Renewal of Vows Ceremonies
Below are several ceremonies that have been used for "Marriage Renewal Ceremonies." As you look through them, you may find one that meets all your expectations, with or without some minor changes. Or, you may find that "mixing and matching" the various ceremonies allows you to use the "best" of each to make one ceremony that meets your requirements.
Keep in mind that the wording, reading and celebrations (candle lighting, Rose ceremony, etc.) are suggestions. Any can be changed to reflect your thoughts and feelings. I will be glad to consult and work with you to come up with a ceremony that is "just the way you want it!" But, the following words and ceremonies should give you some ideas to guide you in creating just the ceremony you desire! Four ceremonies are included below---contact me if you'd like more references (you can also search the web for "Renewal Ceremonies).
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Ceremony #1 Ceremony #2 Ceremony #3 Ceremony #4
Janet and Brad, 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 back 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.
RENEWAL
OF VOWS Brad,
will you continue to have Janet as your wife and continue to live in this happy
and loving marriage?
Brad:
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?
Brad:
I DO
Janet,
will you continue to have Brad as your husband and continue to live in this
happy and loving marriage?
Janet:
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? Janet: I DO
Some
couples like to include an exchange of rings (new rings, or original wedding
rings) or a reference to rings in the ceremony. There are several different
symbolic acts that can be interchanged, if desired. Following is a ring exchange
and “reference.” Both can (or will be) be worded differently depending on
how (if) you wish to commemorate the rings during the ceremony. See other
ceremonies for alternate ring wording.
Janet
and Brad, 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 continue 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.
Brad,
please place your gift of a ring on Janet’s hand with the words, With this
ring I renew my pledge of love and commitment
Janet,
please place your gift of a ring on Brad’s hand with the words, With this ring
I renew my pledge of love and commitment
“Reference”
God
bless these rings and the two who exchanged them in love on their wedding day.
Keep Janet and Brad safe in the circle of Your protection and love.
READING
AND BLESSING OF COUPLES
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, 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.
OPTIONAL SECTIONS: Some couples include one or both, some none, of the following sections.
Janet
and Brad have expressed to me how blessed they have been to enjoy ___ years of
marriage. Their fondest wish is
that all of the married couples here today, each of you very special friends or
relatives, be (a part of) (included in) this
ceremony celebrating love and marriage. We would like all married couples to
please rise and stand alongside your spouse……………...
At
this time, we offer a special blessing upon all married couples celebrating with
Brad and Janet here today.
May
they be blessed with the guidance, strength and direction to make their
relationship grow and blossom in the years ahead.
May their home be blessed with joy and happiness, and may they strive
together to make their hopes and dreams come true.
Most of all, we ask that all couples be blessed by the love and support
of family and friends as they continue life together as husband and wife.
And,
from this day forth, may their worries be few, may their joys be many, and may
their love grow more abundantly with each passing day. Amen.
Optional involvement of
children: (In place of, or in addition to the section above, some couples
“update” their marriage renewal by including their children in the ceremony.
That can be done, when desired, in many ways, from simply having the children
“stand” with the parents during the ceremony, to including/mentioning the
children in the ceremony. Again, many choices and variations are possible. One
of many is below:
One of the great blessings of marriage is the joy and responsibility of
raising a family. Janet and Brad have truly been blessed to be the parents of
_______(and) _______
As
Janet and Brad renew their vows of marriage today, they also renew their
commitment to be loving and caring parents to _______(and)__________,
recognizing with gratefulness the the happiness and fulfillment that ________(and)____________
(has, have) brought to their marriage and family life.
PRONOUNCEMENT
Brad
and Janet, 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 of 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!
Renewal
ceremony Suggestions II
Brad and Janet, it is a pleasure to share
today’s very special occasion with you.
Many people believe that entering into
marriage is the final step in a romantic relationship. As 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—marriage.
