If you’ve Googled how to write wedding vows and felt a mix of panic and procrastination, you’re not alone. As an officiant with Cherished Ceremonies here in the Okanagan, I’ve guided many couples through vow jitters—from vineyard sunsets in Lake Country to lakeside decks in Vernon and Kelowna. The secret isn’t flowery language; it’s clarity, heart, and just enough structure to let you shine.
Below is a simple, repeatable framework to get heartfelt vows on paper—plus local moments to weave in and ready-to-use templates.
What Makes Vows Memorable?
Memorable vows are:
Personal (details only you would say)
Balanced (a little story + a few promises)
Speakable (150–250 words; ~60–90 seconds)
Grounded (specific commitments you can live by)
Pro tip: rehearse out loud. If you lose your breath, your vows are probably too long or too complex for the moment.
A Simple 4-Part Framework
Choose Your Tone
Decide the vibe you both want: classic & warm, modern & playful, or minimalist & poetic. Agreeing on tone keeps your vows aligned without sounding identical.
Gather Real Moments
Jot bullet notes (not full sentences) for:
When you knew this was different.
3 things you admire.
1 challenge you overcame together.
1 or 2 Okanagan moments that feel like “us.”
A picture of everyday life five years from now.
Shape Your Promises
Write 5–7 promises that are specific and livable—some practical, some tender:
“I’ll fold the beach towels before the wind takes them.”
“I’ll speak honestly, listen fully, and forgive quickly.”
“I’ll choose you on good days, hard days, and ordinary Tuesd
Assemble & Refine
Drop your notes into one of the templates below. Aim for 150–250 words (about 60–90 seconds). Read aloud, trim anything that trips you up, print on a sturdy card, and give a backup copy to your officiant.
Okanagan Moments to Weave In (pick 2)
Use real-life snapshots, not generic lines. For each moment you pick, add one short line that paints the scene and one line that says what it means for your marriage.
“When we watched the moon over Wood Lake.”
“Each September’s smoke reminds me how we look out for each other.”
“Coffee on the deck before the heat; winter skates at Kal Tire Place.”
“Your patience at my family’s 12-person potlucks, and your kindness with my grandparents.”
“A home with sunscreen by the door, spare towels, and open doors for friends.”
Pick two moments, write three sentences each, and you’ve already built the heart of your vows.
Three Quick Templates (copy, then customize)
Classic & Warm (≈190 words)
“Today, standing with our people in the place we love, I choose you.”
I knew I would marry you when [specific moment]. You are [three qualities], and with you I feel [two feelings].
So I make these promises:
I will [promise 1], even when [tough context].
I will [promise 2], especially on [ordinary detail].
I will [promise 3], so our home feels like [image: calm lake / warm kitchen].
I will [promise 4], choosing you [frequency/timeframe].
I offer you my hand and my whole heart, in sunshine and in wildfire season, in laughter and in learning, in all the Okanagan years to come.
Modern & Playful (≈170 words)
I love that [quirk], and that you always [habit] even when [funny consequence].
You make me braver at [challenge] and softer about [vulnerability].
I vow to:
[promise 1 humorous] (yes, even when [situation]).
[promise 2 practical] so our mornings don’t derail.
[promise 3 emotional] because you deserve it every day.
When we miss an exit or a season gets hard, I’ll still choose you, and we’ll still find a dock, a sunset, and our way back to the middle.
Minimalist & Poetic (≈120 words)
I saw you, and I knew: [one-line moment].
You are [three single-word traits].
I promise [promise 1], [promise 2], and [promise 3].
I will meet you with [value], hold you with [value], and build with you a life of [value].
This is my vow—today and all our days here.
Do’s & Don’ts (from many Okanagan ceremonies)
Do:
Aim for 60–90 seconds each. (Your guests—and photographer—will thank you.)
Use specifics over clichés: “the Kal beach fries we split” beats “you’re amazing.”
Keep 1–2 inside jokes, but provide context so guests aren’t left out.
Print on sturdy card stock; no phones at the mic (reflective screens + bright sun = squints).
Breathe. Smile. Look up at least once.
Don’t:
Roast your partner. Gentle humour, yes; roast, no.
List 20 promises you can’t keep. 5–7 is powerful and realistic.
Wing it. Emotion + adrenaline = blank brain. Bring the card.
How We Help at Cherished Ceremonies
At Cherished Ceremonies, our officiants specialize in ceremonies that feel like you: inclusive, personal, and beautifully paced. We’ll coach you on tone and length, help you choose the right template, and integrate your vows seamlessly into a ceremony timeline that keeps guests engaged (and tissues handy). From mic technique on a breezy lakeside dock to a private “first read” of vows at an orchard, we’ve seen what makes the moment magical—and we’ll get you there.
Whether you’re planning a full celebration or an intimate elopement, we bring calm guidance, thoughtful scripts, and genuine care. Let’s create an unforgettable wedding experience together!
Ready to craft vows you’ll be proud to say?
Call (778) 688-4273 or click here and let’s discuss what you’re thinking & get started.