Why do people renew wedding vows?
Vow renewal Wedding packages in the UK are becoming evermore popular. The reasons for renewing wedding vows are as diverse as the couples we help. Vow renewal for some is all about reaffirming their love and commitment after tough times or illness, for others it’s to celebrate a landmark anniversary. Sometimes it’s a chance to create the wedding day they wish they’d had, or simply the ultimate romantic gesture. What's more, lots of couples do not wait for years before having an intimate vow ceremony just for the two of them: there are an increasing number of couples having the wedding day their parents or their religion expect of them, and then having a ceremony where they can say what they really want to say to one another, in a setting of their choice either on their own, or surrounded by their inner circle.
Whatever your reason for considering a vow renewal ceremony and celebration we’d love to be able to help you. We’ve put together some basic information on this page to help you develop your wedding vow renewal ideas.
You can read more here and find the answers to questions such as, “how much does it cost to renew your vows?” and all about our vow renewal packages.
Vow Renewal Packages
What does a vow renewal ceremony entail?
The key difference between vow renewal and your wedding ceremony is that vow renewal is not a legal ceremony, so immediately you are free from the constraints that the legal process put on your ceremony. Having said this, some couples opt to say the same vows they said to each other on their wedding day and include a religious element to their day if this is something that is important to them.
Put simply, the rules are that there are no rules. Your ceremony is the two of you reaffirming life-long promises to one another. Your ceremony can include traditional rituals such as hand fastening or tying the knot, readings and poems, music, dancing – anything goes and often couple involve their children, close friends and/or family in their ceremony. We also help couples who want this intimate occasion to be just the two of them - a runaway vow renewal with an elopement feel and a romantic stay for a few days somewhere special, just for two. For couples who are looking for a really fabulous way to make their "just for two vow renewal" very different and yet meaningful for the two of them, a view renewal in nature creating your own special day filled with outdoors experiences: think boating to a hidden cove, with just your celebrant and photographer/videographer, a ceremony on the beach, a beach picnic to share, followed by an afternoon SUP boarding or hiking through forgotten forests feeling at one with nature, retuning to a beach to dip your feet in the ocean before enjoying sundowners and a BBQ. The Caryls in Scotland and With Wilds in Cornwall can help you create your own perfect wedding day where you with be as one with nature and each other.
We work with tried and tested celebrants who conduct vow renewal ceremonies and are used to working with couples to help design the type of ceremony each couple feels comfortable with. They can provide wedding vow renewal ideas, guidance and will oversee your ceremony. Alternatively you may have someone close to you who you wish to conduct your vow renewal ceremony or maybe have a religious ceremony – we can work with you on any basis.
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We recommend the following celebrants:
What’s more, as your ceremony is not a legal ceremony you can choose the format, the words, any readings or music you want included and any time for your ceremony e.g. a sunset ceremony or evening ceremony that is not usually possible with a wedding ceremony.
Whatever appeals to you, we’d be delighted to help you.
What does a vow renewal day typically look like?
Each vow renewal day is different.
If it’s just the two of you, you might check into your accommodation the night before and enjoy a couples massage and meal out together. The following morning after a leisurely breakfast many couple opt for bridal hair and make up services at your accommodation. A bouquet and buttonhole can be provided should you wish. We work with three beautiful properties specialising in vow renewal stays: The Folly Devon, Pengelly Retreat, Cornwall and Fallen Angel,Cornwall - but if you are looking for different accommodation or accommodation in a different part of the UK for your runaway vow renewal
If you are travelling from your accommodation to a special spot you have chosen to renew your vows you may choose to have a chauffeur driven car or quirky VW Camper to take you there. You can choose to have your photographer/videographer meet you at your ceremony venue or perhaps your accommodation to capture some of your day prior to your ceremony.
After your vow renewal ceremony, why not enjoy a toast drink and some further photography in the beautiful location you have chosen for this special occasion? Or head down to the beach or into the woods for a champagne picnic? For your evening, you could choose a private chef experience at their accommodation to round off the day in style or if you fancy something a little more laid back a BBQ in a location of your choice chosen to allow you to enjoy the sunset on you own special day.
All of our venue partners welcome larger groups for vow renewal stays and celebrations. For couples that choose to invite guests to create an intimate group to celebrate their vow renewal with, you may start your stay with a BBQ with all your guests the night before. On the morning or your vow renewal a group of guests may want to get ready together with the helps of our stylists.
Once everyone is ready your ceremony takes place at your chosen location, and toast drinks can be enjoyed whilst your photography continues. You can choose anytime as well, with some couples option for a dusk or night time ceremony by candlelight.
The rest of you day can be spent enjoying a vintage tea party or family style sharing meal, perhaps with garden games and some music and dancing during the evening.
There really is not set formula, so let us know what you are looking for and we can make suggestions and arrange everything for you. We’d love to be able to help you.
Who should we invite to our vow renewal?
The great thing about vow renewals is that there is far less pressure from friends and family regarding invitations. This is a much more intimate occasion and very much more your choice.
Generally the couples we work with invite immediate family and/or closest friends, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Maybe you had a runaway wedding and you want to invite lots of people to your vow renewal?
Conversely you don’t need to invite anyone! It can just be the two of you, and there no need for witnesses either.
Where can I hold my vow renewal ceremony?
Vow renewals are not legal ceremonies so you can pretty much choose anywhere, as long as you have permission from the land or venue owner.
We have arranged vow renewals in the blue bell woods, on cliff tops, beaches, by roaring log fires in an original Tudor castle and in relaxed and informal barn venues. Just let us know what your preferred type of location is and we will come back to you with suggested options.
How much does a vow renewal cost?
It depends – as always. The factors that will impact how much you spend are things like: number of guests, time of year, with winter being much cheaper than summer and the type of celebration you want.
We’ve got some example vow renewal packages on this page. We can adapt these to include and exclude exactly what you want so just get in touch to find out more.
Vow renewal packages just for two
Fallen Angel winter vow renewal & stay for two UK​
Stay for three nights at Fallen Angel - from £840
Your vow renewal ceremony in the sub-tropical gardens or in front of the wood burner overlooking the sea. with Celebrant Rebecca Morris - £500
This includes 3 hour of professional photography by Verity Westcott your ceremony preparation, your ceremony and some time afterwards in your chosen location for some natural couples photography £650.
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Basic costs: £1990
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You might want to add:
Videography - from £950
Picnic baskets - from £70
A button hole and bouquet by Lafonia Flower Company - £150
Hair and make up by Jules Spurgeon - £200
A private chef three-course meal by Indulgence Catering for 2 at Fallen Angel - £250
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Total: £3840 ( includes everything, but you only need choose the things you want)
​We will build you a bespoke package for you based on exactly what you want and where.
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How do we arrange a vow renewal?
To find out more about our packages or request a bespoke quote please do get on touch today. You email jane@petiteweddings.co.uk
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