Quick Answer
Start wedding vows by acknowledging the moment, expressing what you feel, or addressing your partner directly. Good openings set the tone and draw people in. Examples: "Standing here today, looking into your eyes..." or "From the moment I met you..." or "I've been thinking about what to say to you today..."
Why the Opening Matters
The first sentence of your wedding vows is the hardest to write, but it's also one of the most important. A strong opening:
- •Sets the emotional tone for everything that follows
- •Helps you transition from nervous to present
- •Captures your guests' attention immediately
- •Gives you a confident way to begin
15 Proven Ways to Start Your Vows
1. Acknowledge the Present Moment
"Standing here today, looking into your eyes, I'm overwhelmed by..."
This grounds you in the present and immediately creates intimacy.
2. Reference Your First Meeting
"From the moment I met you at that coffee shop on a rainy Tuesday..."
Starting with your origin story immediately makes it personal.
3. Express What You Feel Right Now
"I'm nervous, I'm excited, I'm overwhelmed—but most of all, I'm grateful..."
Vulnerability is powerful. Naming your emotions makes it real.
4. Make a Time Reference
"Five years ago, I never could have imagined..."
This creates narrative structure and shows how far you've come.
5. Start with "Today"
"Today, I give you my heart. I give you my trust. I give you my forever."
Simple but powerful. Emphasizes the significance of this specific day.
6. Address Them Directly
"Sarah, you are the answer to every question I never knew how to ask..."
Using their name creates intimacy and reminds you this is for them.
7. Begin with Gratitude
"Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being here today..."
Starting with thanks sets a tone of appreciation and humility.
8. Reference What Love Means to You
"I always thought love was supposed to be easy. Then I met you and learned that love is something even better—it's worth it..."
This shows how your understanding has deepened.
9. Start with "I Promise"
"I promise you my heart, my loyalty, my unwavering devotion..."
Gets straight to the point. Clear and direct.
10. Begin with "I Choose You"
"I choose you today, and I will choose you every day after..."
Emphasizes that marriage is an active, ongoing choice.
11. Acknowledge What You Didn't Know Before
"Before you, I didn't know what home felt like..."
Shows transformation and what they've taught you.
12. Start with "I Love You Because..."
"I love you because you make me laugh when I'm taking life too seriously..."
Gets specific immediately about why they're special.
13. Reference Your Journey
"We've come so far together—from that first date where I spilled wine on your shirt to buying our first home..."
Acknowledges your shared history.
14. Begin with a Light Touch of Humor
"When I told my friends I was writing my own vows, they laughed. I'm not exactly known for my way with words. But you deserve my words, imperfect as they might be..."
Breaks the ice and shows personality.
15. Start with What They Are to You
"You are my best friend, my greatest love, and the person I want next to me for every sunrise and sunset..."
Declares their importance right from the start.
Tips for Choosing Your Opening
Match Your Personality
If you're naturally funny, a lighthearted opening works. If you're more serious, go with something heartfelt. Don't try to be someone you're not.
Keep It Simple
Your opening doesn't need to be Shakespeare. A simple, honest statement is often more powerful than an elaborate metaphor.
Practice It Out Loud
Say your opening line multiple times. If it feels awkward in your mouth, revise it. It needs to flow naturally when you speak.