VOW RENEWAL
Vow renewal is always a special ceremony. Here is a vow renewal ceremony that I recently did for my aunt & uncle's surprise Anniversary/Vow renewal celebration.
lmost 50 yrs. ago a waitress met a man, whom of which she later would be introduced to, by a family friend. Her sister tried to get her to go out with him but she would not because she thought that he was arrogant and extremely cocky. One night she went out dancing with her sister. He was there and asked her to dance. After a few drinks she finally agreed. He told her that he wanted to marry her and they were married six months later. Unfortunately, only their witnesses were present. The only keepsakes they have from this day are the beautiful memories that only they share.
Today marks the Anniversary of their marriage to each other. As family and friends, we would all like to join in the celebration of this day. Oscar and Bobbie Thompson, in the presence of your children, grand and great grand-children, family and friends we would like to join you in the renewal of your vows of commitment and love to each other.
Oscar and Bobbie, when you first joined hands and hearts almost 50 yrs. 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 tribulations. Therefore, you have fulfilled your promises to each other.
Oscar and Bobbie, your family and friends are all are here today to celebrate your love and to acknowledge your lifelong devotion to each other. Your example reminds us of love’s possibilities. So, by joining hands right now and looking into each other’s eyes, let it be known that you are joined, body and soul in this lifetime, and that this bond continues to be sacred.
Oscar and Bobbie, I remind you that marriage is a precious gift, a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another more fully.
With this understanding, do you Oscar, continue to take Bobbie as your beloved wife? Will you continue to be a tender, faithful husband? Will you continue to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and keep yourself only unto her?
With this understanding, do you Bobbie, continue to take Oscar as your beloved husband? Will you continue to be a tender, faithful wife? Will you continue to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and keep yourself only unto him?
“In marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love, and by doing so, we receive the love and trust of the other as our most precious gift.” In return we find our bestfriend.
“Today you re-commit yourselves to honoring one another and to valuing your union above your own interests. In doing this, you have secured for yourselves ,a wealth of love and peace, not otherwise attainable.
Regard each other with the same deep respect that has kept you through the years and remember to say “I love you” everyday.
-May the sun bring you new energy by day.
-May the moon softly restore you by night.
-May the rain wash away your worries.
-And may you both live the days of your lives in peace, love and happiness.
I now pronounce that you have today reaffirmed your love and commitment to one another. Go forth in love and friendship for the rest of the days of your lives.
You may seal your vows and confirm your continued commitment and love for each other with a kiss.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, once again as husband and wife, Oscar and Bobbie Thompson.
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I have listed several sample ceremonies below.
Ceremony #1
Welcome & Opening
Good relationships never stop growing. Like fine wine, they get better with age. Groom and Bride, you have now been married ___ years and through all the years of your journey together, you have now come to this beautiful setting, so that you could renew your vow and commitment of love for each other.
No marriage is perfect. As you continue in this union, you already know that it will continue to take a lot of love and work to keep your relationship an ongoing success.
Many couples tend to think of marriage as a 50/50 proposition. Actually, the best relationships are 90/10. If you both will give 90% and take only 10%, you will have a formula likely to continue to bring both of you happiness for a lifetime.
As you continue on your journey together, I ask you to remember this advice:
Let your love be stronger than your anger.
Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break.
Believe the best of your beloved rather than the worst.
Confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it.
Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.
Give your spouse the same courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
Say "I love you" every day.
You may wish to add a reading or song here.
Vows:
Groom and Bride, I remind you that marriage is a precious gift; a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another more fully and more freely.
With this understanding, do you Groom, continue to take Bride as your beloved wife?
Will you continue to be a tender, faithful husband?
Will you continue to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and keep yourself only unto her?
With this understanding, do you Bride, continue to take Groom as your beloved husband?
Will you continue to be a tender, faithful wife?
Will you continue to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and keep yourself only unto him?
You may wish to add a reading or song here.
Rings
Groom and Bride have rings as the outward symbols of your ongoing commitment to each other.
From earliest times, the ring has been a symbol of wedded love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment to love that is also never ending.
Groom, hold Bride's hand, touch her ring, symbolically giving it to her again, and say to her these words.
From this day on, I recommit myself to you, and this ring is a symbol of my pledge.
Bride, hold Groom's hand, touch his ring, symbolically giving it to him again, and say to him these words.
From this day on, I recommit myself to you, and this ring is a symbol of my pledge.
Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever.
Closing
May the sun bring you new energy by day.
May the moon softly restore you by night.
May the rain wash away your worries.
And may you live the days of your lives in peace, love, and happiness.
