Essential Guide to Writing Wedding Vows in Hong Kong: Tips & Examples
As you prepare for your wedding, writing your vows can be both exciting and a bit daunting. Vows are a promise of your love and should reflect your unique relationship. Here are some tips to help you craft heartfelt wedding vows.
Three Essential Elements to creating touching wedding vows
1
Share Your Unique Story
Tell memorable moments that are special to both of you, making your vows more personal, and illustrate your love and commitment to your partner.
For Example: how you first met/ most memorable dates/ your proposal story
2
Be heartfelt
List your partner's most endearing qualities, making your vows more personal.
For Example: personality traits/ little things they do in daily life/ actions you admire most/ what you share in common
3
Make Sincere Promises
Express your commitment to journey through life together, through good times and bad. You can also write your vows in in your partner's native language.
For Example: promises for daily life/ emotional commitments/ future aspirations
In Hong Kong, wedding vows must include the statutory vows as stipulated in Section 21 of the Marriage Ordinance.
During the vow ceremony, the marriage registrar or officiant will read the statutory wording, and the couple must then vow to each other.
(中文) 我請在場各人見證：我 [男方／女方姓名] 願以妳／你 [女方／男方姓名]為我合法妻子/丈夫。
(English) I call upon all persons here present to witness that I, [name of the male/ female party], do take thee, [name of the female/ male party], to be my lawful wedded wife/ husband.
Q&A
Q1. What is the approximate length of my oath
The content of the oath that takes about 2-3 minutes to read will be more appropriate.
Since everyone's speaking speed is different, after some experience accumulation, it is estimated as 200-300 words.
Q2. Should I discuss the writing of our vows with my partner?
Focus on the word count and length of your vows to avoid significant differences.
It's best not to discuss them in advance for surprise, so share them during the ceremony.
If you need help, invite close friends but ask them to keep it confidential!
Q3. How long does it take to write vows?
It can range from a speedy 30 minutes to a relaxed 3 days or even 3 weeks!
Pro tip: don’t wait until the last minute. Start at least three weeks before the big day, so you can refine your words and maybe even come up with some genius ideas along the way!
Q4. Any ideas can provide?
Absolutely! Here are a few examples of vows in both Chinese and English for your reference.
Sample 1
在我們的家人及朋友面前，我請在座各位見證，我 (新郎／新娘姓名) 願意以妳／你 (新娘／新郎姓名) 為我合法妻子／丈夫。從今以後，當你喜樂，讓我分享你的喜樂，當你憂傷，讓我分擔你的憂傷，在你健康或病痛時支持你，與你在愛中共同成長，終生對你忠誠，直到永永遠遠。
Sample 2
我請在場各人見證, 我 (新郎／新娘姓名) 願以您 (新郎／新娘姓名) ，為我合法妻子／丈夫。我承諾無論生活的高低起伏，我都會全心全意陪伴你、支持你。我會用我的愛來呵護你，讓我們的生活充滿快樂與幸福，一起迎接每一天。
Sample 3
我請在場各人見證, 我 (新郎／新娘姓名) 願以您 (新郎／新娘姓名)，為我合法妻子／丈夫。 (新郎／新娘姓名)，我將這枚戒指戴在您的手上，從今以後，它象徵著我們的愛與承諾，永遠見證著我們的婚姻旅程。我保證不會忘記我們的紀念日，讓我們的愛情充滿甜蜜與歡笑。
Sample 4
I call upon all persons here present to witness that I, [name of the male/ female party], do take thee, [name of the female/ male party], to be my lawful wedded wife/ husband. I promise, from this day forward, to love you wholeheartedly, waking up every morning grateful to have you by my side. I will respect your dreams and support you in pursuing your goals, whether they are career challenges or personal interests. I will be there to share every joyful moment and to be your support when you need it. I hope our love will grow deeper with every experience we share.
Sample 5
I call upon all persons here present to witness that I, [name of the male/ female party], do take thee, [name of the female/ male party], to be my lawful wedded wife/ husband. I vow to be your safe haven through all the storms of life. I will use my hands to build a secure home for you, where you feel comfortable and happy. I will listen to every thought you share with my heart and provide support whenever you need it. I believe that through mutual understanding and acceptance, our love will grow stronger with each passing day.
Sample 6
I call upon all persons here present to witness that I, [name of the male/ female party], do take thee, [name of the female/ male party], to be my lawful wedded wife/ husband. I promise to cherish every moment of our lives together, no matter the ups and downs, allowing our love to deepen over time. I will strive to be your trusted partner, always by your side, no matter when or where. I hope we can create wonderful memories together and face all challenges in the days to come. You are the most important person in my life, and I will love you forever, appreciating your presence in every moment.
Q5. What if I forget my vows?
If you're not confident in memorizing them, we recommend preparing a beautiful card with your vows written on it. This can serve as your prompt on the big day.
Wooden Fairies has introduced vow books designed for couples to hold onto their precious promises. Feel free to reach out for more information—we’d love to help you preserve your special words!
Contact us for more details
