A Quick Guide to Writing Vows
Writing your own vows for your Hocking Hills elopement is a powerful way to personalize your ceremony. There is no "right" way to start—whether you prefer a structured outline or a free-form stream of consciousness, the only goal is to stay true to your relationship.
Core Outline
Introduction: A warm greeting and your person's impact on your life.
Reflection: When you first realized you loved or wanted to marry them.
Appreciation: The specific traits you admire most.
Togetherness: How you complement each other or a story of shared growth.
Promises: Specific commitments for your partnership.
Future: Your goals and dreams for the next 5, 10, and 50 years.
Closing: A final proclamation of love or a meaningful quote/inside joke.
Pro Tips for Writing
Collaborate on Logistics: Agree on a general length and tone (humorous vs. serious) with your partner beforehand.
Don’t Procrastinate: Start early so you have time to step away and return with fresh eyes.
Seek Inspiration: Look through old photos, letters, or favorite song lyrics to get in the right headspace.
Keep it Secret: Wait until the ceremony to share them for maximum emotional impact.
Read Aloud: Practicing out loud helps identify awkward phrasing or confusing jokes.
Use a Vow Book: Transfer your final words from your phone to a physical book; it looks better in photos and serves as a lifelong keepsake.
Prompts to Get You Started
Sample #1
I promise to navigate life’s uncharted territories with you, moving through every season with a spirit of exploration. Standing here under the rush of a Hocking Hills waterfall, I am reminded that our love is a force of nature—boundless, powerful, and constantly carving new paths. Just as these waters have shaped the sandstone over lifetimes, I promise to let our experiences shape us, finding beauty in the wild and grace in the unexpected.
Together, we will climb every mountain and cross every valley that lies ahead, fueled by a shared sense of wonder. Whether we are trekking through the deepest hemlock forests or standing in the quiet of a sunlit gorge, I vow to be your constant partner in discovery. With you by my side, every trail leads to home, and every unknown territory is a grand adventure I am honored to begin.
Sample #2
In the garden of life, I will be your sunshine, nourishing our shared dreams and warming the path ahead. I promise to be the roots that hold us steady through every storm, providing a firm foundation when the winds of change blow. Our love is a sanctuary, a quiet clearing where we can always return to find peace and light, no matter what the world may bring.
As we watch the Hocking Hills sunset paint the sky in gold and violet, I am reminded that even the most beautiful days must transition into the quiet of dusk. I vow to stand beside you as the light fades over the ridge, knowing that our devotion is a flame that never dims. Just as the sun sets only to rise again, my love for you is a constant cycle of renewal—endless, radiant, and always leading us back to one another.
Sample #3
I vow to love you even when you're hangry, and I promise to be the person who always has an apple tucked away for emergencies. I will share my snacks with you through every peak and valley, though I reserve the right to a silent negotiation if we are down to the very last fry.
Beyond the snacks, I promise to be your partner in the everyday chaos and the quiet moments alike. Whether we’re getting lost on a trailhead or just trying to decide what’s for dinner, I’ll be by your side with a smile and a hand to hold. I vow to keep our lives full of laughter, to never take ourselves too seriously, and to always make sure you’re fed before we start any big adventures.
Sample #4
I take you to be my wedded partner, joining my life with yours in a bond that is as enduring as the stone cliffs surrounding us. I promise to have and to hold you from this day forward—to be the person you lean on in times of struggle and the one who celebrates your greatest joys. Whether we are walking through the growth of spring or the stillness of winter, I choose you as my constant companion through every season of our lives.
I commit myself to you for better or worse, for richer or poorer, and in sickness and in health. I vow to nurture our relationship with the same patience and care that the forest uses to grow, ensuring our roots run deep and our connection stays strong. As long as we both shall live, I will honor, comfort, and keep you, building a life together that is grounded in respect and lit by an unwavering love.
Capture the Connection
"We are so glad we chose Elizabeth for our elopement! She made us feel completely at ease and captured every moment beautifully. So easy to work with, kind, and professional — we couldn’t have asked for more."
"Elizabeth was absolutely amazing! She gave so many amazing suggestions prior to our event and was so kind and easy-going. She made the environment stress-free and enjoyable! We wouldn’t have changed a thing!!"
About Elizabeth
I bring over 12 years of experience with me, meaning I’ve seen it all. My approach is inclusive, creative, and deeply personal. I’m not just there to capture the moment; I’m there to protect the energy of your day, and help you navigate the overwhelming parts.