Pronouncement:
Groom and Bride, having witnessed your vows of affirmation with all who are assembled here, and by the authority of love itself, I do affirm that you have expressed your desire to continue as husband and wife.
Kiss:
You may seal your vows with a kiss.
Presentation:
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, once again as husband and wife: Groom and Bride!
Ceremony #2
Officiant:
of marriage vows between (husband's name) and (wife's name). As their family and close friends, each of you has played a role in bringing them to this day, and in various ways will continue to support and contribute to their marriage. We solemnize this significant event in their lives and enter into this ceremony in an attitude of respect for their steadfast and ongoing commitment to each other." "We have gathered today in the love of friendship and family to celebrate a renewal
"(Wife's name) and (husband's name), although I am officiating here today, it is not truly in my power to sanctify or bless your relationship in any way, because the two of you have already done that in your hearts. Today you proclaim your love anew to the world, and we rejoice with and for you."
"In marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love, and by doing so, we receive the love and trust of the other as our most precious gift."
"Today you re-commit yourselves to honoring and protecting one another above your separate selves, and to valuing your union above your own interests. In doing this, you secure for yourselves, a wealth of love and peace not otherwise attainable."
"But as you know so well, with this joy comes also the profound responsibility to protect the bond you share. For it is only with continual care that your love is truly secure in the face of life's inevitable tests."
"Regard each other always with the same deep respect that has kept you through the years, and be ever mindful of the many gifts the other offers you."
"Inspire and encourage one another. For it is by strengthening your spouse, that you have strengthened your marriage. Bring out the very best in each other. Be sparing in criticism, and generous in praise for things well done."
"In communication, continue to be honest and open with each other, knowing that the heart that communicates truth without hesitation earns trust and builds a secure home."
"And as always, accept your marriage as a work-in-progress that consumes your attention day by day and yet is never completed. Because a lifelong love, requires a lifetime of hard work. But it is a joyous labor, whose fruits are the very richest."
"Your future stretches out before you, vast and unknown. That future, with its hopes and disappointments, its joys and its sorrows, is hidden from your eyes. But it is a great tribute to your belief in each other that you remain nonetheless willing to face those uncertainties together. May the pure, simple love with which you join your hearts and hands again here today never fail, but grow deeper and surer with every passing year."
"(Husband's name) would you take (wife's name)'s hand and make your vows to her..."
Husband:
"(Wife's name), I believe in this marriage more strongly then ever.
Today, I renew the promises I made to you __ years ago,
A promise of my hand and my heart,
A promise to you of my love and devotion,
A promise to provide for and protect you,
It is with these promises that I recommit my love for you.
I will continue to love you
for as long as I shall live"
Officiant:
"(Wife's name), would you now make your vows to (husband's name)"
Wife:
"(Husband's name), I believe in this marriage more strongly then ever.
Today, I renew the promises I made to you ___ years ago,
A promise of my hand and my heart,
A promise to you of my love and devotion,
A promise to provide for and protect you,
It is with these promises that I recommit my love for you.
I will continue to love you
for as long as I shall live."
Officiant:
"(Wife's name) and (husband's name), we all here today celebrate your love and acknowledge your lifelong devotion to each other. Your example reminds us of love's possibilities. So, by joining hands right now and looking into each other's eyes, let it be known that you are joined, body and soul in this lifetime, and that this bond continues sacred and eternal. Inasmuch as you have sealed this renewal of your marriage vows in the presence of those gathered here, it gives me much pleasure to pronounce that you are now, even more than ever before, Husband and Wife."
Officiant:
"We have gathered today in the love of friendship and family to celebrate a renewal of marriage vows between (husband's name) and (wife's name). As their family and close friends, each of you has played a role in bringing them to this day, and in various ways will continue to support and contribute to their marriage. We solemnize this significant event in their lives and enter into this ceremony in an attitude of respect for their steadfast and ongoing commitment to each other."
"(Wife's name) and (husband's name), although I am officiating here today, it is not truly in my power to sanctify or bless your relationship in any way, because the two of you have already done that in your hearts. Today you proclaim your love anew to the world, and we rejoice with and for you."
"In marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love, and by doing so, we receive the love and trust of the other as our most precious gift."
"Today you re-commit yourselves to honoring and protecting one another above your separate selves, and to valuing your union above your own interests. In doing this, you secure for yourselves, a wealth of love and peace not otherwise attainable."
"But as you know so well, with this joy comes also the profound responsibility to protect the bond you share. For it is only with continual care that your love is truly secure in the face of life's inevitable tests."
"Regard each other always with the same deep respect that has kept you through the years, and be ever mindful of the many gifts the other offers you."
