The ceremony is for any legally married couple who wish to celebrate renewing
their marriage vows in a unique and personal ceremony.
Often these ceremonies are associated with a special wedding anniversary such
as the first, tenth, twenty fifth, fortieth etc.
but the ceremony is just as
appropriate for couples at any stage of marriage and is sometimes particularly
relevant to those who have been through a period which put a strain on their
relationship, but who wish to celebrate their renewed commitment to each other.
Who are they for?
Any legally married couple of any age and married
for any length of time, can arrange a Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremony.
It
does not matter if you do not live in the area where you want your ceremony.
What does the ceremony contain?
The ceremony is personalised to meet
your requirements and usually contains:
An introduction and welcome
An 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 e.g.
Best man, Bridesmaid
Further reading
Signing of certificate
Witnesses
Closing words
Who will conduct the ceremony?
An authorised celebrant will conduct
your ceremony and they are trained and experienced in conducting many different
ceremonies so do ask their advice on anything you are unsure about.
As you go through the choices and select what you want the ceremony to contain,
you will be creating a unique event that you and all your guests will remember.
Take time to consider which options are appropriate and have meaning for you
both.
Special people in your lives can take part in your ceremony, your children,
guests who were at the wedding and any relatives and friends.
You will also
need to ask two people to witness the signing of the certificate of the event.
Please not that your marriage certificate will need to be shown before a
ceremony can be booked.
What other ceremonies are available?
Couples who wish to have a
religious ceremony should contact their local church or religious community.
The British Humanist Association also arrange ceremonies and can be contacted
on 020 7430 0908
Is there a Certificate?
A souvenir certificate is signed during the
ceremony by the couple and two witnesses.
How long will the ceremony last?
Normally approximately 15 minutes
but up to 30 minutes if more readings and options are chosen
Can another couple renew their marriage vows at the same time?
No.
The purpose of the ceremony is for a couple to make commitments to each other.
Other family or friends can hold their own unique ceremony at the same venue,
on the same day, but not at the same time.
I have been married before, can I still have a ceremony?
Yes, as long
as you are now legally married.
Where can the ceremony be held?
In County Durham there are a
T
number of approved premises
where ceremonies can be held.
In
addition ceremonies can be held at Register Office premises situated at Barnard
Castle, Bishop Auckland, Durham City, Peterlee and Stanley.
Who should I contact to arrange a Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremony and
how much do they cost?