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This ceremony is for any married couple that 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 tenth,
twenty-fifth, fortieth etc, but the ceremony is just as appropriate for couples
at any stage of marriage. It 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are they for?
Any 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.
Your Unique Ceremony
The ceremony is put together by you! Just as no two married couples
are the same, no two ceremonies to renew marriage vows will ever be the
same.
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 friends and relatives. You will
also need to ask two people to witness the signing of the Certificate of the
event.
A 'Celebrant' will conduct your ceremony but will not be acting in any
official capacity, even if they also work as a Registrar. Celebrants are
trained and experienced in conducting many different ceremonies so do ask their
advice on anything you are unsure about.
What does the ceremony contain?
Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremonies can contain the following sections:
- Introduction and Welcome
- Acknowledgement of any children of the marriage
- Reading
- Renewal of vows
- Re-dedication of ring(s)
- Giving of new ring(s) or gift(s)
- Words from previous wedding guest (often Best Man, Bridesmaid or Bride's
father)
- Further reading
- Signing of Certificate
- Witnesses and Closing Words
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 by telephone on 020 7430 0908.
Is there a Certificate?
A souvenir Certificate is signed during the Ceremony by the couple and two
witnesses.
How much will the Ceremony
cost?
Fees charged currently range between £120.66 and £217.38 (including
VAT). Fees and charges will vary according to geographic
location, day of week, time of day and venue chosen.
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 ceremony?
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 in the
country are Ceremonies available?
Visit the website - 
http://www.civilceremonies.co.uk/rc1.htm
which has a full listing of Local Authorities offering Ceremonies and the
contact details.
I want to
arrange a ceremony - what do I do now?
Call 0191 520 5509 or email registrars@sunderland.gov.uk
to make the arrangements.
Important Notice:
These ceremonies have no legal effect, and are not legally binding on those
who participate. The Celebrant who conducts your ceremony will not be
acting in an official capacity even if they also work as a registration
officer. Similarly, the rooms in Register Offices or elsewhere that may be
used for Renewal of Marriage Vows ceremonies are not designated as Local
Authority marriage venues during the ceremony. Instead, these ceremonies
are for couples who wish to celebrate renewing their marriage vows in a unique
and personal ceremony.
Alternatively, it is possible for a couple who are already married to each
other to marry again, in accordance with the law. They may wish to do this
because they have reason to doubt the validity of their first marriage, or
simply because they wish to fulfill the legal preliminaries and requirements of
another marriage ceremony. Unlike the Renewal of Marriage Vows ceremonies,
these ceremonies are legally binding and as such, are not always
desirable. However, if you think that a marriage ceremony in accordance
with the law is more appropriate to your needs than a Renewal of Marriage Vows
ceremony, you can obtain further advice from your local Superintendent
Registrar.
Please note that your Marriage Certificate will need to be shown before a
ceremony can be booked.
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last updated
28/01/08
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