Love and commitment…
Photo by Mrs RedHead
Photo by Paul Corey
Why do people renew their vows?
A vow renewal ceremony is a fabulous way for married couples to reaffirm their commitment to each other. Couples decide to renew their wedding vows for many different reasons. They may be coming up to a milestone wedding anniversary; 10, 25 or 50 years of marriage, or have just come out the other side of a rough patch in their lives.
What does renewing vows mean?
Couples may just want to remind each other how much they love each other, or one spouse may want to surprise their partner with a vow renewal ceremony. Or maybe it’s just as simple as wanting an excuse to have a big party with family and friends and remind everyone how much you love your spouse. Whatever the reason, Coastal Ceremonies and our wedding planning team can work with you to create a magical ceremony. With your input from start to finish, you can have the vow renewal ceremony you have dreamed of and ensure the day you fall in love with each other again, is truly unforgettable. There are so many ways to mark your special day and some great ceremony enhancements you can include in a vow renewal.
Why We Love Vow Renewals
In the last couple of years, we have officiated at some memorable vow renewal ceremonies. At Loop Head in Kilkee, one couple included a Handfasting and exchanged Claddagh rings, which represent Love, Loyalty and Friendship. Another vow renewal ceremony included the children of the couple which was so fun.
We had a Handfasting where we bound all four hands, the kids read out poems and their parents exchanged vows to each other and to the kids. Danielle even wore her original wedding dress which was stunning. In Dromoland castle, we officiated at a vow renewal which again included the couple and their two children.
The couple always dreamed of renewing their vows in a castle in Ireland and we were thrilled to be able to help make their wish come true. They included a Handfasting with the kids, and a sand ceremony where they combined sand from their local beach in the US, from “The Wild Atlantic Way”, and some coloured sand which the kids used.
Another one of our favourite vow renewals was with a family who had just laid the first bricks of their new, dream home. They wanted to renew their vows to celebrate ten years of marriage and they wanted to include their children. The ceremony referenced new beginnings, their love and commitment to each other and their children, looking ahead, and celebrating family. Our celebrant included a Handfasting and the couple exchanged gifts with their kids and also sent love letters to each other, as part of the wine box ceremony. A beautiful ceremony to celebrate such a happy and positive time in their lives.
Vow Renewal Surprises
How about surprising your other half with a vow renewal? Our team have officiated a number of surprise vow renewals on the Cliffs of Moher. One “surprised” husband had no idea as his wife and kids organised everything. It was a fabulous ceremony, full of tears (of happiness) and laughter. The kids read poems about family and love and close friends and family sang “Somewhere over the Rainbow”.
We incorporated some “Love is……” Quotes and a Handfasting. Even though the surprised husband had nothing prepared he managed to say some fabulous words during the vows. Bubbles and flowers topped off a fabulous ceremony.
At Coastal Ceremonies, we love surprises. We sometimes double up as secret “tour guides” on the Cliffs of Moher. Clara from Coastal Ceremonies spent a couple of months working with one husband who was surprising his wife with a vow renewal on the Cliffs. She met them at Guerins Path and pretended she was a tour guide and they were going on a guided walking tour to Hags Head.
Photo by Paul Corey
Clara told them about the Aran Islands, the cave where “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” was filmed. She discussed how the Cliffs of Moher are the Cliffs of Insanity from the movie “The Princess Bride”. Once they reached their favourite spot on Guerins Path the surprise of the Vow Renewal was revealed. The look of shock was unforgettable and it really made the ceremony even more special.
Clara was asked afterwards whether the “tour” was continuing, so maybe she could start a second job! Vow renewals are not legally binding ceremonies so you are basically spoiled for choice in regards to your venue or location.
What can the Vow Renewal Ceremony include
Some renewal ideas that you can consider for your vow renewal ceremony:
- Write new vows or update your original vows
- Include family members 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. You literally tie the knot
- Write love letters to each other, including the reasons you want to renew your wedding vows and include in a Wine Box ceremony.
- Reconfirm your wedding rings and say the words you used when you exchanged your rings on your wedding day.
- Exchange Claddagh rings, which represent Love, Loyalty and Friendship
- Use readings, music or poems from your wedding ceremony
Frequently asked questions we get asked all the time
- Who can renew Wedding Vows? We can! We have been trained in the creation and delivery of ceremonies and would love to work with you to craft the perfect ceremony script for your ceremony.
- What do you wear to renew your vows? Anything at all. There are no rules. We have officiated ceremonies where the women wore their original wedding dresses. One couple wore their hiking gear as they thought they were going for a walk but we surprised them on the day with a vow renewal on the Cliffs of Moher. Whatever you would like to wear and feel comfortable in, is fine with us.
- Where to renew wedding vows? Anywhere! In a hotel, restaurant, on a beach, on the Cliffs of Moher, in your back garden, on a boat, in your living room. The choices are endless.
Please do get in touch with Coastal Ceremonies or on +353 87 2452858 to discuss how we can assist you in creating a personal, meaningful and memorable vow renewal ceremony; one that you both will remember for years to come.