The Joy of a Vow Renewal Ceremony

Vow renewal ceremonies are a great opportunity to celebrate your love for each other again. Those “I Dos’ become a joyful and reaffirming “I still do!”.

It doesn't get much better than that for a love that is lasting, that has meaning and depth and is about two people who are continuing on the path of life together, still holding hands and still supporting and loving each other.

When is it the right time to renew your vows?

Anytime at all is the right time!

Actually this is a question that doesn't need to be asked because the right time to renew your vows is when you want to do it. It is your celebration of your love.

Some couples may seek to have a vow renewal ceremony to celebrate a milestone anniversary such as 25 years of marriage.

For others it may be that they have come through a very rocky patch because of illness or hardship and they want to show that their love for each other is stronger than ever.

It could be that you were unable to have the wedding of your dreams when you first committed to each other and that you are now in a position to have the big party, and you want to share your love with everyone.

Or perhaps you want a small, intimate ceremony for just the two of you that celebrates your married life so far and reconfirms your desire to spend the rest of your lives together.

Whatever the reason, it is your reason and your celebration.

What should we say when renewing our vows?

Whatever you want to say!

There are no rules, this is your celebration and your love.

Some couples choose to repeat the vows they said to each other on their wedding day, others will create new vows to celebrate the life that they have lived together and to recommit to the life they have in front of them.

There is something so very precious about a reaffirming love and commitment to each other.  

Where can we renew our vows?

Wherever you want to!

You can probably detect a bit of a theme going on here, but it’s true you can hold your ceremony pretty much wherever you choose to.

Selecting a venue, or location for your vow renewal ceremony is a chance for you to really think outside the box. You absolutely do not have to use a licensed venue if you don't want to. You might fancy a beach location with windbreaks and buckets and spades. Or a beautiful restaurant with flower decked tables. Or your own back garden with all the comforts of home ready to hand. Wherever you choose will be perfect because it's special to you and an opportunity to celebrate exactly as you both want to.

What should we wear for our ceremony and celebration?

You can wear whatever you like! We told you that there was a theme going on!

It could be that you want to wear your original wedding clothes, or maybe you didn't choose to have the grand wedding outfits the first time around but now you do want them. Why not? It's your celebration!

Perhaps you want a theme for your celebration, and you've decided to dress as your favourite characters from EastEnders.

Or maybe your vow renewals will take place at the top of a mountain and clearly this would be no place for stilettos and a tuxedo.

The point is (if you haven’t already guessed) the choice is entirely yours. You have the complete freedom to celebrate your love for each other in whatever way you choose. In fact there is probably more freedom with your vow renewal ceremony than your original wedding ceremony.

What about having an officiant?

One of the great joys about a vow renewal ceremony is the lack of formal paperwork. There is no need for official giving notice or registration. You don’t need to have an officiant such as a registrar or a vicar at your ceremony.

But, if you want the most wonderful vow renewal experience, think about having a celebrant to help you craft, plan and tailor make the ceremony you both want.

Here at Suffolk Ceremonies we have the passion and warmth to help create a celebration that is true to both of you. 

As celebrants we will be by your side to ensure that what you want to have  in your ceremony definitely happens. Be that a hand fasting ritual, a song from your children, or help with writing new vows, our aim is to ensure that you have the ceremony you desire.

Your vow renewal ceremony is all about you.