Think What is a Vow Renewal Ceremony?
A vow renewal is an official opportunity to say “I STILL DO”
You don’t have to be married to reaffirm your commitment to each other
A vow renewal celebrates love, gratitude and commitment.
Pick A Date
It doesn’t need to be a significant date, although many people choose an anniversary . John and I just made an impulse decision to have a love and gratitude ceremony and then wanted it as soon as was reasonably possible. We picked a date that previously had no specific meaning to us.
Pick a Location
Choose somewhere meaningful to you. It doesn’t need to be expensive and extravagant. Couples often return to the place they originally got married (if they did) or where they had a memorable holiday. Others pick a place they love to visit or something close to home with special meaning. I’ve officiated under ancient oaks, by a favourite riverside holiday spot, in a couple’s local pub, at their home. Literally anywhere you want.
Because its not a legal ceremony the venue doesn’t need to be licenced, you just need to follow the everyday rules of the place you choose. You can go anywhere; why not gather in your local woodland, on your favourite beach, at a local picnic spot. Obviously think about how many people you are having with you, and be aware that the general public will still have access if you haven’t chosen to book a venue for a private event
What do you want to Wear?
It doesn’t have to be full wedding regalia but it can be if that’s what you want. If you’re into cosplay, why not eh?! This is a celebration to remind you off your journey to date, how you got to where you are and what you look forward to for the future
What Do You Want To Say?
Book a date night (or 3)
Spend some time reminiscing, think about the journey you have been on together, what you have overcome, achieved, experienced.
Think about how you felt when you met, when you married (if you did), compared with how you feel now.
What are you most grateful to each other for? Think about your hopes, dreams, plans for the future? What are your shared passions, music, pastimes, poems etc?
All of this will form the basis of your story and the promises you choose to make.
Book Your Celebrant
Whilst you don’t need an officiant, having one is what differentiates a ceremony from a party or date night. An Independent Celebrant will spend time hearing your story. A good celebrant will also be willing to talk to ‘your people’ to gather info. They can suggest and create a meaningful symbolic ritual based on what you have told them. They can even help you articulate what you want to say to each other and how you do that. Much like with a Celebrant-led wedding, a celebrant should provide you with lots of time and ideas and on the day, deliver it perfectly, whatever that means to you. Choose a celebrant who fits with your personalities . If you want to know if I’m that person, get in touch, we can have a chat, without any pressure to book me, and you can share a bit of your love story with me too!
