“I will love you forever: whatever happens. Till I die and after I die, and when I find my way out if the land of the dead, I’ll drift about forever, all my atoms, till I find you again…”
Phillip Pullman, The Amber Spyglass
For many couples there comes a time to say, “I still do”. It could be a significant anniversary or just to reaffirm your feelings. Perhaps you both feel you have weathered a storm together and want to celebrate. Whatever the reason, a vow renewal is a lovely way of remembering why you fell in love in the first place.
You can choose to repeat your original vows or make new ones that reflect the road your relationship has travelled. You may even want to involve children or grandchildren in the ceremony and make vows to them or have them give readings or prayers.
You can pick readings, prayers, music, all of which I can help you choose. You may decide to rededicate rings or give each other new ones.
Perhaps this time you want to include a Handfasting or a Jumping the Broom ceremony to have something your guests will really remember.
You can choose to hold your ceremony anywhere you like. Vow renewals are not legally binding and do not need to take place in licenced buildings.
You can hold your day at home, or somewhere special to you both or simply somewhere that is a great place for a party.
Whatever you choose, I guarantee this, saying “I still do”, can be even more memorable than the first time.
An extract from a sample ceremony
These are the hands of your best friend, strong and vibrant with as much love now as ten years ago, these are the hands holding yours on your renewal day, that will promise to love you and cherish you through the years for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will work alongside yours. These are the hands that, when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Children and Grandchildren can even make their vows to you!
An Example of a child’s vows to Parents
Mummy and Daddy
I didn’t choose you.
You chose me.
That makes me very happy.
You make me feel very loved and safe.
I promise that I will be with you always
Hand in hand
On all our adventures together as a family
I will always love you both with all my heart
And I will always be proud to be your little girl.
Regardless of the length of your marriage, a Vow Renewal can be a tender, emotional occasion for you to share with the people closest to you.