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Real Couples' Sweet Marriage Vows
Crafting meaningful vows that reflect your journey as a couple — and what you promise to bring to your marriage — is the ultimate way to personalize your wedding ceremony. However, putting pen to paper and finding the perfect words to capture exactly how you feel about your spouse-to-be can be challenging. From funny quips to tear-jerking professions, use these snippets from real newlyweds' "I dos" as an inspirational jumping-off point.
By: Stefania Sainato
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Samantha & Michael -160875
“I, Samantha, take you, Michael, to be my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and promise to fall in love with you a little more every day. I will love what I know of you and trust what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the man you will become.
I will trust and respect you, and laugh and cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the good times and bad, in sickness and health, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I will delight in our relationship and comfort you in times of sorrow. I will share 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. I will continue to be by your side through all of life’s adventures. I vow never to stop fighting for you or our relationship. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward, for as long as I live.” —Samantha Heuwagen, MA ACS, Therapist and Editor of A Feminist Life
Photo Credit: Justine Montigny
Meagan & Ross
"As I stand here today before our closest relatives and friends, know that I have never felt more confident about anything in my entire life. You know me better than anyone else in this world, yet you still love me and accept me for exactly who I am. In accepting me, you have made me the best version of myself. You are my home and my family now.
Ross Wayne Knappick, you are all that I will ever need in this world. When I look at you, I see everything I fell in love with: your adventurous soul, gentle heart, and unwavering sense of loyalty. I wish that you could see yourself through my eyes because only then would you understand how truly perfect you are for me. Everything that I am was yours long before this day and it will continue to be yours long after. I am so proud to be your wife. I will never stop loving you and believing in us. These things I promise you today and all the days of our lives." —Meagan Black Knappick
Photo Credit: Lindsay Collette
Meagan & Ross
"I love you, Meagan Ann Black, and you know I'm super serious because I used your middle name. I love your smile and your laugh. I love that you're always very concerned about the application of your deodorant. I love your notes and letters, even if they're one to two months late. I love how awkwardly bad we are at so many things together now. I love you more and more as time passes.
I promise to be a good man, a carpenter, a barista, punctual, etc. However, I vow to be one thing above all else: a good husband to you. You're who I want to wake up next to, spend my life with, and have tiny babies with awesome names like Arkin or Hattie. I take you to be my wife, best friend, social media informant, adventure partner, and sounding board. Thank you for this day and for saying 'yes.'" —Ross Knappick
Photo Credit: Lindsay Collette
Rupal & Mitchel
"Mitchel, you already know how much I love you, but today it becomes that much sweeter as I promise to love you not only as my best friend and partner in crime but as my husband, too. I want to grow old with you, travel the world with you, and be your number-one fan! I want to make you unbelievably happy and make loving each other easy.
I always promise to respect you, be silly with you, take care of you, and give you my fullest self as your wife, from this day forward. I can't wait to continue this adventure of life together, and there's no one else I'd rather have by my side through it all than you!" —Rupal
Photo Credit: Hendrick Moy Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Ali Barone Events / Rental Furniture: Mayuri's Floral Design
Rupal & Mitchel
"Rupal, since we met, loving you has been effortless, natural, and indescribable. We have grown over the years, and I promise to continue to grow with you. Your ambition inspires me. Your simplicity comforts me. You challenge me, and I know that I will challenge you.
I promise to embrace life with your enthusiasm, seeking life's next adventure with courage and optimism. I will love you — a trusting, respectful, and passionate love — always and forever." —Mitchel
Photo Credit: Hendrick Moy Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Ali Barone Events / Rental Furniture: Mayuri's Floral Design
Lisa & Chris
"Chris, you are my best friend and the love of my life. Your kind heart, generous nature, and wonderful sense of humor make it incredibly easy to love you. You are caring, thoughtful, and one of the most intelligent people I have ever had the fortune of meeting — let alone marry and call my partner. I love you more than you will ever know.
