There’s something downright magical about standing with your favorite person in the world, just the two of you, no audience, no pressure, surrounded by Colorado’s jaw-dropping beauty and promising forever in a way that actually feels like you. If you’re planning a Denver elopement or self-solemnized ceremony, writing your own vows might just become the most emotional, meaningful part of the day (don’t forget to bring the waterproof mascara but don’t say I didn’t warn you 😉).

Of course, when it’s time to actually write those vows? Total brain fog. You’re suddenly staring at a blank Google Doc wondering how to put the biggest feelings into actual words, without sounding like you lifted them from a Target card or roped in ChatGPT for help!

As a Denver elopement photographer who’s had the absolute privilege of witnessing some wildly beautiful vow exchanges (and cried behind the camera more times than I’ll ever admit), I’ve got you. Think of this guide as part pep talk, part best-friend-advice, and totally judgment-free. Whether you’re planning a quiet mountain ceremony or a rooftop city escape, I’ll be right there with my camera, and a stash of tissues, cheering you on every step of the way.

Now, grab your favorite drink (coffee, wine, Topo Chico, no wrong choices here) and let’s dive into everything you need to know about writing personal, heartfelt vows that feel real, honest, and unapologetically YOU.

Why Learning How to Write Vows Makes Private Readings So Meaningful

You know what’s underrated? Saying your vows without 100 eyeballs staring at you. No chairs in rows, no clinking glasses, no pressure to be super romantic and poetic, just the two of you, a killer view, and all the feelings.

Private vow readings are hands-down one of my favorite parts of a Colorado elopement. Especially when you’re self-solemnizing (yes, it’s legal here and no, you don’t need an officiant!), you’ve got the freedom to make this moment entirely your own. The words don’t have to be perfect when your connection speaks volumes on its own!

I’ve photographed couples barefoot on a blanket, boots tossed to the side, hands clasped tight. I’ve heard whispered promises, laughter through tears, and vows that start with “remember when…” and end with ugly crying (mine included). These are the kinds of moments that don’t just look good in photos, they feel good. They anchor the whole day.

So if the thought of a big, traditional ceremony gives you hives and you’re dreaming of something more personal, private vows might just be the part of your elopement that hits you right in the heart, in the best possible way.

Tips for Writing Vows That Feel Personal and True

I know writing your own vows can be intimidating. I mean, you love this person with your whole heart, but now you’re supposed to sum it all up in a few minutes, without sounding like a sappy movie montage or a bad Hallmark card? No pressure, right?

The good news? You don’t have to be a writer or romantic mastermind. The best vows aren’t fancy or flowery. They’re honest. They’re a little messy. And they sound like you, which is exactly what your partner wants to hear.

Here’s what I tell my Denver elopement couples when they ask how to write vows that feel real, personal, and not totally cringe:

Start with a love letter. Seriously, don’t even call it “writing vows” yet. Just write a letter. Tell your person what you love about them, what you admire, and what you’re looking forward to in this next chapter. From there, you can highlight the pieces that feel the most powerful and shape them into your vows.

Weave in your story. How did you meet? What weird little things make your relationship work? Maybe you both love animals (because same!), or could listen to true crime podcasts all night. Whether it’s big milestones or tiny inside jokes, your history makes your vows richer.

Promise what matters. At the heart of it, vows are promises. They can be sweet, silly, poetic, or plainspoken. Whether it’s “I promise to always make the coffee” or “I vow to choose us, even on the hard days,” speak from the heart and keep it real.

Let your voice shine. You don’t need to sound like Shakespeare. If you’re funny, be funny if you’re sentimental, lean into it. Some of the most moving vows I’ve witnessed were a little rambly, a little teary, and 100% authentic.

Creative Prompts to Help You Write Your Vows

Still staring at the blinking cursor like it personally offended you? Totally normal. Sometimes all it takes is the right question to crack your heart open (in a good way) and get the words flowing.

If you’re wondering how to write vows that feel deeply personal but need a little nudge, these prompts can help you get started:

What did you think when you first met them?
Were sparks flying? Total curiosity? A slow burn that snuck up on you? That first impression says a lot, and it’s a great way to anchor your vows in your real-life love story.

What have you learned from them?
The best relationships help us grow. What has your partner taught you about love, patience, joy, or showing up for someone else? Bonus points if you’ve both evolved in beautiful (or hilarious) ways.

When did you know you wanted to marry them?
Was it a big, obvious “this is it” moment? Or something small and quiet, like how they always save you the last bite of dessert or laugh at your worst jokes? Those little things are everything.

What do you love most about your life together?
Think about the routines, quirks, and shared dreams that define your day-to-day. What would feel incomplete without them?

What do you promise, today and always?
This is where the vows come in. Your promises can be sweet, serious, playful, or all of the above. Something like “I promise to always support your dreams” pairs beautifully with “and I promise not to steal the covers…often.”

And hey, if writing solo feels intimidating, you can totally tag-team it. Some couples choose to write their vows together, agreeing on a few shared promises or a structure, then adding their own spin. It doesn’t take away from the intimacy; if anything, it makes your vow exchange feel even more connected and intentional. You’re a team after all! 

Where to Buy Beautiful Vow Books for Your Denver Elopement

Once you’ve spent time learning how to write vows that actually feel  honest and authentic, you’ll want something equally special to write them in. Enter the vow book: a keepsake that turns your words into a tangible part of your day. Beyond looking beautiful in your photos (yes, they totally do!), vow books help you stay present during your reading. No phones lighting up mid-sentence or crumpled receipts pulled from a jacket pocket. No awkwardly unfolding that one piece of printer paper you’ve folded into eighths, just you, your vows, and a moment that’s stripped of distractions and full of meaning.

