Finding the Perfect Vows for Your Vow Renewal

Finding the Perfect Vows for Your Vow Renewal

Vow Renewals are very special ceremonies. The vow renewal ceremony is just like a wedding, for the most part. However, it is not a “legal” ceremony, so there is no paper to be applied for or submitted afterward, and there are few formal rules or traditions to adhere to. What really makes a vow renewal ceremony held in honor of an anniversary so special are vows that include a thank you to the spouse for their loving support over the years and a pledge of commitment to their relationship for the future. Saying these words out loud in front of your family and friends not only serves to reinforce your love for each other but provides an example for your children or even grandchildren of the power that marriage brings to a couple in love. Vow renewal ceremonies are also held when a couple has been married at a destination wedding or by the justice of the peace due to circumstances such a military service, busy schedules, a baby, and so on. Whatever the reason you have decided to have a vow renewal ceremony, your vows can and should be as special or even more special than those you spoke at your original marriage ceremony.

When renewing your wedding vows, you have two choices. You can use a pre-written set of vows, or you can write your own vows. Since you may have chosen to have a vow renewal for such a wide variety of reasons, there are also a wide variety of things you might want to say. Many people who write their own vows focus on the reasons they would say “I do” all over again. Others focus on the life they’ve lived together and their feelings for one another. In addition, many couples acknowledge the accomplishments they achieved together and their children. Your vows can be sweet, sentimental, serious, and even humorous in spots. Since a vow renewal is not a legally binding event, no specific wording is required, so feel free to make your vows as personal and as long or short as you like.

We have included a wide variety of vow samples for your vow renewal on our site to inspire you. Please feel free to personalize these vows and use them word for word, or you can select the lines that you like and create an original vow for your ceremony. If you need additional inspiration to help you write your own vows, here are a few questions to help you uncover the elements you may want to include:

• What is it about your spouse that you still love after all this time?
• What things have you accomplished or endured as a couple that you can’t imagine having done or gone through on your own?
• What have you learned about your spouse during your marriage?
• What have you learned about yourself over the years that you didn’t know when you were younger?
• How has your spouse made you a better person?
• What wonderful gifts have come from your marriage? Children? Home? Travel? Family? Strength? Courage?
• What have you learned about the nature of commitment?
• Why is your marriage important to you?