I promise to be loving, considerate, and patient when you’re running late from the office. When you’re sad, I will comfort you, and when you’re happy, I will share in your joy. I strive to be the very best wife I can be and continue to create a beautiful home to grow our family, for all the days of my life." —Lisa Kurtz
Photo Credit: Shira Weinberger / Event Coordination and Design: Jenny Orsini Events
Lisa & Chris
"Lisa, you are the purpose in my life and my beautiful best friend. I look at you and see the perfect partner: stunning and smart, strong and delicate, loyal and loving. I am incredibly proud and thankful to hold your hand for the rest of my life. I love you, utterly and eternally.
Today, in front of our friends and family, I promise to be the very best husband I can be, there for you without asking and protecting you without hesitation. With you, I am excited to build a beautiful home together, where we can watch our chubby, mocha latte children grow into the ultra-cool nerds that they are destined to be. Through the hard times (like wedding planning), and the good times (at Greek restaurants), every moment we share will be a blessing because we are together. Know that I love you now and forever, for all the days of my life." —Chris Harihar
Photo Credit: Shira Weinberger / Event Coordination and Design: Jenny Orsini Events
Carrie & Jonathan
"I pledge to love you, honor you, and respect you every day (with patience, maturity and not a single ounce of 'tude). I vow to protect you and our family — our little people — to the best of my ability. I will do whatever it takes to provide for us, even if that means teaching English or revamping Prettyboy Promotions and partying in bars five nights a week. I promise to be a good brother-in-law and exemplary son-in-law.
I don't take these vows lightly, and I know things will not always be easy. When we have a fight or encounter a problem, I will work through it, no matter how insurmountable it seems, and treat this marriage like the partnership it is. Carrie Alice Ainsworth, you are the love of my life. You are my muse. And standing before me today, you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. When I tell you that I love you, you always respond by saying, 'I love you more.' Well, I want you to know that I love you most. Forever, for always." —Jonathan Abrams
Photo Credit: Morgan Lynn Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Tracie Domino Events
Carrie & Jonathan
"Jonathan, I love you for being the kindest, most generous person I've ever known. You know my faults and make me a better person in spite of them. You dream bigger than anyone I've ever met while still having your feet planted firmly on the ground. I love you for truly listening to me, deep down to my soul, in a way no one ever has. And more than anything, I love you for being the best friend I've ever had.
For all those reasons and more, I make the following vows. I promise to remember our greatest moments when they feel the farthest away. I will be your loudest cheerleader and strongest supporter. I will push you to take risks even when you're afraid to make the leap. I promise to catch you if you ever trip or fall along the way. I'll cherish every moment together as if it's our last. Above all, I vow to live happily ever after." —Carrie Ainsworth
Photo Credit: Morgan Lynn Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Tracie Domino Events
Stephanie & Caio
"It's incredible how life happens. We meet people, make friends (and many 'non-friends'), and experience so many different emotions. But what's remarkable is what happens when we trust in God. Many times, those who look from the outside in don't understand. But when I look at you, I see how God works: I see faith, compassion, strength, hope, and most importantly, love." —Caio
Photo Credit: Kate & Jill
Stephanie & Caio
"Caio, thank you for loving me, accepting me, and never judging me. You have somehow been able to make me feel wanted, loved, cared for, treasured, and beautiful, all at the same time. As we enter into this new life together, I promise that I will always choose to love you. Knowing full well that I am not perfect, I will be understanding and compassionate through your imperfections. I always promise to help point you to Jesus. I will follow and trust you, respect and encourage you, and always love you for all the days of our lives." —Stephanie
Photo Credit: Kate & Jill
Lindsey & John
"We chose each other for a reason, so let’s remember the love that we feel today for the rest of our lives. You are my best friend, and your infectious spirit is inspirational. I am going to wake up every day wanting to be more like you. I am the luckiest guy I know because you will be my wife, and I will be your husband. I love you so much!" —John Creighton
Photo Credit: Linda Chaja Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Magnolia Event Design
Lindsey & John
"Ever since the day I met you, I've felt like the luckiest girl in the world. You’re my best friend, you’re kind to my family and friends, and you treat me like a princess. You're the one that I have the most fun with, I feel protected and safe with you, and you always make me feel loved. I can't wait to continue our journey together — I know we’re going to live life to the fullest together. I promise to love you at all times, to honor and respect you, to laugh and have fun with you, to support your goals and hobbies, and most importantly, be there for you in good and bad times." —Lindsey White
