I’ve recently been rewatching one of my favorite television shows of all time, Brothers & Sisters. Having just got to the episode where Kitty & Robert got married (sorry for the spoiler alert), writing wedding vows is on my mind. Kitty, a Communication Director for Robert’s presidential political campaign, struggled to write her own wedding vows. So, while you may not want to hire Kitty Walker McAlister to write your wedding vows (you can’t, she’s a fictional character), you can hire a true professional.
Professional vow writers are “writing experts who work alongside you to help create powerful vows that are your own”. Some writers not only write the vows for their clients but teach them how to deliver the vows. A really good vow writer should be able to write the vows so that they sound like they were written by you.
According to Brian Franklin of Vows & Speeches, 2023 is the year of professionally written vows. Vow writer Katelyn Stanis told Brides.com that vow writers are becoming even more popular because of the personalized wedding trend. Couples want their weddings to reflect them in a unique way. Having personalized vows is one way to do that.
And some brides and grooms sit down to write those vows and face a case of writer’s block. Enter the professional vow writer. In fact, having professionally written vows is thought to reduce speaking anxiety for performing the vows. Vow writers can help you not only with the structuring of the vows but also with public speaking advice.
Wedding Wire says that just like many other wedding-related services, a quick online search will provide you with pages and pages of results. The options are endless. You can consult a vow writing company or consult a speech writing company. Vows & Speeches charges $600 base for professionally written vows, while Katelyn Stanis charges $1,995 for her services. According to Brides.com prices will range from $400-$2,000. You can also purchase a DIY kit from a vow writing company to help you in a more budget-friendly manner.
Once you’ve selected your vow writer, you’ll meet with them (likely virtually) so they can get to know you. You’ll then work with your vow writer until they’ve created a version of your vows that you’re happy with.
Is a professional vow writer out of your budget? Perhaps you have a friend who is great with words. If not, turn to programs like ChatGPT for assistance. I asked ChatGPT to write some personalized wedding vows for a couple that met in college. The bride likes theatre and is from the south, and the groom likes sports and is from the north (just like my parents). Here’s what ChatGPT came up with.
From the moment I met you in college, I knew there was something special about you. You captured my heart with your kindness, humor, and unwavering support. As we stand here today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, knowing that I get to spend the rest of my life with you.
You and I may have come from different parts of the country, with different interests and passions, but we share a love that knows no boundaries. You love sports, while I love theatre. You’re from the north, and I’m from the south. But together, we create a beautiful harmony that is greater than the sum of its parts.
As we embark on this journey together, I promise to love you fiercely and unconditionally. I will always be your biggest fan, cheering you on in everything you do. I vow to support you in all your dreams and goals, and to be your partner in every sense of the word. I will listen to you with an open heart, and communicate with honesty and respect. I will stand by your side through thick and thin, and be your rock when the world feels overwhelming.
With this ring, I give you my heart and soul, and pledge to spend the rest of my days making you happy. I am grateful for every moment we share, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. I love you more than words can express, and I can’t wait to be your wife.
Whether you use the traditional vows, write them yourself, hire a vow writer, or have a chatbot write them, we want to be there to capture the moment you say, “I Do”.