remember how much you mean to me. That’s a vow I’ll make till the day we’re old and grey.”

Funny Wedding Vows

Want to see how many emotions you can bring up during your vows? Going from sweet to goofy is a great way to make your guests tear up then laugh! Here are some examples of funny wedding vows:

• “Give me your bad hair days, your long commutes, and burnt coffee. I’ll give you my love to make it all better!”
• “I’ll always be on your side as your (husband/wife), even when you’re wrong. I promise to never let the dirty dishes accumulate in the sink too long–even if it’s just for me! I promise to never keep score, even when I’m clearly winning.”
• “You’re the peanut butter to my jelly, the salt to my pepper shaker, and nacho cheese to my fries– we’re just better together.”
• “I promise to not watch a Netflix episode behind your back.”
• “I promise to always wear matching socks, and I’ll never ask you to wear any of my clothes.”
• “I solemnly swear that when we have kids together I will play with them every day and not just throw a ball at their head or tell them the same bedtime story over and over again.”
• “Thank you for loving me even though my hairline has receded since high school and it may never grow back in.”
• I promise to take better photos of you and always get your good side.
• “I promise to always remember your birthday and anniversary if you’ll forgive me for forgetting back in 2018!”
• “I promise to never leave your side, kind of like when we were stuck together during a pandemic.”
• “You are the mustard to my mayo, the salt to my pepper shaker and a one-of-a-kind spice I need in life.”
• “Every day we’ll make new mistakes together and learn from them faster than ever before. I promise to bring you Pedialyte and Advil when you’re hungover.”

Wedding Vow for a Passed Down Wedding Ring

• “This wedding ring has been passed down from generation after generation and has stood the test of time. It is a symbol of our love and commitment to each other.”
• “It represents the unbreakable bond you have given me today. As long as we wear it on our hands, it’s like a promise that no matter what life brings us – good or bad- nothing can break us apart because we are one soul joined together.”
• “Together with this ring, I will always be your partner in life; for all that we share together, both now and forevermore!”

Sample Wedding Vows for Him

When you’re writing wedding vows for your husband, you want to make him feel like a million bucks. Whether he’s a “macho man” or not, you need to make sure that your wedding vows are going to bring him tears of happiness and sentiment.

• “Nothing brings me more happiness than to call you my husband.”
• “You’ve provided me with a life of joy and laughter.”
• “I promise to love you, care for you, honor you, and cherish our marriage. I will never forget the day that I met my best friend in person! The first time I saw your face; it was like looking at the sun coming up over the horizon on a new day. It warmed my heart just knowing that now there’s someone who loves me as much as I love them. You make every bad thing seem better by being near me because nothing is more important than spending eternity with you.”

Hopefully, this provides inspiration for finding unique words when writing one’s own vows! After reading these examples it should be clear that a simple “ you’re the best” or “ we’ll never part” may not work as an effective marriage vow. Instead, think about what your loved one cares about and how you can best express your love.

Wedding vows are one of the most personal moments in a couple’s life, and they can be as simple or complex as you wish. There is no “right” way to write your own wedding vows.

A number of traditional elements have become popular additions to more modern weddings: exchanging rings, drinking wine from two glasses that represent both families, saying “I now pronounce you husband and wife” (or “…partners for eternity), giving away flowers after the ceremony etc.

Thanks for reading and we hope you’re inspired to write your own wedding vows!

P.S. If you’re looking for religious wedding vows or following a traditional wedding, check out  The Most Romantic Religious Wedding Vows and Traditions from Different Cultures . Some of the religious wedding vows are traditional while others are modern. Either way, you’ll love our original religious wedding vows and the stories behind the traditional ones.

We hope you enjoyed this article and that it’s inspired you to start writing your unique vows today. We wish you the best of luck with your vows and, of course, with your wedding itself! Also, congratulations! And if you’re not keen on writing your own vows, you should try this  wedding vows writing service that can take that stress off your plate.

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• How to end a speech effectively

How to end a speech memorably

3 ways to close a speech effectively.

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 09-05-2022

Knowing how, and when, to end a speech is just as important as knowing how to begin. Truly.