Photo Credit: Linda Chaja Photography / Event Coordination and Design: Magnolia Event Design
Athena & Christopher
"Since the day that I met you, you've made my life more beautiful and meaningful than it has ever been. I vow to stand firm as your husband who puts his wife and family above all else, not succumbing to the temptations of this world. I promise to protect and care for you as my wife. Nothing is more important to me than making you feel safe in my arms. I promise to make you laugh, smile, dance, and love like you never imagined possible in all of our days together as husband and wife." —Christopher Brown
Photo Credit: AJF Photography / Event Coordination and Design: The Invisible Bridesmaid
Athena & Christopher
"From this day forward, I vow to help you love life. I will laugh during the funny moments and be silent when words aren't needed. I promise to be your rock during sunny days and when it's raining. I promise to always love, respect, honor, and cherish you, through good times and bad. I vow to support you in all things. I promise to love you until my last breath and to show that love continually to you." —Athena Armstrong
Photo Credit: AJF Photography / Event Coordination and Design: The Invisible Bridesmaid
Brittany & Josh
"Standing here, I feel like the luckiest man in the world. I love your ambition, creativity, style, beauty, and the way you look at me. I love that you have a tough exterior, but the gentlest heart. I love that sometimes you're entirely unpredictable, and even though I'm not sure what you're about to do next, I know that it will make me smile. I love you for talking me into all of 'my' best decisions. I love you for making me the best version of myself and for always believing in me.
I promise to value our differences as much as what we have in common. I promise to look up from my phone as much as possible, always to fill our home with learning and laughter, and to try my best not always to be the first one to fall asleep. I promise to help you decide what to wear instead of just telling you how great you look (even though I always mean it). I promise to be supportive on your bad days and to celebrate the good ones. I promise never to keep score, even if I know I'm winning. I promise to build a life together that's far better than either of us could imagine alone. I promise to respect you and cherish you, and to love you unconditionally forever." —Josh Freeman
Photo Credit: The LXA by Vincent Hogan / Event Coordination and Design: The Invisible Bridesmaid
Brittany & Josh
"Josh, it was always you. I often think about how we met — the universe just kept pushing us together despite different schools, states, and then cities. I never thought 'we' would be a real possibility, but our paths wouldn't stop crossing over the years. Our connection is so strong that just thinking about it now gives me butterflies. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.
I have no doubt that you will be an amazing husband to me and the best father to our future children. I always promise to treat you like the incredible guy that you are because you mean the world to me. I vow always to listen to your advice (and occasionally take it). I will make you fall in love with me all over again, every chance I get. I vow to create a life of unexpected adventures for us. I pledge compromise whenever it's needed, mostly because I don't think you'd ever make me give up anything that I truly love. I'll plan our Saturdays around Michigan game day and cheer like I care. But most of all, I promise to be the devil on your shoulder when you need a partner in crime, always be there for you, and love you madly." —Brittany Freeman
Photo Credit: The LXA by Vincent Hogan / Event Coordination and Design: The Invisible Bridesmaid
Rebecca & Felippe
"I feel like the luckiest person to be standing here with you today! Years ago, a dear friend pointed out to me that 'I am a special person and need to find someone who loves me for all the things that make me unique.' So I came home and created a list of what I was looking for in my ideal mate. Within months, we were together; it was as if I had custom-ordered you.
I am so thankful for your thoughtfulness, how when I leave for work trips I come home to find Post-It notes all over the house from you so that you are always there for me even when you are halfway around the world. I love how you know me so well and how, based on what time I come home from work, you either greet me at the door with a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Together, we have helped each other reach dreams and supported one another through tough times. I know our future will be filled with love and excitement, and that no matter what life throws at us, we will make it through because as long as we are together, nothing else matters." —Rebecca Waters
Photo Credit: Blink of an Eye Photography
Rebecca & Felipe
"Though it took what seemed like an eternity to get to where we are right now, somehow I always knew I would marry you. There wasn't a clear sign or an obvious tell. It was something much simpler: the way you make me feel. You have an incredible ability to put me at ease, no matter where we are.
