Vow Renewal

Renewal of Vows for [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] 

A word of welcome

Welcome my name is ____and I have the privilege of performing this ceremony today.

[Partner 1] and [Partner 2] are pleased that you can be here today to share in their recommitment. Out of love for each of you, they want to renew their vows in your presence.

Address to the assembly

All of us know that their marriage will continue to grow, and become better and better.

Indeed this day is a day of hope. It is a day in which [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] again demonstrate their faith in each other.

You who are gathered here are called on to continue your support, and encouragement as they make this public reaffirmation of their love for each other.

Address to the couple

Together they have demonstrated that marriage is more than two people repeating marriage vows. It’s certainly more than the piece of paper they signed.

So, [Partner 1] and [Partner 2], I say to you both, continue. Continue together in your search for the good and the beautiful in life and in each other.

In this marriage, cultivate flexibility, giving each other space to grow. Show patience, understanding and a sense of humour in your relationship.

Most importantly, forgive and heal any differences that may arise from time to time.

In this ceremony today you are declaring to all of us that your relationship is not just any relationship. You already know that from this relationship has come the courage and support you have needed to face the world. For that we celebrate.

Reading

We have a great body of literature written about human love. One writer says that it is not the extraordinary things that make life worthwhile but the love we share with those around us. Another reflects on love with these words:

To find love, we must first take the chance of risking our heart to another.

For it is only then, in the very act of offering ourselves, that true love is discovered.

The path of love is never easy.

Yet it's in the ups and downs, the times of trouble and need that together a bond is forged, strong enough to withstand whatever the road ahead may bring.

Love is about knowing when it's time to lead and when it's time to follow, but mostly, it’s about two people walking through life side by side.

Expression of intent

[Partner 1], you chose [Partner 2] to be your husband/wife/partner. Will you continue to love and respect him/her/them? Will you be honest with him/her/them always and will you continue to stand by him/her/them through whatever may come? (Answer 'I will')

[Partner 2], you chose [Partner 1] to be your husband/wife/partner. Will you continue love and respect him/her/them? Will you be honest with him/her/them always and will you continue to stand by him/her/them through whatever may come?

(Answer 'I will')

Affirmation of family and friends

Now in a spirit of love and joy do you the witnesses, family and friends give these two your blessing and support this day?

Exchange of vows

[Partner 2] and [Partner 1], we now come to your vows. May I just remind you that renewing these vows is one thing but, as you have no doubt learned, nothing is more difficult than living them day by day. What you promise again today must be continued tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you.

Will you now please turn and face each other and hold hands, looking at each other.

[Partner 1] please repeat after me:

In the presence of our family and friends, I [Partner 1] again choose you [Partner 2] to continue to be my husband/wife/partner, to have and to hold, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. May we continue to grow as partners throughout the rest of our lives.

Now [Partner 2]:

In the presence of our family and friends, I [Partner 2] again choose you [Partner 1] to continue to be my husband/wife/partner, to have and to hold, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. May we continue to grow as partners throughout the rest of our lives.

The giving and receiving of rings

[Partner 2], I again give you this ring that you may continue to wear it as a symbol of the vows we have made to each other. I pledge you my love, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am I honour you.

[Partner 1], I again give you this ring that you may continue to wear it as a symbol of the vows we have made to each other. I pledge you my love, my laughter and my tears. With all I am I honour you.

Now may you continue to wear these rings with love, devotion and respect, all the days of your lives.

Affirmation of the Vows

Now may the love which has brought you two together continue to grow and enrich your lives.

May you continue to meet with courage the problems which arise to challenge you.

May your communication always be clear and honest, and may your relationship always be one of love and trust

May the happiness you share today be with you always.

Declaration

[Partner 2] and [Partner 1] you have renewed your marriage vows and reconfirmed your covenant of marriage here before your family and friends.

Therefore it is my honour and delight to declare these marriage vows renewed and strengthened.

These vows of affirmation may be sealed with a kiss.

Please join me in congratulating [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] as we celebrate their joy and recommitment.