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The Complete Wedding Vow Writing Checklist

Katelyn Peterson

Writing your own vows is a huge task. It can be easy to forget a few things. The last thing you want is to wish you could go back in time to add or edit your vows and reread them.

To help you deliver vows that don’t miss anything, reference a complete wedding vow writing checklist.

As an expert vow writer, I’ve worked with hundreds of brides and grooms to write funny vows, tearful vows, unique vows, and traditional vows. Now I’ve compiled the details that make up impactful wedding vows into a checklist.

So here you go! Once you’ve finished writing your wedding vows, review this list to see if you’re missing anything. And if you still need help, get in touch. I’d be happy to help you write heartfelt custom wedding vows.

Checklist for the Format

Are your vows a mishmash of random thoughts? Do you sound like you’re rambling without any clear direction? Maybe you’ve been keeping a list of ideas on your phone and now you have no idea how to take those notes and organize them into vows.

Here’s a wedding vow outline to help structure your vows.

  • Introduction

  • Talk about your partner and your relationship

  • List specific promises

  • Mention your marriage

  • Close with a loving last line 

Checklist for the Introduction

The first few sentences of your vows will set the tone for what your future spouse and the guests can expect from your vows. But it also needs to include a few key details.

  • Address them by their name or an appropriate nickname

  • State how you feel in this moment to be marrying them

  • Provide any background on important moments, milestones, or anecdotes that have led you both to this moment 

Checklist for Section About Your Partner and Relationship

This part of your vows is all about communicating what you love about your partner and what you appreciate about your relationship. Consider covering the following.

  • List key characteristics you appreciate about them

  • Illustrate the qualities you admire through concise and short stories

  • Explain how their love inspires, supports, or changes you 

  • Detail out what makes your relationship unique

  • Communicate what you love about your relationship

Checklist for Promises

The most important part of your wedding vows is the promises section. It’s the promises that make wedding vows…vows. There are many different types of promises you can include from funny vows to sentimental vows. I suggest striking a balance. 

Here are some other details to consider when writing your promises.

  • Include a total of three to six vows 

  • The majority should be serious, sweet, and sentimental

  • A few should be lighthearted and humorous vows

  • Promises should focus on long-term goals or ideas that will stand the test of time

  • Edit your promises to make sure they are concise and focused rather than run-on sentences

Checklist for Section About Your Marriage

As you enter into marriage, it’s important to have a section of your vows dedicated to how you envision your future with your new spouse. 

Here are a few ways you can touch on marriage within your vows.

  • Describe the vision you have for your future

  • Detail out values you associate with your marriage

  • Include what excites you about marriage 

Checklist for Closing Section 

It’s time to bring everything together through a short and sweet closing. 

  • Include a call-back, if possible

  • Make sure this last section ties your entire vows together

  • Say I love you

Checklist for What To Do After You Write Your Vows

Writing your vows is only half of the task. There are several things to consider doing after you’ve finalized your vows.