Being the center of attention can be nerve racking. Expressing your love and dedication to the love of your life in front of a crowd can be even more overwhelming! If this is the case for you, you may want to consider having a private vow ceremony.

Sarah Ascanio Photography

What are private vows?

Private vows are just what they sound like. Write your personal, customized vows to your partner and share them in a private space before or after your wedding ceremony. You may want to exchange vows before your first look. Stand on opposite sides of a door or barrier and read the vows to yourselves making sure to capture your individual (and maybe teary-eyed) reactions on camera!

You may opt to share your vows after the ceremony is over, when the pressure is lowered and you can relax and focus on each other. Or, save them for the honeymoon! That’s the beauty of private vows, they are yours to share when and where.

What do you say at the altar?

You can share traditional vows at the altar for all your guests to hear. You could also share a shortened version of your private vows while keeping the full message with all the raw emotion and feeling, just for you two.

Jagger Rose Photography

How to write private vows

This is not the legally binding portion of your ceremony so you don’t have to worry about any required wording or saying it a certain way. Write three pages or just a short paragraph; there are no time limits or requirements to hit.

Start writing your vows at least three months before your wedding day to give yourself ample time to edit it and get it right for the big day. You could both write separate vows to each other or write one set of vows together. Whichever option you go with, make it yours!

Your vows are yours to create and share how you wish. They can be whatever you dream them up to be! Include a poem, song lyrics, or an inside joke that is special to just you and your partner, or let your words pour direct from your heart. Your vows should be a representation of you and your love for your each other. Make sure to talk about the love you share and how you’ve grown together as a couple. Talk about all the ways you want to be a good partner for them into your marriage and what that may look like. There’s nothing too big or too small to include here, just make it meaningful.

Private vows are perfect for intimate wedding settings like at Watson Block. Our space is glamourous and cozy, perfect for your small to medium size wedding ceremony and reception. Watson Block can comfortably seat 120 guests for a seated reception. If you prefer a cocktail style reception, we can accommodate up to 150 guests.