What's on this page:

• why closing well is important
• 3 effective speech conclusions with examples and audio
• 7 common ways people end their speeches badly  - what happens when you fail to plan to end a speech memorably
• How to end a Maid Honor speech: 20 examples
• links to research showing the benefits of finishing a speech strongly

Why ending a speech well is important

Research *  tells us people most commonly remember the first and last thing they hear when listening to a speech, seminar or lecture.

Therefore if you want the audience's attention and, your speech to create a lasting impression sliding out with:  "Well, that's all I've got say. My time's up anyway. Yeah - so thanks for listening, I guess.",  isn't going to do it.

So what will?

* See the foot of the page for links to studies and articles on what and how people remember : primacy and recency.

Three effective speech conclusions

Here are three of the best ways to end a speech. Each ensures your speech finishes strongly rather than limping sadly off to sure oblivion.

You'll need a summary of your most important key points followed by the ending of your choice:

• a powerful quotation
• a challenge
• a call back

To work out which of these to use, ask yourself what you want audience members to do or feel as a result of listening to your speech. For instance;

• Do you want to motivate them to work harder?
• Do you want them to join the cause you are promoting?
• Do you want them to remember a person and their unique qualities?

What you choose to do with your last words should support the overall purpose of your speech.

Let's look at three different scenarios showing each of these ways to end a speech.

To really get a feel for how they work try each of them out loud yourself and listen to the recordings.

1. How to end a speech with a powerful quotation

Your speech purpose is to inspire people to join your cause. Specifically you want their signatures on a petition lobbying for change and you have everything ready to enable them to sign as soon as you have stopped talking.

You've summarized the main points and want a closing statement at the end of your speech to propel the audience into action.

Borrowing words from a revered and respected leader aligns your cause with those they fought for, powerfully blending the past with the present.

For example:

"Martin Luther King, Jr said 'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.'

Now is the time to decide. Now is the time to act. 

Here's the petition. Here's the pen. And here's the space for your signature.

Now, where do you stand?"

Try it out loud and listen to the audio

Try saying this out loud for yourself. Listen for the cumulative impact of: an inspirational quote, plus the rhythm and repetition (two lots of 'Now is the time to...', three of 'Here's the...', three repeats of the word 'now') along with a rhetorical question to finish.

Click the link to hear a recording of it:  sample speech ending with a powerful quotation .

2. How to end a speech with a challenge

Your speech purpose is to motivate your sales force.

You've covered the main points in the body of it, including introducing an incentive: a holiday as a reward for the best sales figures over the next three weeks.

You've summarized the important points and have reached the end of your speech. The final words are a challenge, made even stronger by the use of those two extremely effective techniques: repetition and rhetorical questions.

"You have three weeks from the time you leave this hall to make that dream family holiday in New Zealand yours.

Can you do it?

Will you do it?

The kids will love it.

Your wife, or your husband, or your partner, will love it.

Do it now!"

Click the link to listen to a recording of it: sample speech ending with a challenge . And do give it a go yourself.

3. How to end a speech with a call back

Your speech purpose is to honor the memory of a dear friend who has passed  away.

You've briefly revisited the main points of your speech and wish in your closing words to  leave the members of the audience with a happy and comforting take-home message or image to dwell on.

Earlier in the speech you told a poignant short story. It's that you return to, or call back.

Here's an example of what you could say:

"Remember that idyllic picnic I told you about?

Every blue sky summer's day I'll see Amy in my mind.

Her red picnic rug will be spread on green grass under the shade of an old oak tree. There'll be food, friends and laughter.

I'll see her smile, her pleasure at sharing the simple good things of life, and I know what she'd say too. I can hear her.

"Come on, try a piece of pie. My passing is not the end of the world you know."

Click the link to hear a recording of it: sample speech ending with a call back . Try it out for yourself too. (For some reason, this one is a wee bit crackly. Apologies for that!)

When you don't plan how to end a speech...

That old cliché 'failing to plan is planning to fail' can bite and its teeth are sharp.

The 'Wing It' Department * delivers lessons learned the hard way. I know from personal experience and remember the pain!

How many of these traps have caught you?

