There are many reasons to renew your vows – a special anniversary, birthday or other occasion where you want to reaffirm your love.
Whatever the reason for wanting to renew your vows there are certain requirements that must be observed. A renewal of vows is not a legal marriage ceremony, it is not legally binding and it does not require the registration of any official documents. It must be made quite clear to all in attendance that the couple involved are already married and the ceremony is about a reaffirmation of their love for each other. You cannot legally get married to someone if you are already married even if you are married to each other.
Of course this doesn’t mean that the ceremony cannot be just as exciting, warm and fun as a “real” wedding. The way in which you celebrate is limited only by your imagination. You can include the wording and vows from your original ceremony, have the same attendants and even exchange the same rings – although a new ring is always a nice idea!
Involving your children, grandchildren, furbabies and other family members is a lovely way to proclaim your continuing love for each other and to show the world the results of the declaration of love you made all those years ago. Young children especially love to be part of their parents’ ceremony and can add to the fun and happiness on the day.
Why have a renewal of vows ceremony?
The obvious reasons are a special anniversary, birthday or another occasion such as the arrival of a new family member. It could simply be that you want to let everyone know how much you love each other or it may be creating a new memory of someone who may not be with us in the future. The events of 2020 have meant that many weddings have been restricted in guest numbers so couples want to celebrate with their friends and family as they would otherwise have done.
Some couples choose to renew their marriage vows following particularly difficult times. They wish to proclaim their continuing love for each other and their commitment to the vows they have previously taken. A renewal of vows ceremony is a public declaration that you are committed to your marriage and a testimony that the trials and challenges of past years have not weakened but strengthened the bond of love between you.
Sometimes couples get married overseas for various reasons. The high cost of travel often means that family and friends are unable to share in the event so couples may choose to have a second ceremony when they return home to include the rest of their families and friends. This cannot legally be a wedding but a renewal of vows fits the occasion perfectly.
Regardless of the reason for the celebration it needs to be special – fun, exciting and filled with love and warmth. The preparation of the ceremony is similar to preparing a wedding ceremony and I will assist you and provide suggestions to make it a truly memorable occasion. Many of the poems and readings in my wedding booklet are appropriate for a renewal of vows ceremony as well.
As part of the ceremony you can sign a commemorative Reaffirmation of Vows Certificate and can include your original witnesses, other family members and friends on it as well. It will be a beautiful reminder of your special day.
Let’s have an obligation free chat about the options available.
I am a Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant and a member of AFCC. I am based in Brisbane and perform ceremonies throughout Brisbane, Logan, Scenic Rim, Ipswich and South, to the Gold Coast QLD. Contact me for more information and Bookings.