But marriage is not meant to be the final step
in a couple’s relationship—it is really just the beginning of a grand
adventure, that hopefully, will be long and fruitful for each couple.
You have shared the joys, blessings, and yes,
the challenges, of married life for _______ years. And, today you wish to
reconfirm 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.
Brad, will you continue to have Janet as your
wife and continue to live in this marriage? (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
foresaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live? (I DO)
Janet, will you continue to have Brad as your
husband and continue to live in this marriage? (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
foresaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live? (I DO)
Bible Reading from Corinthians: (any
variety of readings can be substituted here)
Love
endures and is kind.
Love
is not envious or jealous.
Love
wants not for itself.
Love
is not puffed up, nor does it behave wrongly.
Love
seeks not for it's own.
Love
is not easily provoked.
Love
is not rude.
Love
thinks No evil.
Love
does not rejoice in wrong, but dwells in the truth.
Love
bears all things, believes all things, endures all things, and love never fails.
On your wedding day you exchanged rings as a
symbol of the never-ending circle of love. Rings serve as a reminder of your
wedding vows to each other, and your commitment to live 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 Brad’s hand is
on top. Brad, please repeat after me…………………
Janet, I wear this ring you placed on my
hand------------- as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.
Now, with Janet’s hand on top, Janet please
repeat after me:
Brad, I wear this ring you placed on my
hand--------as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.
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.
Brad and Janet, 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.
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!
The Union of husband and wife is one of the heart, mind, and body and is intended (by the Lord) for their mutual joy, for the help and comfort given to one another in the times of prosperity and adversity. The union grows as the couple become one in more and more ways on a growing basis as their love for one another expands.
____________________& ___________________ life is given to us as individuals and the first lesson we must learn as a married couple is how to live together with each other. Love is given to us by our family and friends, We learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and learning to live together is one of life's greatest challenges. That is the goal of a married life.
But the husband and wife should not confuse the love of worldly measures, for even if worldly success is found, only love can hold a marriage together. Mankind did not create love, God created love and teaches it to us. The measure of a true love is one given freely and a love that is freely accepted, just as God's love for us is given freely and unconditional. Today is a glorious day that God has made as you reaffirm your love and vows for each other. Both of you are blessed with God's greatest gift of all, an abiding and true love of each other, and the reward of a life long companionship that entered your life through the love in your lives. As you travel through this life together remember it was love that got you here, it is love that will continue in your lives, and it is love that will cause this union to endure. I ask that you guard your heart and your love for one another, and hold it tightly in your hearts.
The minister asks the couple to join hands and continues with the Vows.
___________________________will you continue to have _________________________ as your husband and continue to live in this marriage. Do you reaffirm your love for him, and will you love him, keep him, and honor him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you shall live?
___________________________will you continue to have _________________________ as your wife and continue to live in this marriage. Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love her, keep her, and honor her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you shall live?
The Minister then asks for the rings. The minister then prays a prayer of blessing over the givers and receivers of each of the rings.
The minister then hands the rings to each. The minister then ask the husband to place the ring on her finger and repeat the following.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, with all that I am and all that I have I honor you, and with this ring I thee wed.
The minister then ask the wife to place the ring on his finger and repeat the following.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, with all that I am and all that I have I honor you, and with this ring I thee wed.
The minister then gives the charge:
___________________ & ____________________ as the two of you both now reaffirm you love for each other and the vows you made to each other many years ago, I charge that you each remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most all be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges against one another, and I charge that you live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and refuge to each in good times and bad. Amen.
The minister makes the Pronouncement & Announcement:
Since ________________________&_____________________ have now exchanged wos and rings, and pledged their love and faith for each other, it is my pleasure and honor to pronounce you Man & Wife. You may kiss the bride.
I am please to annouce Mr. & Mrs. ____________________________________.
Brad and Janet…
Today you have chosen to reconfirm your commitment to continue
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 inevitable stresses
which occur in every life, your love, respect, trust and understanding of each
other will increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living as husband
and wife.
