Renewing wedding vows is a special and heartfelt way to celebrate love, commitment, and the journey shared as a couple. In this article, we delve into the significance of vow renewal ceremonies and guide you through the process of planning and creating a meaningful vow renewal ceremony script. Moreover, we’re fortunate to draw upon the expertise of Laura Montorio, The Paris Officiant, who graciously shares her insightful tips to make your wedding vow renewal ceremony an unforgettable experience.
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A vow renewal ceremony is always just a symbolic ceremony, says Laura Montorio. So you are free to decide which elements you want and don’t want to include into your vow renewal ceremony.
Essentially, it is not as distinct as a wedding ceremony and typically includes at least an introduction, your vows, and the pronouncement. But you can also add a ring exchange, readings, rituals, your love story, and more.
The most important part is for sure your renewal vows ideas. It can be the same ones that you have already exchanged on your wedding day. Or you change them and write new promises that reflect how you have grown as a couple. Perhaps you have new goals and dreams together, perhaps you have overcome challenging times, or maybe you can refine your promises after being married for several years.
This ceremony can also include another ring exchange. Some couples use their wedding rings and simply exchange them again. Some couples get new rings for this occasion.
As a celebrant in Paris, I experience all types of vow renewal celebrations. Most of my couples celebrate just the two of them and fully focus on each other; or with only their kids. In this case, it is rather informal and casual, and there won’t be any reception. But sometimes the couple is inviting their family and friends, in order to practically redo their wedding, including a dinner reception.
What is a vow renewal?
A vow renewal is a ceremony where a married couple reaffirms their commitment to each other.
Tip: Choose a setting that reflects your relationship for a truly special day.
Why do people renew their vows?
Couples renew their vows to:
- Celebrate milestones
- Overcome challenges
- Express ongoing love
Advice: Make it personal by including meaningful moments or promises in your ceremony.
When do you renew your vows?
You can renew your vows anytime, but popular times include:
- Anniversaries (5, 10, 25 years, etc.)
- After overcoming hardships
- Before family milestones
Advice: Pick a date that’s meaningful to you both, and plan ahead to make it memorable.
Vow Renewal Packages – What Do You Need to Know
When choosing a vow renewal package,
- Focus on what’s included: venue, officiant, flowers, photography, and extras like music or dinner.
- Ask if packages can be customized to match your style, guest count, and budget.
- Confirm whether permits or licenses are needed for your location.
- Decide if you want a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration.
- Check reviews and ask for sample photos or videos to ensure quality.
- Finally, clarify all costs upfront to avoid hidden fees and ensure your day is exactly as you envision.
How to Plan a Vow Renewal
- Define Your Vision
Decide whether you want an intimate gathering or a larger celebration. Think about the mood, style, and location that feel true to your relationship and the story you want to share. - Choose a Meaningful Location
Select a place that reflects your journey together. It could be your backyard, a favorite destination, or the original wedding venue. Book early if it’s popular or seasonal. - Set Your Budget
Outline what you can comfortably spend. Factor in venue costs, officiant fees, catering, photography, décor, attire, and any travel expenses to avoid surprises later in the planning process. - Hire an Officiant or Ask a Loved One
Decide if you’d like a professional celebrant or a friend/family member to lead your ceremony. A familiar voice can make the experience feel more personal and heartfelt. - Write or Update Your Vows
Craft vows that reflect your journey, growth, and hopes for the future. Share meaningful memories and express gratitude and renewed promises in your own words. - Select a Vow Renewal Dress
Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. You can wear a wedding gown, a simple dress, or something stylish and modern that suits your chosen setting. - Plan Vow Renewal Ideas
Consider adding special touches like a unity candle, a sand ceremony, or having your children participate. These elements can make the moment more memorable and unique. - Arrange Photography and Videography
Book professionals to capture the ceremony and celebration. Discuss your vision and must-have shots to ensure the photos reflect the joy and meaning of the day. - Choose Décor, Flowers, and Music
Pick decorations and flowers that match your theme and colors. Plan background music or live musicians to set the mood and make the ceremony feel warm and inviting. - Send Invitations
Even for smaller gatherings, formal or digital invitations help guests plan ahead. Share all the details, including location, dress code, and any plans for a reception afterward.
Vow Renewal Ceremony Script Examples
Simple Vow Renewal Ceremony Script
Below is a simple vow renewal ceremony script pdf that you can download. It’s short, straight to the point, and soulful. You can tweak it by adding your best vows for him or her as it suits. See this simple script below.
The welcome address
Claire and John, we take delight in sharing today’s very special occasion with you.
Lots of folks believe that entering into marriage is the final step in a passionate relationship. The way they see it, a couple meets, gets to know each other, falls in love, decides they want to go through life together, and then take the final step—tying the knot.
But the final step in a couple’s relationship isn’t marriage—it only marks the beginning of a grand adventure that will be long and fruitful for each couple.