"Inspire and encourage one another. For it is by strengthening your spouse, that you have strengthened your marriage. Bring out the very best in each other. Be sparing in criticism, and generous in praise for things well done."
"In communication, continue to be honest and open with each other, knowing that the heart that communicates truth without hesitation earns trust and builds a secure home."
"And as always, accept your marriage as a work-in-progress that consumes your attention day by day and yet is never completed. Because a lifelong love, requires a lifetime of hard work. But it is a joyous labor, whose fruits are the very richest."
"Your future stretches out before you, vast and unknown. That future, with its hopes and disappointments, its joys and its sorrows, is hidden from your eyes. But it is a great tribute to your belief in each other that you remain nonetheless willing to face those uncertainties together. May the pure, simple love with which you join your hearts and hands again here today never fail, but grow deeper and surer with every passing year."
"(Husband's name) would you take (wife's name)'s hand and make your vows to her..."
Husband:
"(Wife's name), I believe in this marriage more strongly then ever.
Today, I renew the promises I made to you __ years ago,
A promise of my hand and my heart,
A promise to you of my love and devotion,
A promise to provide for and protect you,
It is with these promises that I recommit my love for you.
I will continue to love you
for as long as I shall live"
Officiant:
"(Wife's name), would you now make your vows to (husband's name)"
Wife:
"(Husband's name), I believe in this marriage more strongly then ever.
Today, I renew the promises I made to you ___ years ago,
A promise of my hand and my heart,
A promise to you of my love and devotion,
A promise to provide for and protect you,
It is with these promises that I recommit my love for you.
I will continue to love you
for as long as I shall live."
Officiant:
"(Wife's name) and (husband's name), we all here today celebrate your love and acknowledge your lifelong devotion to each other. Your example reminds us of love's possibilities. So, by joining hands right now and looking into each other's eyes, let it be known that you are joined, body and soul in this lifetime, and that this bond continues sacred and eternal. Inasmuch as you have sealed this renewal of your marriage vows in the presence of those gathered here, it gives me much pleasure to pronounce that you are now, even more than ever before, Husband and Wife."
Ceremony #3
#1 Nondenominational Ceremony
We come here today for the joyous occasion and celebration of the joining of ______ & ______ in marriage, and to witness as you pronounce your marriage vows to one another. This is a sacred union of hearts and lives joined by the most strong and tender of ties. This union is created out of friendship, respect and love.
True marriage is more than the joining in the bonds of matrimony of two persons. It is the uniting of two people that are already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between two people, it is a joyous occasion for an outer acknowledgment to be made. This acknowledgment is the reason for this ceremony and this gathering today. We are here to bear witness to the joining into the closer relationship of husband & wife of two already beloved friends.
____&____ We rejoice that out of all of the world you have chosen each other, and that you have experienced the deeper meaning and richness of life in sharing it with each other. Your future with its hopes & dreams, its successes and disappointments is hidden from your eyes today. Love will make it easy, acceptance and forgiveness will make it a joy. May then, this love with which you have joined your hands and your hearts never fail, but grow deeper and stronger as the years go on.
You are adding to your life not only the affection that you heart desires, not only the happy companionship of times spent together, but a deep trust and consideration for one another as well. You are agreeing to not only work out your own challenges but also to help one another. You are finding in each other that which compliments your life. You are agreeing to carry a part of each others responsibilities.
You are entering in on an act of pure faith in which you give of yourself to the utmost. In to this state of marriage the two of you now come to be united.
Vows: Do you _____ take ____ as your lawful wedded wife/husband? Do you promise to love & to care for her/him forever more? �I do�
(Groom) - Please repeat after me: I _____, take you _____ as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, in conflict and serenity, asking that you be, none other then yourself. I give to you this day, a promise of my love, as we go forth, as husband & wife. (Bride repeats)
You have vowed your love to each other. Are you now ready to confirm that love in the responsibilities of a marriage? Yes!
Rings: Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know; and thus bringing you closer together, living in love, and in peace.
Ring exchange:
(groom) repeat after me: ________, I give you this ring as a symbol, of my vow of love, and with all my heart, and all my love, I honor you, in this, our joining. (Bride repeats)
We have heard the vows that you have made to each other, and now may your love and understanding grow throughout the years. May you seek each others happiness, and recognize each others needs as though they were your own. May yours always be a shared adventure, rich with moments of serenity as well as excitement, vital with problems that test as well as successes that lift, marked with a sense of personal freedom as well as mutual responsibility.
May you find in each other companionship as well as love, understanding as well as compassion, challenge as well as agreement. May your home be an island where the pressures of the world can be sorted out, brought into focus, and healed.
