Renew Your Vows (but never a Vowel Renewal!) – What Does It Mean, Why Are Celebs Doing It, and Is It Right for You?

More and more couples are choosing to renew their wedding vows – and it’s not just celebrities leading the way. From Victoria and David Beckham’s intimate celebration to Jamie and Jools Oliver’s fun Las Vegas vow renewal with Elvis, it’s clear that vow renewal ceremonies are becoming a beautiful trend for couples everywhere.

So, what does it mean to renew your vows, why might you consider it, and how can an independent celebrant help you create something truly unforgettable?

Couple smiling whilst sharing personal promises as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary

What Is a Vow Renewal Ceremony?

A vow renewal ceremony is a chance for married couples to reaffirm their commitment to one another. It’s not a legal ceremony (like a wedding), which means it’s completely flexible and personal to you.

It’s your moment to reflect on the journey you’ve taken together, celebrate the love you share, and look forward to the future. Whether you’re celebrating one year or fifty years of marriage, vow renewals are designed to reflect you as a couple.

Why Do Couples Renew Their Vows?

Every couple has their own reasons for choosing a renewal of vows – here are some of the most popular:

✨ Celebrate a milestone – Many couples choose to renew their vows on their 10th, 25th, or even 50th wedding anniversary.

✨ A second chance at the wedding you wanted – If your wedding day wasn’t everything you hoped for, a vow renewal lets you do it differently – your way.

✨ Include family and friends – A renewal is a wonderful opportunity to involve children, grandchildren, and loved ones who have supported your journey together.

✨ Mark overcoming challenges – Perhaps you’ve navigated illness or difficult times together. A vow renewal is a meaningful way to celebrate your resilience and recommit to one another.

✨ Celebrate just the two of you – An elopement-style renewal is an intimate way to escape the busyness of life and say “I still do” in private.

A bride and groom kissing as they renew their vows in front of family and friends after Covid prevented the wedding they'd hoped for in 2020. Marc Le Galle photography

What Happens in a Renewal of Vows Ceremony?

As an independent celebrant, I create bespoke vow renewal ceremonies tailored to each couple. There are no rules, no legal restrictions – just a ceremony that reflects your love story.

You might choose to:

Exchange personal vows – Say words from the heart, write new promises, or re-imagine your wedding vows.

Rededicate rings or give symbolic gifts – Silver for your 25th anniversary, gold for 50 years, or something uniquely meaningful to you.

Include rituals – A tree planting, sand ceremony, or even building a bouquet from flowers gifted by your guests.

Involve loved ones – Readings, music, or symbolic roles for children and grandchildren.

The ceremony can be as traditional, modern, alternative, religious, or non-religious as you like – it’s entirely up to you.

Couple signing their certificate after renewing their vows

Creative Ideas for a Personal Touch

Here are a few ways couples make their vow renewal extra special:

The bouquet of love – Ask each guest to bring a single flower. As you walk up the aisle, or amongst your guests, gather them into a beautiful bouquet symbolising the love and support surrounding you.

A family sand ceremony – Each family member pours a different colour of sand, creating a keepsake that represents your unity and individuality.

Exchange letters – Write private letters to each other and read them during the ceremony – a powerful and intimate way to reaffirm your love.  This is especially powerful during an elopement style ceremony.

Is Renewing Your Vows Right for You?

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate your marriage, honour your journey, or simply create another unforgettable moment together, a vow renewal could be perfect.

Whether you want a joyful party surrounded by family and friends, or a quiet, intimate ceremony for two, a vow renewal in the UK (or abroad!) is a meaningful way to say, once again: “I still do.”

Glasses of champagne ready to be served

Let’s Create Your Perfect Vow Renewal Ceremony

Your love story is worth celebrating – so why wait for a milestone?

As an independent celebrant in Wiltshire, the Cotswolds, Hampshire, Sussex, and beyond, I work with couples to design vow renewal ceremonies that are unique, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

If you’re ready to start planning your vow renewal ceremony, get in touch with me today. Let’s create something magical that reflects your journey, your family, and your love!