Vow Renewals
There are
many reasons couples renew their wedding vows. Renewal of
Vows ceremonies are often used by couples who married at a
courthouse - who now want a REAL ceremony. Renewal ceremonies are
often given as gifts by children to their parents as a way of saying
thank you - or even in return for all the time and expense the
parents put into their wedding. A renewal of vows ceremony can be as
formal or casual as you wish. Finally, a Renewal of Vows ceremony is
also an excellent opportunity to involve the children - young or old
- in the ceremony via lighting the unity candles, exchange of roses,
etc.
These
ceremonies are arranged the same as a wedding, however there are no
legal requirements. Considerable time is spent with the couple
discussing the content of their ceremony and how it is presented. I will draft the ceremony and check back with the couple
to ensure it expresses their views accurately.
At the
time of the ceremony I spend a little time reflecting on your
history, revisit the important events along the way (eg. birth of
your children, relocation of your home) - anything that has helped
shape your lives together. Some couples may wish to say the vows
they made on their wedding day or perhaps write new vows. Rings are
exchanged either the original wedding rings or new ones. If you wish to exchange a gift to
mark the occasion, I make sure that it is incorporated as part of
the celebration if appropriate. You may even be able to gather the
original wedding party.
To mark
the event you will receive a Certificate which shows your original
marriage date, place, etc.... and then gives the details of this
celebration. As with your original Certificate of Marriage, there is
a space for your signatures, your witnesses and mine as the
officiant. You will also receive a keepsake copy of the entire
ceremony.
