08 Apr When Clara became a “Cliffs of Moher Tour Guide”!
Planning Surprises
Did you ever hear of the time I became a Tour Guide on the Cliffs of Moher! I have been asked a number of times to officiate “surprise” vow renewals at Guerins Path and during planning, we decided that I would take on the guise of a Tour Guide to throw the unsuspecting (one half of the) couple, off the scent. Usually celebrants are dressed for the occasion – that is the ceremony occasion. But on these occasions, I was dressed…… well as a tour guide. Comfortable shoes, black trousers and a warm jacket. I did have my trusty Celebrant clothes on underneath (which left me slightly cold during the ceremony).
Surprise Vow Renewal Ceremony
There I am casually hanging around Guerin’s Path waiting for the cars to drive up to the top with the couple (one half very nervous and excited as to whether we could pull off the surprise and one half very excited about a tour of the Cliffs). I introduce myself, “Hi, I’m Clara Malone, your tour guide for today. We are going to start here at Guerins path and make our way to Hags head”. Luckily my nose didn’t start growing like Pinocchio –white lies are allowed for surprises like these.
Ceremony on the Cliffs of Moher
So off we go, me telling many stories; I told them about the Aran Islands, the cave where Harry Potter and the Half Blood prince was filmed and about how the Cliffs of Moher are the Cliffs of Insanity from the Princess Bride. I then got to my favourite spot on Guerins Path and we revealed the surprise. The look of shock was unforgettable and it really made the ceremony even more special. I was even asked afterwards whether the “tour” was continuing. The official professional tour guides on the Cliffs of Moher, have no need to be afraid of me taking on their roles 🙂
What can you include in a Vow Renewal Ceremony
Whether you are looking to organise a surprise or not, some ideas you can consider for your vow renewal ceremony include;
- Write new vows or update your original vows
- Include your children who may not have been at your wedding ceremony
- Write vows to your children and include a gift exchange with them
- Incorporate a sand ceremony, including your children or original wedding party
- Include a Handfasting, one of the oldest wedding traditions dating back to 7000BC
- Write love letters to each other and include in a Wine Box ceremony
- Exchange Claddagh rings, which represent Love, Loyalty and Friendship
- Use readings, music or poems from your wedding ceremony
Planning a Vow Renewal Ceremony in Ireland
Coastal Ceremonies can work with you to create a vow renewal ceremony you have dreamed of and ensure the day you fall in love with each other again, is truly unforgettable. They are such a great way for couples to reaffirm their commitment to each other and are becoming more and more popular and will be even more so when celebrations are permitted again. I don’t know about you, but I will be celebrating anything and everything once Covid is under control. The Cliffs of Moher and your “tour guide” are ready and waiting x
More Information
Get in touch today on info@coastalceremonies.ie or read more information about our Vow Renewal Ceremonies and Packages.