Please face each other and join hands.
RENEWAL
OF VOWS
Brad, will you continue to have Janet as your wife and continue to
live in this happy and loving marriage?
Brad: 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?
Brad: I DO
Janet, will you continue to have Brad as your husband and continue
to live in this happy and loving marriage?
Janet: I WILL
READING
|
Put on therefore, as the elect of God,
holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind,
meekness, longsuffering; |
|
|
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one
another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave
you, so also [do] ye. |
|
|
And above all these things [put on]
charity, which is the bond of perfectness. |
|
|
And let the peace of God rule in your
hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. |
|
|
Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. |
|
|
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
[do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the
Father by him. |
|
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.
To symbolize today’s reaffirmation of that commitment,
Brad and Janet, you will now share two symbolic gifts, a marriage vessel and a
rose.
(The
marriage vessel and the rose SHALL be placed on a TABLE OR STAND)
THE MEANING OF THE GIFTS
the
officiant acknowledges the marriage vessel and the rose and repeats the
following:
The
vessel and the rose are symbols for God as Creator and Sustainer of Life – the
One who invites us to overcome separateness and find fulfillment in the sharing
of one life with another.
THE VESSEL
The officiant picks up the vessel.
In
the biblical story of creation, “The Lord formed the human from the clay of
the ground…”
This
vessel of clay, lovingly shaped, is a symbol of love’s strength and endurance.
The miracle of the vessel is that it not only protects but is enriched by that
which it holds.
THE
ROSE
The
officiant picks up the rose.
And
in the words of the prophet, where relationships create love and compassion,
even “the desert shall …bloom, like the rose”.
This
rose, born of the tiniest of seeds, is a symbol of the potential and beauty
contained in love’s promises.
In the merging of
the spirit-filled vessel and the fragrant rose / we proclaim a new relationship,
a new future / one which love has unfolded and is unfolding before our very
eyes. / May we ever respect the
sanctity of this gift.
THE GIVING
Officiant hands rose to the Brad, who repeats after the officiant:
Janet, May this gift
represent my Gratitude / for the person you are / And the person I am becoming.
(Janet takes the rose.)
Officiant hands vessel to Janet, who repeats after the officiant:
Brad, May this gift represent my Gratitude / for all you have given me / And all we will share together. (Brad takes the vessel.)
THE SHARING
Janet places her rose in the vessel, which Brad & Janet both
hold. the officiant reads the following:
As your gifts bring
beauty and purpose to each other, / May your lives continue / to enrich and
strengthen one another.
GROWING TOGETHER
Brad and Janet, as you share each passing day and as your days become years, may you continue to celebrate this tradition to remind one another of your love and commitment to each other.
Let the marriage vessel and the rose continue to be a symbol of
the beauty and strength you bring to each other. And, on your wedding anniversaries, may you add an additional
rose to this marriage vessel in affirmation and renewal of your ever-growing
love for one another.
In so doing,
contemplate these beautiful, ancient and wise words:
You and I have so much love
That it burns like a fire
In which we bake a lump of clay
Molded into a figure of you
And a figure of me.
Then we take both of them
And break them into pieces
And mix the pieces with water
And mold again a figure of you,
And a figure of me.
I am in your clay. You
are in my clay…
Kaun Tao-Sheng, 13th Century A.D.
A BLESSING
May you now go forth together in the love of God.
Go forth with hope and joy and a heart full of dreams.
Continue to give and to receive and to share.
For the old things have passed away and a new heaven and a new earth are
now your dwelling place.
Go and live with joy, peace, and love.
Amen.
Brad
and Janet, 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 symbolism of the vessel and rose ceremony.
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!
“Grow Old Along With Me” – Mary Chapin Carpenter
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE
A “Renewal of Marriage Vows” certificate is
presented to Brad & Janet
PHOTOGRAPHS
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