Picture this: You stand under a floral arch in a charming Polish garden, the scent of freshly baked pierogi wafting from the nearby reception tent, your family and friends watching with teary eyes as you speak your vows. In Polish. Then in English. Magic, right?
Writing your own vows is already emotional. Writing them in two languages? Double the beauty—and, let’s be honest, double the stress. But don’t worry, I’ve got you.
Why Write Bilingual Vows?
First, why even bother? Well:
- Your love is one-of-a-kind, and so should be your vows.
- Many Polish weddings are international now, and mixing Polish and English makes sure Grandma Basia and Uncle Tom feel included.
- It’s personal, romantic, and adds a meaningful touch to your ceremony.
Traditional Polish Wedding Vows
Before you go full Shakespeare, it helps to know what’s traditional. Here’s the classic:
"Ja, [Twoje imię], biorę Ciebie, [Imię partnera], za żonę/męża i ślubuję Ci miłość, wierność i uczciwość małżeńską oraz że Cię nie opuszczę aż do śmierci."
Translation:
"I, [Your name], take you, [Partner’s name], as my wife/husband and I vow you love, fidelity, and marital honesty, and that I will not leave you until death."
Beautiful, but you can make it yours.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Personal Vows in Polish and English
1. Reflect on Your Story
Think of your best moments together. That first walk in Łazienki Park (lazienki-krolewskie.pl), your weekend in Zakopane, or how you survived IKEA without breaking up.
These are your treasures.
2. Mix Languages Creatively
You don’t need a 50/50 split. Some couples prefer starting in Polish and ending in English, others alternate sentences, or save Polish for the most emotional line.
Example:
"I promise to always dance with you, even when there’s no music. Obiecuję zawsze z Tobą tańczyć, nawet gdy nie będzie muzyki."
3. Keep It Natural (and Understandable!)
Write from the heart, but make sure it’s understandable for both of you. If your Polish sounds like you learned it from Google Translate at midnight, ask a native friend for help or consult a professional celebrant from Wedding.pl or Zankyou.pl.
4. Add Humor
Your vows don’t have to be a soap opera. Humor makes them human:
"I vow to love you endlessly... and to never judge your addiction to Polish pickles."
"Obiecuję kochać Cię bez końca... i nigdy nie oceniać Twojego uzależnienia od ogórków kiszonych."
Guaranteed chuckles (and maybe a tear).
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Especially if you're not fluent. Read them aloud. Practice together if you dare or keep them secret until the big day. Bonus tip: print a nice card, not just a crumpled paper from your pocket.
Example Vow in Both Languages
"I promise to be your home, wherever we are. Obiecuję być Twoim domem, gdziekolwiek będziemy."
"I will stand by your side, in every storm and sunshine. Będę przy Tobie, w każdej burzy i w każdym promieniu słońca."
Short, sincere, and straight to the heart.
Bonus: What If I'm Scared?
Spoiler alert: everyone is. Even if you cry, stumble, or accidentally say “kaczka” instead of “kocham” (duck instead of love)—it will be perfect. Because it’s you.
FAQ
Q: Can I mix Polish and English freely?
A: Absolutely! Do what feels right for you.
Q: What if my partner doesn’t speak Polish?
A: Use short phrases with a translation or let your celebrant help. Many Polish officiants are used to bilingual weddings.
Q: How long should vows be?
A: Around 1-2 minutes per person. Long enough to make people cry, short enough to avoid needing a coffee break.
Final Tip
Your wedding is yours. Whether you write two languages into your vows or just sprinkle them like powdered sugar on a pączek—make sure it feels like you.
And when you’re ready to capture every single tear, laugh, and eyebrow raise, I’d love to be there for you. I specialize in storytelling photography for weddings full of emotions, Polish traditions, and yes—perfectly imperfect vows.
Check my portfolio here, discover flexible photo packages here, and let’s chat about your big day here. Together, we’ll make your priceless moments last forever.
(Article created by a wedding & vow enthusiast who truly knows how Polish weddings feel—from kieliszki to heartfelt vows.)
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