Vow Renewal Ceremonies
A renewal of vows ceremony is a celebratory event in which a married couple reaffirms their commitment to each other. It’s a way for couples to celebrate their love and the longevity of their relationship.
There are many reasons why a couple might choose to have a vow renewal ceremony including;
Celebrating a significant milestone: A couple may choose to renew their vows to mark a significant anniversary such as their 10th, 25th or 50th wedding anniversary.
Overcoming a difficult time: Couples might choose to renew their vows as a way of celebrating their love and commitment after overcoming a challenging time in their relationship such as an illness or period of separation.
Honouring cultural or religious traditions: Some couples might choose to renew their vows to honour cultural or religious traditions and reaffirm their commitment to each other. In multifaith or mixed-race couples there is sometimes a traditional wedding, perhaps overseas or in line with one of the spouse’s beliefs and then a renewal of vows in their country of residence with anyone who couldn’t travel.
Updating their vows: Couples may choose to renew their vows to update the promises they made to each other and reflect the changes and growth they have experienced in their relationship. Commonly I see this with couples who had young children when they were first married or had a limited budget so only had a small wedding and then when the children are grown or they have had the opportunity to save they have a bigger ceremony, more befitting their original hopes and ideas.
Post Covid: Many couples had to choose micro-weddings during the pandemic because the number of guests that were permitted to attend the ceremony was so small and the receptions had to be fully seated with waitress service, so they weren’t able to mingle or hug their guests. Now these couples are choosing to have a renewal of vows and a new reception in order to celebrate in a way befitting a wedding.
During a renewal of vows ceremony, couples may exchange new vows or repeat their original wedding vows, as well as exchange rings or other symbols of their love and commitment.
The ceremony can be as formal or informal as the couple desires and can be held in any location meaningful to the couple such as a church, a beach, a farm or even their own back garden.
Overall, a vow renewal ceremony is a brilliant way for couples to share and celebrate their love and commitment to each other, regardless of the reason for their ceremony.
