Vow Renewals

Vow renewals are a great way to get closer to your spouse by reiterating that the love you proclaimed before is still true. It has many similarities to a wedding. Similar to a wedding, you exchange vows (the same or new ones from your original ceremony) and have the option of exchanging rings. In addition, it takes a lot of planning for things such as: the guest list, flowers, food, and a cake. One difference is the person you have officiate does not have to be someone licensed, nor do you need a wedding license since you are already married. Another difference is the couple or couple’s children are the ones who ordinarily pay for the ceremony vs the parents of the couple.

There is no restriction on when a couple can do their vow renewal. The reasoning behind the ceremony can have an effect on how long or how quickly the couple chooses to wait to take part in it. However, it is the most common to do a vow renewal on a special anniversary. Whether you choose your 5 year, 10 year, 25^th year, or 50^th year, you have chosen the right one. There is no wrong time; the right time for you is the right time. You can even choose to do it at ALL of the anniversaries mentioned.

Below are some of the most popular reasons couples choose to indulge in a vow renewal ceremony.

1. As time goes forward, the couple may decide they want to do a vow renewal to incorporate the desires that weren’t met the first time around. They may want to have a larger, more elaborate, or more formal wedding.
2. Show they are still committed to themselves, their spouse, the couples family and friends
3. Another reason could be the absence of a specific family member or friend that was unable to attend the first wedding. In recreating the occasion with this person, it may feel more complete to the couple.
4. Want to have wedding during another season (summer vs. winter)
5. Religious reasons are another motive behind doing vow renewals; a couple married inside the church may crave to have an outdoor wedding or vice versa
6. Reaffirm your love after difficult times
7. Formalize an elopement or courthouse marriage by arranging a ceremony where their family and friends can all be in attendance.

I love the idea of vow renewals for any reason. Under any circumstance and for any reason I believe it can strengthen your marriage and bring you closer to your spouse. Why not?