I vow to spend every day making you feel as loved, happy, and cared for as I am. I will continue to leave you more Post-It notes. I will hold you in my arms as you fall asleep every night. I will make it my life goal to let only tears of happiness run down your cheeks. I look forward to sharing the rest of our lives together and merging our two families — generous with love, always supportive, and a bit cuckoo at times — into a little family of our own. Above all, I can't wait to call you my wife from this day forward." —Felipe Lázaro
Photo Credit: Blink of an Eye Photography
Danielle & Michael
"I may not make it through this without crying, so I'll keep it short and sweet. Three years ago, I shook hands with a bass player at Skippers, and hours later, I knew I was in trouble. You stole my heart! Our energy was electric from the start.
Since that fateful day, you have become an essential part of my life. I can't fathom experiencing anything without you because you enhance everything that I do. I would never have imagined I could find a man who would stand by my side and defend me as you have. Your generosity towards me makes it that much easier to love you. I couldn't think of a better father for my children, a more loving man to spend the rest of my days with, or a more patient husband to tolerate my antics. I'm forever thankful that you find my weirdness endearing (as I do, yours). You are, in every sense of the word, my better half." —Danielle Gang
Photo Credit: Carrie Wildes Photography
Danielle & Michael
Lyrics to the song he wrote: "Always and forever, my darling, I'm giving myself to you. There's no mistake; I knew this was fate. I'm grinning ear to ear with smiles. For my love, I won't give up. My heart is for you to hold until the end of time. Because in my world, you are the sun I keep calling on, my light is you.
I choose you, forever, to share our whole lives. I keep falling even further each day, with no end in sight. From the start, it was easy to see that we'll be together for eternity, but even that isn't enough. I'll need more time, and I'll be holding on because my life is you." —Michael Lombardo
Photo Credit: Carrie Wildes Photography
Vicharin & Robert
"Robert, you always say how lucky you are to have me in your life and how happy I make you. But did you know that I'm actually the lucky one? In our first moments together, I knew — from the way you got my coffee for me and held the door — that you were (and are) my knight in shining armor. I am yours, and you are mine, as we always were to one another because we are soulmates. You are my prince, and I your princess, and I can't wait to begin to fill the rest of my pages with my life with you. I love you." —Vicharin Vadakan
Photo Credit: Hollywood Pro Weddings
Vicharin & Robert
"Pebbles, my soulmate, when I proposed, I was the happiest I'd ever been. But today I am even happier. I love that we've made your life and my life our life. Most of all, I love that you can be yourself with me and that I can be myself with you. I love everything that you are and that we can be — and will be — together." —Robert School
Photo Credit: Hollywood Pro Weddings
Katie & Chris
"I promise to love you every day in a way that befits a queen. I will protect and wait on you, and I promise to support you blindly. I will listen to you earnestly and communicate honestly with you. I promise to trust you completely. I hereby vow to share life, love, and the pursuit of happiness with you, as long as we both shall live." —Chris Jones
Photo Credit: Jo Ramsey at Elevate Photography / Event Design and Coordination: Mark Christopher Weddings and Events
Katie & Chris
"Chris, you inspire me every day. You are the kindest person I have ever met. You teach me how to be sweeter, love deeper, and celebrate people. You make me smile and want to be a better person, yet I can't believe that you think I am my best now, too. I am rooting for you in everything and pushing you in what I can.
I promise to love you with more gumption, truth, honesty, love, and respect every day. I promise to build you up and encourage your hopes and dreams to help you be the best version of yourself. I promise to practice sacrifice and honor your needs before my own. I promise to continue to be playful with you, laugh with you, and be grateful for all of our moments together (the high and the low). I will make the conscious choice to keep loving you every day, for as long as we both shall live." —Katie Walker
Photo Credit: Jo Ramsey at Elevate Photography / Event Design and Coordination: Mark Christopher Weddings and Events
Veronica & John
"John, I promise to love you not only when times are good but even more so when they aren't. I promise to not only tell you every day how much I love you but also to show you through my actions. I promise to communicate. I know you aren't a mind reader, so when I need something, I will ask. I promise to support you however I can, personally and professionally. We are now a team. I promise never to take you for granted and to appreciate you each and every day. I promise to be your best friend and protect you.