• having no conclusion and whimpering out on a shrug of the shoulders followed by a weak,  'Yeah, well, that's all, I guess.',  type of line.
• not practicing while timing yourself and running out of it long before getting to your prepared conclusion. (If you're in Toastmasters where speeches are timed you'll know when your allotted time is up, that means, finish. Stop talking now, and sit down. A few seconds over time can be the difference between winning and losing a speech competition.)
• ending with an apology undermining your credibility. For example:  'Sorry for going on so long. I know it can be a bit boring listening to someone like me.'  
• adding new material just as you finish which confuses your audience. The introduction of information belongs in the body of your speech.
• making the ending too long in comparison to the rest of your speech.
• using a different style or tone that doesn't fit with what went before it which puzzles listeners.
• ending abruptly without preparing the audience for the conclusion. Without a transition, signal or indication you're coming to the end of your talk they're left waiting for more.

* Re  The 'Wing It' Department

One of the most galling parts of ending a speech weakly is knowing it's avoidable. Ninety nine percent of the time it didn't have to happen that way. But that's the consequence of 'winging it', trying to do something without putting the necessary thought and effort in.

It's such a sod when there's no one to blame for the poor conclusion of your speech but yourself! ☺

How to end a Maid of Honor speech: 20 examples

More endings! These are for Maid of Honor speeches. There's twenty examples of varying types: funny, ones using Biblical and other quotations... Go to: how to end a Maid of Honor speech    

How to write a speech introduction

Now that you know how to end a speech effectively, find out how to open one well. Discover the right hook to use to captivate your audience.

Find out more: How to write a speech introduction: 12 of the very best ways to open a speech .

More speech writing help

You do not need to flail around not knowing what to do, or where to start.

Visit this page to find out about  structuring and writing a speech . 

You'll find information on writing the body, opening and conclusion as well as those all important transitions. There's also links to pages to help you with preparing a speech outline, cue cards, rehearsal, and more. 

Research on what, and how, people remember: primacy and recency 

McLeod, S. A. (2008).  Serial position effect .  (Primacy and recency, first and last)  Simply Psychology.

Hopper, Elizabeth. "What Is the Recency Effect in Psychology?" ThoughtCo, Feb. 29, 2020.

ScienceDirect: Recency Effect - an overview of articles from academic Journals & Books covering the topic.

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Bill Shorten: Peter Dutton’s migration-focused budget response a ‘lightweight presentation’ to fix housing supply

A pledge to slash permanent migration has been rejected because those against the idea claim it fails to fix Australia’s housing woes.

Dutton makes huge migration promise

Senate unites to condemn ‘river to the sea’

Dutton to lay out pre-election pitch

The opposition’s plans to ban foreign investors from purchasing existing properties would do little to solve Australia’s housing crisis, according to Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton inflamed a political debate over the housing crisis after vowing to slash permanent migration numbers by 25 per cent and ban overseas investors from buying existing homes for two years.

In his budget reply speech on Thursday night, the Liberal leader also signalled that he would drive down the numbers of international students, calling the number of foreigners studying in Australia “excessive”.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten rubbished the opposition’s pre-election pitch as a “lightweight presentation” after going head-to-head with Mr Dutton during a televised debate held earlier on Friday.

“You said we cannot have those foreigners buying houses. Now that sort of sounds interesting, so I went and checked overnight. How many people in the last two years who are foreigners bought houses in Australia, Pete?” Mr Shorten asked.

“Well, Bill, a couple of points. One is that we say that, in the first year, 40,000 homes will be freed up. That includes the numbers who would be bidding at auctions this weekend against Australian citizens,” Mr Dutton replied.

“If the government had have adopted our policy over a five-year period, you would free up 325,000 homes. So the number of people who are foreign citizens, who are buying houses in our country is low, but nonetheless, it contributes to an overall shortage of housing in our country.”

Mr Shorten later said he had found figures showing that less than 5000 overseas buyers had purchased homes in Australia over the past two years.

Mr Shorten said the country needed to focus on building more homes and building a skilled construction workforce to reduce pressure on rental and house prices.

