MAKING IT MEANINGFUL

Writing your vows & crafting your ceremony

Your ceremony is more than a tradition; it’s a conscious pause, a moment to fully acknowledge the incredible journey that’s brought you together and the beautiful next chapter ahead. Eloping is about freedom, intimacy, and a day that’s entirely yours, so every part of the ceremony should reflect your unique relationship—including the vows. Whether it’s two sentences or two pages, your vows are simply an opportunity to speak from the heart and honor what makes your love so meaningful. No need to stress or overthink it; this is a celebration of the very reason you chose to elope—to make your day truly authentic to you.

We’ve shared some prompts below to get you started with ideas, and as we get closer—about 2-4 weeks before your elopement—we’ll chat more in depth about the ceremony itself. This conversation will ensure that everything feels just right, giving you the space to relax and let your personalities shine through on this unforgettable day.

Vow Prompts

We encourage you to put pen to paper and write out your vows. This small act can make a huge difference as you reflect on what you want to promise each other. Taking the time to write your vows allows you to get to the heart of your commitment and gives you something deeply personal to share. Whether it’s a few simple lines or a heartfelt letter, putting your feelings into words adds meaning and authenticity to your ceremony that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

  • What is your favorite thing about the other person?
  • What do you love to do together?
  • In what ways do they inspire or encourage you to be a better person?
  • What are you most excited about as it pertains to married life?
  • Why do they make you laugh?
  • How did you feel the first time you met them?
  • What do you miss about him or her when they aren’t around?
  • What obstacles have you overcome together?
  • What do you see in your future?Inside jokes or storiesFavorite poems, song lyrics, etc.

Sample Ceremony Script

Please note that this is just a template! Ceremonies can include all sorts of things. You can include family members, traditions that are important to you, or words/poems/ scripture that is meaningful. We encourage you to craft a ceremony that is unique and meaningful to the two of you. Avoid cluttering up your ceremony with “stuff” just for the sake of filling time. Everything you include in your ceremony should be in service of highlighting the two of you and your relationship.

We’ve created this guide as a resource for crafting your ceremony script, to guide you and your officiant through the process. To access the editable word doc:

  1. Click this link, to access a ceremony script.
  2. Log into your Google account (or create a free account)
  3. Select “FILE” > “CREATE A COPY”
  4. Name and save in your own account.
  5. DONE! You can now edit this document for your own vows!
access the ceremony script

Elements you can include in your ceremony

  • Lei Exchange – Lei exchanges are a beautiful Hawaiian tradition representing love, respect, and connection. Exchanging leis signifies a mutual giving and receiving of aloha, enveloping each other in love as you begin your life together.
  • Ring Ceremony – The ring ceremony is a symbolic and timeless tradition that represents eternity, unity, and commitment. As you exchange rings, you’re sharing a promise to honor, cherish, and support one another in all that lies ahead.
  • Jumping the Broom – This tradition, with roots in African and Celtic cultures, represents sweeping away the past and stepping into a new life together. Jumping the broom marks the beginning of your union as a new family, with each leap signifying your commitment to a shared future.
  • Handfasting Ceremony – The handfasting ritual, rooted in Celtic tradition, involves wrapping a cord around your joined hands, symbolizing your connection and the “tying of the knot.” Each wrap of the cord reflects the strength of your bond, honoring the promises and love that will carry you forward.
  • Unity Candle Lighting – Symbolize your union by lighting a single candle together from two individual candles.
  • Tree Planting – Plant a small tree or potted plant together to signify growth and commitment.
  • Wine Blending Ritual – Blend wines from two different bottles into one glass, symbolizing your individual lives coming together.
  • Stone Ceremony – Write your wishes or vows on stones, which can be kept as meaningful mementos.
  • Love Letter Exchange – Write letters to each other to be sealed and opened on a future anniversary.
  • Flower Ceremony – Exchange or gift flowers to each other or guests as a gesture of love and appreciation.
  • Breaking of the Glass – A traditional Jewish custom that symbolizes the fragility and strength of love.
  • Time Capsule – Fill a box with items that represent your relationship and plan to open it on a future anniversary.
  • Ribbon Ceremony – Tie ribbons around each other’s wrists, symbolizing your connection and support.
  • Unity Painting – Create a painting together by pouring paint on a canvas as a symbol of your combined lives.
  • Personalized Song or Poem Reading – Write a song or poem, or select one that holds special meaning to share.
  • Handwritten Promises – Exchange short handwritten promises to each other to hold in your vow books.
  • Fire Ceremony – Write down past challenges and set them aflame as a way to enter a new chapter without burdens.
  • Unity Knot Tying – Tie a knot together as a symbol of the strength of your bond.