I promise to allow you to watch your favorite TV shows occasionally in peace, without me whining about them. I promise to continue to butcher our favorite '80s rock tunes together. You are my Tommy, and I am your Gina. I promise to share as many adventures together as we can afford. I promise to nurture our family and set a loving and committed example for our children. I promise to be the best wife I possibly can to you and the best stepmom to your kids. I always promise to kiss you good night every chance that I get. I will love you now and forever, for you will always be the love of my life." —Veronica Yankowski
Photo Credit: Sachi Villareal Photography
Veronica & John
"Veronica, I solemnly swear to love, honor, and protect you always. I promise to be there for you when things are good and when things are bad. I promise to support you in everything that you do. I promise to be there for you every day. I promise to be a good stepfather to your daughter. And I hope that we can do all of these things, together. And now, after all of this time, I get to promise that I will love you, always!" —John Ligouri
Photo Credit: Sachi Villareal Photography
Annie & Benjamin
“Annie, as always, I waited until the last minute to write down what I wanted to say to you today. Words do little justice to describe the feelings that come with you by my side. You support me in all that I do, laugh along with (and at) my quirky sense of humor, and challenge me to be the best version of myself. Most of all, you care for me with a love that transcends emotions, time, and space.
My promise is to give you that same love through the lows we will endure and highs we will celebrate, both individually and together. I will comfort you when you are sad, laugh with you when you’re happy, and always protect the life that we've built together. You found a way into my heart when I least expected it and reminded me of what it was like to jump in headfirst. It has, without a doubt, proven to be the best risk I’ve ever taken. I am excited and ready to begin the next chapter of life with you. I love you so much.” —Benjamin McAnnis-Entenman
Photo Credit: Heidi and Heather Wedding Photography
Annie & Benjamin
“I'm a school teacher so when looking for the right words to express how I feel about you, I found my answers in a children’s book. Ben, I love you because….”
(The following excerpt is from the book Love Is You and Me by Monica Sheehan)
“Love is me and love is you. So when you smile, I smile, too. When you’re around, the skies are blue. It’s like being happy times two. Love is sweet, and love is grand! Sometimes love is just holding hands. It’s a feeling inside. It’s a smile in your heart. It keeps us together when we’re apart. Love is fun! It’s feeling free. Love lets you be who you want to be. Love will catch you when you fall. Love! It’s the greatest gift of all. It’s just us two without a care. It’s what we give and the times we share. It wipes away the tears and sends out troubles along. Love is the place where you always belong. And we’ve got love, me and you. We’re sticking together. We’ll see it through. And wherever we go, love will always be because love is you and me.
Benjamin, we share this love together. I cannot promise that every day will be perfect, but I promise I will never give up on us.” —Annie Moseley
Photo Credit: Heidi and Heather Wedding Photography
Patricia & Matt
"Matt, when I met you, I knew you were different. You have a sweetness, intelligence, and tenderness about you that I had never encountered before. You make me want to be a better daughter, friend, and sister. You will never truly know the depth of my love for you, the extent and dimension of my trust in you, and the vastness of my faith in you. You are my most beautiful dream. Today, I choose you as my partner in life. I vow to tell you every day how much I love you, and remain by your side all the days of our lives. I will always be the biggest fan in your corner. I choose you, forever. Today, I promise you my unwavering loyalty, my unconditional love, and that I will work to always be the wife you deserve." —Patricia Cecilia Arguello
Photo Credit: Ashley Garmon Photographers / Event Coordination and Design: Elena Karpechenko at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Patricia & Matt
"Patty, there is no doubt in my mind that you are the one for me. I love you completely. You inspire me, you encourage me, and most importantly, you complete me. I love the way you make me feel when we are together, and I feel empty when we’re apart. More than anything, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You will never truly know the extent of which I love you. I promise to cherish you, support you, and always be by your side through this journey we call life. I will be your best friend, confidant, and biggest advocate. Today, I promise you my unwavering loyalty and my unconditional love. I promise always to work to be the husband you deserve." —Matthew William Schatz
Photo Credit: Ashley Garmon Photographers / Event Coordination and Design: Elena Karpechenko at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