“These are legitimate issues that we’re talking about … both sides want to reduce the overall rate of immigration, both sides are arguing about how we do housing, but one of the measures which I think we do need to talk about is we need a skilled workforce,” he said.

Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley said skilled migrants would not be turned away as part of the Liberals’ plans to cut migration.

“There will still be capacity to bring skilled workers in under our reduced migration numbers,” she said this morning. I want to make that clear,” she said.

Tuesday’s budget forecasts net overseas migration will halve from 528,000 in 2022-23 to 260,000 next year, reducing further to 235,000 in 2026-27.

While Mr Dutton did not commit to a target on net migration, he vowed to slash the permanent migration program by 25 per cent from 185,000 to 140,000 for the first two years, followed by 150,000, then 160,000.

The Coalition will ban foreign investors and drastically reduce migration numbers in a pre-election pitch that has accused Labor of being “disconnected” to everyday Australia.

The Senate has moved to denounce a controversial phrase a day after a Labor senator broke ranks to use it.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is bracing for an early election, and will lay out his vision for the country in a speech on Thursday night.

Hailey Bieber Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby With Husband Justin Bieber

Hailey bieber is pregnant with her and husband justin bieber's first baby together, nearly six years after the rhode skin mogul and the "baby" singer said "i do" at a new york city courthouse..

Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber will soon have another somebody to love.

The Rhode Skin founder and the Grammy winner are expecting their first baby together, they shared on Instagram May 9. 

The couple posted a video of their vow renewal in Hawaii , led by their pastor  Judah Smith . The footage captures Hailey in a lacy Saint Laurent dress that showed off her baby bump, while Justin gave her a kiss as they posed for maternity photos on a grassy hillside. 

Hailey's pregnancy comes nearly six years after the couple  tied the knot at a New York City courthouse in September 2018 , just two months after  getting engaged .

As a way to celebrate their union, the pair said "I do" for a second time a year later at a lavish wedding ceremony in South Carolina.

Since then, both Justin, 30, and Hailey, 27, have been open about their plans to start a family together.

In October 2019, the "Love Yourself" singer  hinted at his desires to have kids of his own one day by posting a video of a father playing with his baby, writing on Instagram at the time, "This is something I look forward to." 

Justin later said during a February 2020 interview with Zane Lowe that he and Hailey will start a family "in due time," explaining how he wanted to "enjoy being married for a little bit, go on tour, be married, enjoy traveling with just us, build more of our relationship " before taking the next steps.

When  Ellen DeGeneres  jokingly asked about the "hold up" on the couple's baby plans during Justin's appearance on her talk show that December, he replied, "I think the issue—there's not really an issue—I think Hailey still has things she wants to accomplish as a woman and I think she just wants to—I just think she's  not ready yet and that's OK ."

Justin also noted that he didn't have a set number of kids he wanted in mind: "I am going to have as many as Hailey is wishing to push out."

He added, "I'd love to have myself a little tribe, but yeah, it's her body and whatever she wants to do."

The pair went on to give fans a glimpse of their family discussions in the Amazon Prime documentary, Justin Bieber: Our World . During a candid conversation, Justin told Hailey, "My intention for 2021 is to continue to set goals and have fun while doing them. Make sure I put my family first. And, hopefully, we squish out a little nugget."

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"In 2021?!" a surprised Hailey asked, to which Justin responded, "The…end…of 2021? We start trying?"

For her part, Hailey has always wanted to become a mom. On a November 2021 episode of the  In Good Faith with Chelsea & Judah Smith  podcast, the model revealed that she and Justin, who first sparked romance rumors way back in 2014,  started talking about having kids  early on in their relationship.

"We were having pillow talk conversations, with him telling me my biggest goal in life is to have a healthy family. In my head, I'm just like, 'I just don't think that that is BS because he doesn't have to say that,'" she recalled. "We always had so many conversations about our goals, where we wanted to end up at a certain age. We always wanted to be married young and have a young family and have kids young."

In a video on her YouTube channel in December 2021, Hailey opened up to fellow model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley about her personal plans to start a family.

"I clearly know zero about being a mom," she noted, adding, "but I do want kids one day ."

Well, it seems like Justin and Hailey dreams are coming true! Keep reading to revisit their sweetest photos together...

Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber , wearing Jordan Road earrings, shared this kissing photo on their Instagram pages in honor of their fifth wedding anniversary.

"To the most precious, my beloved." Justin wrote on Instagram. "You have captivated my heart. I know from the depths of my soul down to my bones that this journey with you will only exceed our wildest expectations. So let's keep dreaming big baby. Cheers to forever and ever. I love you with every fiber of my being. HAPPY 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!"

"5," Hailey wrote on her Instagram to celebrate their fifth anniversary. "I love you."

The couple was over the moon in love as they got ready to take flight.

Justin and Hailey looked so darn cute cuddled up together!

The two cuddled up during an outing at the lake.

Justin and Hailey couldn't keep their hands off each other while making out in the water.

In July 2018, Justin confirmed his engagement to Hailey in a lengthy Instagram post. "Hailey I am soooo in love with everything about you! So committed to spending my life getting to know every single part of you loving you patiently and kindly," he captioned this photo. "My heart is COMPLETELY and FULLY YOURS and I will ALWAYS put you first," he continued. "You are the love of my life Hailey Baldwin and I wouldn't want to spend it with anybody else. You make me so much better and we compliment each other so well!! Can't wait for the best season of life yet!"

He also shared this shot as part of the engagement announcement, writing, "It's funny because now with you everything seems to make sense!" He added, "My goodness does feel good to have our future secured! WERE GONNA BE BETTER AT 70 BABY HERE WE GO!" Aww!

The Biebers sharing a sweet smooch. "Hunny buns punkin," Justin captioned the photo. 

The two enjoyed a very sweet smooch to celebrate their love. 

Hailey posted this sweet pic in honor of her hubby's 25 birthday. 

"My lips get jealous of my arms cuz I can hold you with them," Justin shared. We're pretty jealous too! 

Could these two be any cuter?! "My only bubba," Hailey shared about the sweet pic. 

It may be cold outside, but they know how to keep each other warm. 

This photo might be blurry, but one thing is clear—they're so in love! 

Hailey supporting her man in the studio while he does what he loves. 

Justin's pouty pucker is courtesy of his vacation ending. Very relateable! 

Once again, these two are absolutely slaying the relationship goals! "Go best friend that's my best friend," Justin captioned the pic. 

The couple who prays together, stays together. "I know for me this conference came at the exact time I needed it, I believe God is THAT amazing and faithful that he brings us the right words during the season that we need it the most," Hailey captioned the shot with her hubby.

Amazing views for the gram. The sunset is also pretty nice! 

One of their first official shots as husband and wife! 

Even in this photo taken  years ago, this pair was picture-perfect.

In January 2016, the two decided they weren't going to hide their romance any longer, and this photo of them kissing quickly circulated throughout the internet.

Hailey decided to lend a helping hand in January 2015 when she gave Justin her hair-tie right off her wrist!

They might not have been together when this photo was taken in June 2015, but they sure did look good together!

In this photo from May 2015, the "Baby" singer rocked a fake mustache while the model sweetly posed behind him.

In December 2014,  Kendall Jenner joined Justin and Hailey for a Nerf gun night!

Earlier in December, the A-lister took to Instagram to shut down any dating speculation between him and Hailey. "People are crazy. I'm super single and this is my good friend u would know otherwise," he wrote. Hmmmmm. Foreshadowing much?

Back in 2014, Hailey and Justin were cool and coordinated, rocking LA Clippers gear as they hung out together as friends.

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Putin and Xi vow to deepen 'no limits' partnership as Russia advances in Ukraine

HONG KONG — They’ve already declared it has “no limits,” and on Thursday Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to deepen a partnership increasingly characterized by their countries’ clash with the West.

The two autocratic leaders met in Beijing in a show of unity between the two U.S. rivals as Putin wages a new offensive in his war on Ukraine .

Putin’s two-day state visit to China is his first overseas trip since he began a fifth term in office with a shake-up of his military leadership. It comes as Russia has seized the initiative in the war, now in its third year, and as the United States intensifies pressure on China to do more to stop it.

