So you are thinking about renewing your vows. Below are some of the answers to the questions we have been asked.

This ceremony is for any married couples that wish to renew their wedding vows. Renewing your vows can be carried out at any stage of your married life. Often ceremonies are associated with special wedding anniversaries, such as the twenty fifth year or fifteen years.

Please note that these ceremonies have no legal effect, and are not legally binding on those who participate.

• Can I only renew my wedding vows in a church?
  No, you can renew your vows in a registry office or one of the many approved building that permit you to hold your wedding. Unfortunately, only a small number of registry offices carry out renewal ceremony. Click here for a list
   
• What does the ceremony contain?
  This is only a guide. The ceremony can contain: and Introduction and welcome,Acknowledgement of any children of the marriage, reading, renewal of vows, rededication of rings, giving of new rings or gifts, words from previous wedding guest(father of the bride, best man), further reading or poem, signing of the certificate,witnesses and closing words.
   
• How much does it cost?
  Unfortunately the cost varies from local authority to local authority. For example, Bristol do not offer a renewal of vows at the registry office. You are required to book a venue, then the registrar will travel to the venue and perform the ceremony. In this instance, you will need to consider the cost of the venue plus the registrar's fee. If you live in London, Barnet may be the place to go, as their fee is fixed. At the time this site was published(Jan 2002), it was £150 including VAT. This cost included going to a venue or having the ceremony in the registry office.
   
• What if I don't live in the borough where they offer wedding vow renewals?
  Most borough's are happy to accept people from other area at no extra charge. You must keep in mind that a registrar may not travel to the other end of a city for you, so you may have to bring your big day to them or a least closer to them.
    
• Are there any documents I need to bring?
  You will need to bring your marriage licence, to prove you are married.
    
• Do I get some type of document like a marriage licence?
  You will be given a commemorative certificate. This is signed during the ceremony by the couple and two witnesses
• How long will the ceremony last?
  The ceremony can last between 15 and 30 minutes. This all depends on what readings and poems you have at the ceremony.

Blessings

Blessings are performed by your local vicar. Their cost vary from city to city.

List of Registry offices the carry out Renewal of Vows