What Is Average Length of Vows

A good length for vows is around 1 to 3 minutes. One thing you could do to help prevent them from running too long is to put the longer stuff (specific stories/memories from throughout your relationship, repetition of anything, or inside jokes that most of your guests won't understand) into a letter that you can give to your future spouse before the wedding, and write the rest into your vows. Make sure your vows include specific promises to your partner, and move pretty much everything else into a letter.

If you think a written version will keep you brief, then write it down. Another option is to work with the officiate to have you repeat the words as the officiate shares them -- as in conventional vows. The other aspect is to remember to keep these promises briefer since you are obligating yourself to what you proclaim. Maybe the last balancing point is that you do not make your spouse's vows appear too brief or inadequate compared to your lengthy ones. Remember also that the guests will not usually enjoy too long of a ceremony.

1-3 minutes is the usual guide. We were both around 1 and a half. Remember that it’s not a speech about how much you love your partner, it’s a set of promises. Think about what the most important promises are for your lives together.

I’m a wordy person as well, and 3 minutes seemed to be right at my comfort level (any longer and I’d be worried about losing attention). For me it was right around 500 words at my pace, but mileage may vary.

Usually that's 3-5 minutes.