Whether you’re after something handmade, minimalist, luxe, or budget‑friendly, here are some beautiful options, plus where to shop locally in Denver or online. 

Elegant and Customizable Vow Books:

• Artifact Uprising Vow Book – $20: Clean, modern, and made from recycled materials, because yes, you can care about the planet and your aesthetic. Perfect for a Colorado mountain elopement with a minimalist vibe.
• Personalized Foil Vow Books from Craftwalla – $18: Foil-stamped and luxe without the luxury price tag. Match them to your wedding colors or your Pinterest board. Either way, they’ll look amazing in your photos! 
  

Handmade and Heirloom-Quality Options:

• Golden Hour Paper Handmade Vow Books – $25: Textured paper and silk ribbon. The kind of details that make your vow book feel like an actual heirloom, not an afterthought. These photograph beautifully.
• Duncan & Stone Vow Books – $9.10: Simple. Classic. Understated in the best way. If you want a clean, timeless look without overthinking it, these are a solid choice.
  

Budget-Friendly Finds:

• Hobby Lobby Vow Book – $4.99: If you’re last-minute shopping and need something now, Hobby Lobby’s got your back. Simple designs, still pretty, and easy to find in-store around Denver.
• David’s Bridal His & Hers Set – $14.95: A budget win that doesn’t scream “budget.” Matching set, plenty of writing space, and they do the job without stealing the show.
  

Minimalist & Modern Favorites:

• Etsy Personalized Minimalist Vow Books – $51.75: For the design snobs, in the best way. Sleek, neutral, and fully customizable, these fit right in with an urban Denver elopement or a modern mountain ceremony.
• Etsy Gold Foil Calligraphy Vow Books – $15: Elegant and romantic with hand-lettered charm. The soft gold foil adds just enough glow without feeling too extra.
  

Shopping Local in Denver? Check out Paper Source in Cherry Creek, or Wordshop  in the Highlands for one-of-a-kind vow books you can hold in your hands before the big day. Great if you’re a tactile shopper (hi, same).

Pro Tip: Order early if you want custom names or dates, they take time! And whatever you choose, bring your vow books with you on elopement day. There’s something grounding about holding your words in a real, beautiful book. Plus, they look so good in your photos. Trust me, I’ve got receipts (aka galleries). 

When and Where to Share Your Vows During a Denver Elopement

You’ve poured your heart into writing vows that feel real, honest, and unmistakably you. So now what? When and where do you actually say them?

One of the best things about a Denver elopement, or any Colorado self-solemnized ceremony, is that you get to throw the rulebook out the window. No timelines or pressure. Just the two of you deciding what feels right. Your vow exchange can be as spontaneous, emotional, or creatively you as you want it to be.

At sunrise on a mountaintop

There’s nothing quite like beginning the day with your person and your promises. The light is soft, the air is still, and it all feels like a fresh start, because it is. If you’re looking for easily accessible spots with stunning views, I’ve got a list of Colorado elopement locations that are perfect for any level of adventure (and I’ll happily be your trail guide).

Before the ceremony, just the two of you.

If you’re having a small ceremony with guests but still want to share private vows, plan some time beforehand. I’ve photographed couples reading vows behind a grove of trees or tucked away in their Airbnb backyard, completely in their own little world. 

After the ceremony, when the pressure’s off.

Some couples feel more relaxed once the “I do’s” are done. Plan a post-ceremony picnic or sunset vow reading; it stretches out the celebration and gives you space to soak it all in.

At home, before or after your elopement.

Not everything has to happen on the big day. I’ve photographed couples reading their vows at home, curled up on the couch or standing barefoot in the kitchen with their dog at their feet. It’s low-key, personal, and incredibly meaningful.

During your adventure.

Hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, paddleboarding, you name it. Colorado’s incredible beauty makes the ultimate backdrop. Bring your vow books along and find a quiet spot mid-adventure to share your promises. It’s unexpected, unforgettable, and totally you.

No matter when or where you choose to read your vows, the only rule is that it feels right. Your vows aren’t a performance, they’re a reflection of your connection. Choose a time and place that makes space for that, and let everything else fade into the background.

Book Me As Your Denver Elopement Photographer

If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’re feeling a little more confident about how to write vows that sound like you. And if you’re still staring at a blank screen, deep breath, you don’t have to be a poet or channel The Notebook. You just have to be honest. That’s more than enough!

The most powerful vows I’ve witnessed? They weren’t polished or perfect. They had shaky hands, tear-streaked cheeks, nervous giggles, and sometimes a well-timed f-bomb. And they were absolutely unforgettable. That’s the beauty of private vow readings and self-solemnized elopements in Colorado, you get to be completely, unapologetically yourself.

So write your vows when the house is quiet. Or after a glass of wine. Or while curled up on the couch with your dog. Don’t overthink it. When the time comes to say them out loud, even if your voice cracks or your mascara smudges, the love behind your words will shine, and I’ll be there to document every second of it.

If you’re planning a Denver elopement and want a photographer who’ll cheer you on, gently guide the process, and capture all the real, beautiful, chaotic moments, I’m your girl. Reach out and let’s start planning the day that feels most like you. Reach out today! 

Planning your Denver elopement and looking for more tips? Keep scrolling! 

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