In February 2022, days before Putin invaded Ukraine, he and Xi declared a “no limits” partnership , and the two longtime leaders are personal friends. On Thursday, they signed a joint statement deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between their two countries.

That is not the same as a formal alliance, but the possibility that China and Russia could one day form one serves as a kind of “strategic ambiguity” that can constrain the U.S. and others, said Natasha Kuhrt, a senior lecturer in international peace and security at King’s College London.

“They can keep us guessing about whether they will or won’t escalate, whether they will or won’t strengthen the partnership and the direction of an alliance and that in itself is a kind of deterrent,” she told NBC News.

Relations between China and Russia, which are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations during Putin’s visit, have been strongly tested by the war in Ukraine and Putin’s growing international isolation amid Western opposition to it.

Though China has strived to portray itself as neutral in the conflict, it has provided Russia with diplomatic support as well as advanced technology with both civilian and military uses. It is also an increasingly important economic partner for Russia, becoming one of the top markets for its Western-sanctioned oil and gas.

China has also put forward a vague, 12-point peace plan that would allow Russia to retain its territorial gains in Ukraine and has been dismissed by the West.

On Thursday, Putin said he was “grateful” for China’s initiatives to resolve the war in Ukraine, while Xi said China “hopes for the early return of Europe to peace and stability and will continue to play a constructive role toward this.”

Though still willing to show support for his “dear friend” Putin, Xi also has to consider what it might cost him in his relations with the U.S. and Europe.

The U.S., which last month approved $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine that is just starting to arrive, has imposed a series of sanctions on Chinese companies accused of aiding the Russian war effort, and is also threatening to sanction Chinese banks.During a visit to Beijing last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said “Russia would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China’s support,” and that he had told Chinese officials that “if China does not address this problem, we will.”

Xi, who is seeking to retain or expand overseas markets amid an economic slowdown at home , is also reluctant to alienate leaders in Europe. Last week, during his first visit to the continent in five years , Xi was pressured by French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to use his influence over Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

Xi rejected their criticism of his country’s relationship with Russia, and said China was not a participant in the war. But the pressure may be having an effect: After a record $240 billion in overall trade between China and Russia last year, Chinese exports to Russia fell in March for the first time since 2022.

Both Xi and Putin have also moved away from the term “no limits” when it comes to talking about their ties.

“Xi basically doesn’t really talk about it in those terms anymore. He talks about a good neighborly relationship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation,” Kuhrt said. “And Russia talks about flexible strategic partnerships.”

Victor Gao, vice president of the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization, said China did not have to choose between Russia and the West.

“I think China should make continuous efforts to improve the relationship between China and the West. In fact, this is not contradictory to improving relations between China and Russia,” said Gao, who is also chair professor at Soochow University.

Putin arrived in the Chinese capital early Thursday and was greeted with full military honors outside the Great Hall of the People next to Tiananmen Square, where he shook hands with Xi before heading inside for talks.In addition to Beijing, Putin is expected to visit the northeastern city of Harbin, near the two countries’ 2,600-mile border, which is holding a China-Russia trade fair this week.

In an interview Wednesday with Xinhua , China’s state-run news agency, Putin cited the “unprecedented level of strategic partnership between our countries” as his reason for making China the first stop of his fifth term.

Among those traveling with Putin is Andrei Belousov, an economist who was named the Russian defense minister this week in a surprise shake-up. His predecessor, Sergei Shoigu , is also on the trip.

Russia’s new offensive in northern Ukraine has made early gains, worrying Kyiv and its allies that Putin’s military may be able to make decisive progress in the coming weeks.

Xi, 70, and Putin, 71, have met more than 40 times, either in person or virtually. Putin was last in Beijing in October , while Xi was in Moscow days after he secured an unprecedented third term as Chinese president in March 2023.

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Harvard pro-Palestinian students end encampment but vow continued protest

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Pro-Palestinian encampment ends at Harvard, but organizers say the protest isn't over

• Arielle Gray
• WBUR Newsroom

Student protestors at Harvard University voluntarily ended their pro-Palestinian encampment Tuesday morning.

The disbandment comes after nearly three weeks of student occupation in Harvard Yard, which organizers dubbed "The Harvard Liberated Zone."

