So you're getting married in Poland — a land of pierogi, poetry, and passion — and you've decided to write your own wedding vows. In Polish. Bravo, brave heart. Whether you're both Polish, one of you is learning the language, or you're just drawn to the charm of Slavic vowels and sentiment, crafting personal vows in Polish will make your ceremony unforgettable.
But… how? Where to start? What do you even say? And how do you pronounce „ślubuję Ci wierność”? (Don’t worry, we’ll get to that.)
Let’s take it step by step — with love, laughs, and a little help from Chopin’s homeland.
Traditional Polish Wedding Vows: What Do They Really Mean?
If you're having a Catholic or civil ceremony in Poland, chances are you'll be reciting the official przysięga małżeńska. It's simple, solemn, and surprisingly moving when said aloud with trembling hands.
For the Groom:
„Ja, [imię], biorę Ciebie, [imię], za żonę i ślubuję Ci miłość, wierność i uczciwość małżeńską oraz że Cię nie opuszczę aż do śmierci.”
For the Bride:
„Ja, [imię], biorę Ciebie, [imię], za męża i ślubuję Ci miłość, wierność i uczciwość małżeńską oraz że Cię nie opuszczę aż do śmierci.”
In English?
"I, [Name], take you, [Name], as my [wife/husband] and I vow to you love, fidelity, and marital honesty, and that I will never leave you until death."
Simple. Profound. But what if you want to make it more you?
How to Write Personal Wedding Vows in Polish
Step 1: Think Like a Storyteller
This isn't a legal document — it's your heart speaking. Think of a moment when you knew this person was "it". Maybe it was when they made you hot tea without asking. Or when you got food poisoning in Zakopane and they held your hand (and the bucket).
Start there.
Step 2: Write in English First (No Shame)
Even if you’re aiming for Polish, write your raw thoughts in your native language. Honesty first, translation second. Later, you can work with a translator or Polish-speaking friend to turn your words into something beautiful (and pronounceable).
Step 3: Use Simple but Heartfelt Polish Phrases
You don’t have to be fluent. A few powerful phrases go a long way:
- „Kocham Cię od pierwszego dnia.” – I’ve loved you since day one.
- „Obiecuję wspierać Cię zawsze.” – I promise to always support you.
- „Razem jesteśmy nie do zatrzymania.” – Together, we are unstoppable.
- „Ty i ja – na zawsze.” – You and me – forever.
You get the idea. Emotional beats grammar. Every time.
Real Examples of Polish Wedding Vows (with Translation)
Need a little inspiration? We've got you. Here's what personalized Polish vows could sound like.
For the Bride:
„Kochany [imię], od kiedy Cię poznałam, wiem, że jesteś moim domem. Obiecuję trzymać Cię za rękę, gdy będzie dobrze – i jeszcze mocniej, gdy będzie trudno. Kocham Cię bardziej niż pierogi z serem, a to naprawdę coś znaczy.”
"My dearest [Name], since I met you, I knew you were my home. I promise to hold your hand when things are good – and even tighter when they’re not. I love you more than cheese pierogi, and that really means something."
For the Groom:
„[imię], jesteś moim najlepszym przyjacielem, moją opoką, moim uśmiechem o poranku. Obiecuję śmiać się z Tobą, płakać z Tobą, a nawet oglądać komedie romantyczne, jeśli będziesz tego chciała. Bo Ty jesteś wszystkim.”
"You are my best friend, my rock, my morning smile. I promise to laugh with you, cry with you, and even watch rom-coms if that’s what you want. Because you’re everything."
For International Couples: What If Only One of You Speaks Polish?
First of all — you’re not alone. Mixed-language weddings are common in Poland! Here’s what you can do:
- Read your vows in English first, then repeat a short phrase in Polish (cue swooning guests).
- Write one vow together, blending both languages.
- Or keep it all in English — Polish officiants are generally flexible in non-religious ceremonies.
Just be sure to communicate with your celebrant beforehand — and maybe keep Google Translate out of the final draft. 😉
Polish Traditions to Weave Into Your Vows
To really root your vows in local culture, sneak in a nod to these sweet customs:
🥖 Chleb i sól (Bread & Salt)
Symbol of prosperity and resilience. Say something like: “I vow to share bread and salt with you — and maybe a shot of vodka — every day of our lives.”
💯 Sto Lat
This celebratory song wishes 100 years of joy. You could end your vows with: “Sto lat, kochanie — I hope we get at least that many together.”
Extra Spark: Writing Your Vows at a Dreamy Polish Venue
Let your setting inspire your words. Imagine writing your vows in:
- 🌲 Willa Tadeusz – a vintage villa in Lanckorona with art-deco charm
- 🏰 Pałac Goetz – like stepping into a royal love story
- 🌿 Villa Love – perfect for boho hearts who love mountain views and wildflowers
Breathe it in. Let the love spill out. Then edit ruthlessly and read it aloud until your voice doesn’t crack (or does — even better).
Quickfire Tips: Wedding Vow Writing in Poland
- 📝 Keep it under 2 minutes. If your vows need an intermission, cut it down.
- ❤️ Be vulnerable. Not sappy. Just real.
- 🇵🇱 Practice your pronunciation if you're not fluent. Or write phonetically!
- 🎤 Print a backup. Shaky hands + tears = dropped phone = panic.
- 🧻 Pack tissues. Always.
FAQ
Can I say my vows in English at a Polish wedding?
Absolutely. Most officiants will allow it, especially in civil or symbolic ceremonies.
Can I mix English and Polish in my vows?
Yes! It’s beautiful, meaningful, and shows respect for both languages.
Do Polish weddings require traditional vows?
In church ceremonies — yes. But you can often add personal ones too, after the official part.
Where can I get help writing my vows in Polish?
Ask a Polish-speaking friend, your celebrant, or a translator — or work with someone creative and local (hi 👋).
About the Author
As a passionate wedding photographer who’s captured love stories from the Carpathians to the Baltic coast, I know just how magical Polish weddings can be — and how powerful a few heartfelt words can feel when they’re said right. Vows are the beating heart of the ceremony. And my job? To capture that heartbeat.
Take a peek at my wedding portfolio here, explore my custom photo packages for couples, or simply reach out to say cześć. Whether you're saying "I do" in a castle, a forest, or a city square — let’s make it unforgettable.
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