Officiant to the couple as they renew vows
You’ve shared the joys, blessings, and yes, the challenges, of married life for 30 years. And, this day, it’s your wish to reaffirm your commitment to working together to make your marriage grow and blossom in the years to come. May this ceremony, renewing the vows you took to become husband and wife on your wedding day, remind you that despite the stresses inevitable in every life, your love, respect, trust, and understanding of each other will continue to increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living.
Please join hands
Claire, will you continue to have John as your husband and continue to live in this marriage? (I WILL)
Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live? (I DO)
Repeat same for husband.
Vow renewal Reading
From any bible verse on marriage that suits the cause of your vow renewal. You can substitute also with vow renewal wording from other sources such as literature, movies, music, famous quotes, etc.
Ring exchange
On your wedding day, you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never-ending circle of love. Rings serve as a reminder of your simple wedding vows to each other, and your commitment to living in unity, love, and happiness. At this time, it is appropriate to reconfirm the meaning of the rings you wear.
Please join your left hands together so that Johns’ hand is on top. Michael, please repeat after me.
Claire, I wear this ring you placed on my hand – as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.
Reverse hands placed and repeat for the bride.
Exhortation
I ask that you each remember to continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most of all, be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges against one another. Live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and refuge to each other, in good times and bad.
John and Claire, today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and by the wearing of your wedding rings.
Proclamation and presentation
It is with pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing the vows of marriage that joined you and binds you as husband and wife. Please celebrate this renewal of vows with a kiss!
Religious Vow Renewal Ceremony Script
Thinking of vow renewal ideas for your religious ceremony? Here’s a religious vow renewal ceremony script that suits just right. Use as posted or make it into yours. Spice it up with some love quotes that work for the purpose. It is okay to also include any kids you have or other couples during vow exchange. You’d be incorporating your faith into this special moment. And taking on the blessings that come with it. See a religious renewal ceremony script below.
The address
Mary and Jacob, when you first joined hands and hearts in marriage ___ years ago, you did not know where life would take you.
You promised to love, honor and cherish one another through all things. Life has surely brought you both wonderful blessings and difficult challenges over the years.
But here you are today, having fulfilled the vows to love, honor and cherish you each made on your wedding day. And God is smiling!
As you celebrate here today, and as you reflect over all the years as husband and wife, do you now wish to reaffirm the vows you took ___ years ago? WE DO
Please face each other and join hands.
Renewing vows
Jacob, will you continue to have Mary as your wife and continue to live in this happy and loving marriage?
Jacob: I WILL
Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor, and cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?
Jacob: I DO
Mary, will you continue to have Jacob as your husband and continue to live in this happy and loving marriage?
Mary: I WILL
Do you reaffirm your love for him, and will you love, honor, and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live? Mary: I DO
Vow renewal Reading
From any bible verse on marriage that suits the cause of your vow renewal. You can substitute also with vow renewal wording from other sources such as literature, movies, music, famous quotes, etc. But you must consult the officiant to get a go-ahead.
Rings exchange
Mary and Jacob, on your wedding day you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never-ending circle that symbolizes the eternal quality of God, unending strength, and unending love!
May you always wear your rings as a reminder of your wedding vows to each other, and your commitment to continuing to live in unity, love, and happiness. (If not “re-exchanging rings, skip to “reference.”)To remind you of that commitment made on your wedding day, you will now renew your pledge.
Jacob, please place your gift of a ring on Mary’s hand with the words, with this ring, I renew my pledge of love and commitment
Mary, please place your gift of a ring on Jacob’s hand with the words, with this ring, I renew my pledge of love and commitment
Blessing of the couple
Marriage is a commitment to learning to care for one another in mutually fulfilling ways. It is not an act but a life-long relationship always in the making.
Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life.
Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly.
Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life.
When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words.
Marriage is a promise made in the hearts of two people who love each other and the potential of marriage requires a lifetime to fulfill.
Pronouncement
Jacob and Mary, today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and by exchanging rings
It is with pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing the vows of marriage that joined you and forever binds you as husband and wife. Please celebrate this renewal of vows with a sign of affection…. You may kiss!
Unique Wedding Renew Vows Samples
For a vow renewal wedding ceremony outline that is unique, you need something out of the box. From the renewal wording, to ring exchange and readings, you must personalize it. Below is a unique vow renewal script. The readings will be at your discretion, and at best one you created yourself. You can also coin your vows, best about why you’re having a renewal. There is room for inclusions of any song, tradition, or people you wish. All of these come together to make it one of a kind.
Officiant address
[Bride and groom], When you first joined in marriage ___ years ago, you did not know what life would bring you. You promised to love, honor and cherish one another through it all. And while life has brought you both wonderful blessings and difficult challenges over the years, here you are today, having fulfilled the vows to love, honor and cherish each other. And God is smiling on you! As you celebrate your renewed commitment here today, and as you reflect on your life together as husband and wife, do you now wish to reaffirm the vows you took ___ years ago?
We Do
Please face each other and join hands (Friends can officiate this part).
Renewal of Vows Ceremony
[Groom], will you continue to have [Bride] as your wife and continue to live in this happy, loving marriage?