Interim president Alan Garber and Hopi Hoekstra, dean of the faculty of arts and sciences, plan to meet with student protestors for further discussion regarding the war in Gaza, according to spokesman Jonathan Swain. Garber also plans to "pursue a meeting" between students and the Corporation Committee on Shareholder Responsibility related to the school's endowment.

In a Tuesday letter to the campus community , Garber said he will ask schools to "promptly initiate" reinstatement proceedings for students who had been placed on involuntary leave as a result of their involvement in the protest. In a May 6 letter, Garber said those placed on involuntary leave "may not be able to sit for exams, may not continue to reside in Harvard housing, and must cease to be present on campus until reinstated."

More than 20 students have been suspended and more than 60 were referred for additional disciplinary charges, according to organizers of the group Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine.

That coalition offered more insight into its decision to voluntarily disband in an Instagram post Tuesday morning. "Encampments are a tactic — a big and beautiful one — in a larger strategy of divestment," it wrote. "Here at Harvard, we believe the utility of this tactic has passed, and we have decided to re-group and carry out this protracted struggle through other means."

The group added that Harvard officials agreed to offer "meetings regarding disclosure and divestment with members of the Harvard Management Company," which runs the school's endowment, and to begin conversations around creating a Center for Palestinian Studies.

"We are under no illusions: we do not believe these meetings are divestment wins," the protest group added. In a statement, the group said it would continue to pursue a "long term strategy for winning divestment at Harvard."

"The end of the encampment marks the beginning of a new phase of our movement," it said.

The coalition voted to end the encampment on Monday, according to the statement.

By late morning Tuesday, most, if not all, of the tents in Harvard Yard appeared to have been taken down. Some students were packing items into cars. Those approached by a reporter declined to comment. There was minimal police presence, but some members of Harvard police could be seen standing nearby to oversee activity.

Around campus, some students weighed in on the end to the encampment and its impact on the community at large. Nicolas Pantelick, 23, a senior pursuing Middle Eastern Studies and political science, said he was glad it ended "mostly peacefully given the terrible scenes that were happening and playing out all over the country elsewhere."

"I think it was maybe an inevitability," Panetelick said of the end of the encampment, "but I guess it's hard to feel like the concessions they got from the university were that significant."

Adding that he had friends who were part of the encampment and had visited it several times, he described the camp as "overwhelmingly peaceful" with "lots of community-based activities, art-making workshops, teach-ins."

Not all Harvard affiliates shared that perspective. Rotem Spiegler, a 2019 Harvard Law graduate who was seen mounting a sign of a young Israeli hostage near the yard, said she would have felt better if the encampment "came down with some consequences and understanding and dialogue and education."

"They've been chanting and littering and disturbing life on campus for seven months basically," she said. "But this is like the peak of that and they just don't care about anyone." Spiegler added she felt the university's response to the protestors "is just helping this get louder and worst next semester because this is what they learn."

The end to the occupation of Harvard Yard brings a close to a wave of encampments on campuses across Boston and the state. Hundreds of student protesters at MIT , UMass Amherst , Emerson and Northeastern have faced arrests and discipline at their schools, as police were called in to clear out tents and forcibly detain people.

The move at Harvard also comes just days before its commencement on May 23, for which preparations have already begun. Since the beginning of the encampment 20 days ago, officials had locked the gates to Harvard Yard and required students and affiliates to show ID in order to access the area. The gates to the yard remained locked to members of the public on Tuesday.

In his letter to the Harvard community Tuesday, Garber said, "I acknowledge the profound grief that many in our community feel over the tragic effects of the ongoing war. There will continue to be deep disagreements and strongly felt emotions as we experience pain and distress over events in the wider world."

• How Boston-area schools are handling campus encampments
• Police detain around 100, clear pro-Palestinian encampment at Northeastern
• Police clear protest encampment at MIT in early morning sweep, arresting 10
• More than 130 arrested after UMass Amherst protesters once again set up encampment
• 118 arrested as police forcibly clear Emerson encampment protesting war in Gaza

Arielle Gray Reporter Arielle Gray is a reporter for WBUR.

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