How to renew your civil ceremony vows
If you weren’t married in a church, finding an official way to renew your vows has, until recently, been difficult.
Fancy revisiting your wedding promises? Now you can do it in a civil ceremony
For whatever reason, whether it is to reaffirm your love for each other, recognize the anniversary of your original wedding date, or even just to have a great excuse for a party, many couples are now choosing to renew their civil ceremony vows.
Many local authorities will provide celebrants who will perform renewal ceremonies in the register offices and approved venues in which you can have a civil wedding.
The Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremony has a range of sections available which you can choose from to create your own ceremony. These include:
- introduction and welcome
- acknowledgement of any children of the marriage reading the renewal of vows
- re‐dedication of the ring(s)
- giving and receiving of new rings or gifts words from a previous wedding guest (often best man, bridesmaid or bride’s father)
- further readings
- signing of a certificate
- witnesses
- closing words
Discuss which elements you would like to include with your celebrant and learn more in our guide to renewing your wedding vows.
A renewal of vows ceremony usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of options and readings you choose. A souvenir certificate is signed during the ceremony by the couple and two witnesses.
Renewal ceremonies don’t have to take place years after your wedding. In fact they are a perfect solution if you’re planning a small wedding abroad, followed by a larger celebration at home. The renewal ceremony can be held in the district of your choice.