Groom: I WILL
Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor and cherish your wife in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?
Groom: I DO
Repeat the process for the bride.
Vow renewal Reading
This is the time to include your creativity. A reading down by you or from any source you hold dear.
Exchange of Rings
[Bride and Groom], on your wedding day many years ago you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never-ending circle that connects you to the eternal quality of God, unending strength, and unending love! May you always wear your rings as a reminder of your vows to one another, and your commitment to continuing to live in unity, love, and happiness. To remind you of this commitment, you will now renew your vows.
[Groom], please place the ring on [Bride’s] hand and say the words, “With this ring, I renew my pledge of love and commitment.”
Repeat same for bride.
Optional section
Include whatever tradition that appeals to you here. You can also bring in your kids or other couples if you so wish.
Blessing of Couple
Marriage is a commitment to care for one another in mutually-fulfilling ways. It is not an act but rather a life-long relationship that’s always evolving.
Marriage enriches every part of life.
Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger, and even anger is felt more strongly. However, it passes away more quickly.
Marriage understands and forgives mistakes. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing love.
When two people pledge their love and care for each other in this way, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any words, whether written or spoken.
Marriage is the promise made in the hearts of two people who love each other. The potential of marriage takes a lifetime to fulfill.
Pronouncement
[Bride and Groom], today you have renewed the vows you made to each other on your wedding day. You have symbolized this renewal by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and the exchanging of rings.
It is with great pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing your vows of marriage. Please celebrate this renewal of vows with a sign of affection….you may now kiss!
Marriage Renewal Vows Samples
Marriage vows renewals happen in diverse settings for diverse reasons. A couple could decide to renew their marriage vows after surviving an illness, a rough patch, or infidelity. It could also be a way to reaffirm their love they share even in terminal illnesses. Last is that the couple could be in bliss and wants to mark that milestone of years in marriage. Whichever one you’re up for, below are 5 renew wedding vows scripts to see.
Renewing vows after surviving a sickness
“Eight years ago, I promised to love you for as long as we both will live. I never imagined that I would face the possibility of losing any time, or how broken it will make me. Today, we got to that bridge and crossed it. I am so grateful that I get to continue life’s journey with you by my side. Once again, I promise to love you, honor you and keep you, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both live.”
Vow renewal for wedding anniversary
“Mark/Grace, 50 years ago, I pledged to you my love and commitment, but it feels just like yesterday. I promised to love you, honor you, comfort, and keep you. I pledged to be by your side in sickness and in health, in times of want, and times of plenty, for better or worse, for the rest of our lives. We have had all of those things, and you have been by my side as we created a family, a home, and a life together. Today, at the beginning of our 51st year as husband and wife, in the presence of God, and our family and friends, I renew my vows to you, pledging my eternal love for you, and eagerly awaiting what life may bring us.”
Vow renewal after a rough patch
“On our wedding day, I pledged to love you in sickness and in health, and for better or worse. The past year has tested those vows, but our enduring love for one another has prevailed. I come here today to make a fresh start, to renew our vows of love, honor, and fidelity, and to reaffirm my love for you.”
Religious wedding vow renewal
“I am blessed with you, (bride/groom). All my thanks go to God for our togetherness through all these years which has enriched our lives beyond measure. And again I promise with all of my being to love you and to cherish you all the days of our lives. As Christ helps me”
Vow renewal after getting through infidelity
“On our wedding day, I pledged many things to you, including my faithfulness. With great sorrow and regret, I acknowledge that I broke that vow but I realize now the enormity of my mistake. Others come and go, but you are the constant in my life whom I will always love. I believe in this marriage more than ever, and I reaffirm my love and commitment to you.”
For the perfect vow renewal ceremony, selecting the right officiant is essential. Explore our top ceremony script specialists to find the expert who can craft your ideal, personalized vow renewal experience.
Brides Often Ask
When do you renew your vows?
You have vow renewals to celebrate your marriage, often on anniversaries or after overcoming challenges.
What does renewing vows mean?
Renewing vows means reaffirming your commitment to your partner in a special ceremony. Renew vows meaning is to celebrate your marriage, often marking a milestone or fresh start.
What does the officiant say at a vow renewal?
The officiant at a vow renewal typically welcomes guests, speaks about the couple’s journey, and invites the couple to exchange vows.
What is the welcome script for vow renewal?
A welcome script for a vow renewal involves expressing gratitude for guests, acknowledging the significance of the occasion, and setting a warm and celebratory tone.
What do you say when someone renews their vows?
When someone renews their vows, you can express heartfelt congratulations, share in their joy, and convey well-wishes for continued love and happiness in the years ahead.
Each vow renewal ceremony script we’ve listed can be used as posted or tweaked. Oh yes, you are free to borrow them for your marriage renewal vows. You will find religious, unique, traditional, and funny scripts, all suited for your wedding style. Remember, there are different reasons for renewing vows, and we have samples too. Being with the one you love and affirming to them that you do is so delightful.
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