If you’re getting married this year and wondering how long your wedding vows should be, you’re not alone. Wedding vows are very personal and unique to each couple, and there’s no right or wrong formula for how long or short they should be. So, how do you decide?
Hey there! My name is Shawn, and I’m a professional wedding officiant. It’s my job to make sure that you have the best wedding ceremony experience ever. In this video, I’ll be answering a common question that I get asked a lot – how long should your wedding vows be?
Personalized Vows
Wedding vows are an expression of your love and commitment to each other, and it’s important to make them as personalized as possible. This is especially true if you choose to write your own vows. So, when it comes to length, there’s really no right or wrong answer.
Avoid Being Too Short or Too Long
It’s essential to avoid being too short or too long with your vows. If you’re someone who speaks a lot, writing very short wedding vows won’t feel authentic to you, while if you’re someone who doesn’t talk much, writing five-minute vows could surprise your partner.
A Good Rule of Thumb
A good rule of thumb for writing your vows is to make them two to three minutes long. This is a good amount of time to express your love and commitment while avoiding both the risk of being too brief and the possibility of someone yawning in the middle of a drawn-out speech.
How to Write Wedding Vows
If you are struggling to write your wedding vows, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’ve created a whole course on how to write wedding vows that will guide you through the process, including how long your vows should be, how many sentences you need, and more. You can download my free guide here!
Alternative: Love Letter
If you want to express your love to your partner but feel like it may require more than two to three minutes, write them a love letter instead. It’s a perfect gift to give your partner the morning of your wedding or send it over to them as they’re getting ready.
Deviating from the Rule
Of course, there are no hard and fast rules, and if you want to write a sonnet or read two lines, go for it! The most important thing is that your vows come from the heart and that they’re authentically yours. It’s okay to break the rules when it comes to vows, as long as you’re being genuine.
There you have it, folks! I hope these tips help you decide on the perfect length for your wedding vows. Remember, this is your special day, and your vows should be an expression of your unique love and commitment to each other. Check out our vow resources and FREE vow writing guide to get started with your wedding vows!
