Writing your wedding vows can be one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking!) parts of planning your big day. If you’re having a non-religious wedding, you have complete freedom to make your vows deeply personal, fun, and totally ‘you’. But with that freedom can come a bit of pressure – how do you start? What should you include? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
So, grab a cup of tea (or a glass of bubbly), settle in, and let’s talk about how to write heartfelt, meaningful vows that will have your guests reaching for the tissues.
Why non-religious vows are special
Non-religious vows give you a chance to be truly authentic. There’s no set structure or language you have to follow – just a blank canvas for you to express your love in a way that feels right for your relationship.
Whether you want to keep it short and sweet or write something poetic and emotional, it’s all about what speaks to your heart.
Step 1: Reflect on your relationship
The first step is to take some time to think about your journey together. Grab a notebook and jot down some thoughts. Here are a few prompts to get you started:
- How did you meet, and what were your first impressions of each other?
- When did you know they were the one?
- What’s your favourite memory together?
- What qualities do you most admire about them?
- How has your relationship changed or grown over time?
These reflections will give you the foundation for your vows and help you focus on what matters most.
Step 2: Decide on a tone
Non-religious vows can be anything you want them to be – romantic, funny, poetic, or a mix of everything. Ask yourself what feels most natural. Are you the kind of couple that laughs through life together, or do you lean more toward heartfelt and serious moments?
If you’re getting married under a luxury wedding marquee, you might want to lean into a more romantic, nature-inspired tone. Think about using metaphors like the changing seasons, shared adventures, or the beauty of the natural world around you.
If humour is your thing, sprinkle in some light-hearted promises. Just make sure to balance the laughs with a bit of sentiment, so your vows feel sincere.
Step 3: Create a structure
Even if you’re writing your vows from the heart, having a structure helps keep things flowing. Here’s a simple format:
- Start with a story: Reflect on how you met or a special moment in your relationship.
- Express your feelings: Talk about what you love about your partner and how they’ve changed your life.
- Make your promises: This is the heart of your vows. Make promises that reflect your values, relationship, and future together.
- Serious: “I promise to always be your biggest supporter.”
- Light-hearted: “I promise to binge-watch our favourite shows, even when you fall asleep halfway through.”
- End with a hope for the future: Wrap it up with something hopeful or forward-looking – what you’re excited to experience together.
Step 4: Add personal touches
This is where your vows can really shine. Use inside jokes, personal anecdotes, or even references to shared hobbies and experiences. Maybe you love hiking together, or perhaps you bonded over your mutual love of travel. Whatever it is, let it show.
The beauty of having a non-religious wedding that it’s truly yours. Your vows can be just as unique as the setting.
Step 5: Practice (but not too much!)
Once you’ve written your vows, practice reading them out loud. This will help you tweak any awkward phrases and make sure they flow naturally. Just don’t over-rehearse—you want them to feel fresh and heartfelt on the day.
Extra tips for writing non-religious vows
- Keep it brief but meaningful: Aim for about 1-2 minutes.
- Be true to yourself: Your vows should sound like you—don’t feel like you have to use fancy language if that’s not your style.
- Involve your partner (to a point!): You don’t need to share your vows in advance, but it can be helpful to agree on a general tone and length.
- Take breaks: If you get stuck, step away and come back later with fresh eyes.
Why the setting matters
The words you say are, of course, the heart of the ceremony. But the setting can make them even more magical. Picture exchanging your vows in an elegant Events Under Canvas luxury marquee, with panoramic views of nature all around you.
Our luxury marquees create the perfect blend of rustic charm and timeless elegance. Whether you’re going for boho chic, festival vibes, or a classic romantic look, the flexibility of these tents allows you to style your wedding exactly how you’ve always imagined.
And the best part? Rain or shine, you’ll be covered – literally! You’ll have all the beauty of an outdoor wedding with the comfort and luxury of a stunning marquee.
Final thoughts
Writing non-religious wedding vows might seem daunting at first but remember: they’re just an honest expression of your love and commitment. Keep it real, make it personal, and most importantly, have fun with it.
With the right words and the perfect setting from Events Under Canvas, your wedding ceremony will be a moment you’ll cherish forever. So, take a deep breath, start writing, and get ready to speak from the heart. You’ve got this!