How to End Your Wedding Vows

A strong ending leaves a lasting impression. Here’s how to close your vows well.

Return to the Beginning

If you started with a memory or image, consider calling back to it. This creates a sense of completeness, like the vows have come full circle.

“That day in traffic, I didn’t know where we were going. Now I do. Wherever it is, I’m going with you.”

End with a Promise

Closing with a forward-looking promise emphasizes commitment. It transitions from reflecting on what brought you here to declaring what comes next.

“I choose you today. I’ll choose you tomorrow. I’ll keep choosing you.”

End with Love

Sometimes simple is powerful. Saying “I love you” as your final words lands with weight after everything you’ve shared.

What to Avoid

Don’t trail off. Don’t add qualifiers at the end like “so, yeah” or “that’s all I have.” Don’t rush through the ending because you’re relieved to be almost done.

Practice Your Ending

Know your last line cold. When nerves kick in, having a clear endpoint helps. You don’t want to be searching for words when you should be landing the moment.

Leave Space After

After your final words, pause. Let the moment breathe. Give your partner and your guests a beat to absorb what you’ve said. The silence is part of the ending.

The closing is your chance to leave your partner with something that resonates. Make it count.