Where personal needs do not tower over concern for each other, where the immediate does not blur more distance goals, and where the warmth of humor puts life into perspective. And above all may you find an ever richer meaning and joy in the high adventure of lifelong loving and growing together.
By the authority vested in me by the State of Oregon I now pronounce you, ____&____, husband & wife
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#2 � Christian Ceremony
We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony.
___ & ___ , Today we will celebrate one of the happiest moments in your lives, for on this day you will affirm before witnesses of earth and heaven that you believe God has purposed that you should share life in the holy bonds of marriage. The union of husband and wife is intended by God for your mutual joy; for the help and comfort you give each other in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God�s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.
Remember, anything beautiful that you have, came from God. In the beginning, God gave us our free will and our identity to walk this earth. Don�t ever try to change each other, because if you do, you will lose exactly what you fell in love with. So, each day try to find one more thing that is beautiful in each other, and each day know that the next day will be more beautiful than the one before. As long as you are doing this, you are seeking beauty, joy, and love in each other.
The bond of marriage was established by God at creation, and Jesus Christ adorned this manor of life by his presence & first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the union between Christ & the Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
Prayer: Creator & Sustainer of all men, giver of all grace, author of salvation - Look with favor upon this man & this woman, that they may grow in love and peace together. Strengthen them in faithfulness and love toward each other. Sustain and defend them in all trial and temptation. Help them to live in faith toward you in the communion of your heavenly blessing through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, our God now and forever. Amen.
We are here today to celebrate the love which you, _&_ have for one another, and to give full recognition to your decision to now join in holy matrimony. In to this state of marriage the two of you now come to be united.
Vows: Do you ___ Take ___ as your wedded wife/husband? Do you promise to love & to care for her/him forever more? �I do� (Bride repeats)
I, _____, take you, ____, to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to honor, for all the days of our life. (Bride repeats)
You have vowed your love to each other. Are you now ready to confirm that love in the responsibilities of a marriage? Yes!
Ring Blessing:
Bless, O Lord, these rings that they who wear them may live in peace all the days of their lives - through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Ring Exchange:
(Groom) Repeat after me: �___, I give you ___ this ring as a symbol of my vow of love and with all that I am, I honor you in the name of God. (Bride repeats.)
Your two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, may you always return to one another in your togetherness. May you find in each other, the love for which all men and women long. May you grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home that you establish be such a place of sanctuary that all visitors will find there a friend.
(Prayer) Almighty God, look graciously, we pray, on this man & this woman, & on all whom you make to be one flesh in holy marriage. Make their lives together a sacrament of your love, so that unity may overcome estrangement, forgivness heal guilt, & joy triumph over despair.
Almighty God, giver of life & love, bless ____ & ____ whom you have joined in holy matrimony. Grant them wisdom & devotion in the ordering of their life that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, & a companion in joy. And so knot their wills together in your will, & their spirit in Your sprit, that they may live together in love all the days of their life, through Christ our Lord. Amen!
**CORINTHIANS 13 (optional)
Now according to the ordinance of God, & in the name of the Father, & of the son, & of the Holy Spirit,
I pronounce you ___ & ___ husband & wife!
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#3 - Traditional Ceremony
We are gathered here today in celebration to dedicate with great joy your union, ___& ___ in marriage, and to be with you and to rejoice with you as you come together into this commitment of everlasting love to one another. The essence of this covenant is the
acceptance of each other as companion and friend. It is therefore a decision which is not entered into lightly, but rather undertaken with careful consideration and respect for each other.
Let this wedding ceremony set the tone of your entire life together. As it is the visible symbol of the ongoing wedding process in which the two of you will continue to grow in union.
____&____ We rejoice that out of all of the world you have chosen each other, and that you have experienced the deeper meaning and richness of life in sharing it with each other. Your future with its hopes & dreams, its successes and disappointments is hidden from your eyes today. Love will make it easy, acceptance and forgiveness will make it a joy.
Prayer: I give thanks to God for bringing these two people together, for all the help to them and for the many blessings they have already come to know, and for all the blessings yet to come into their life as they join today in this blessed union with one another. I thank you God ask for continued guidance and blessings for this couple as they find there way together down the path of giving their love to one another in all ways. I know that the spirit of love is with them now, here in this moment as they join, and that that love will continue throughout the years as they grow even closer together. I thank you God that this is so. Amen!
We are here today to celebrate the love which you, ___&___have for one another, and to give full recognition to your decision to now join in holy matrimony.
In to this state of marriage the two of you now come to be united.
Vows:
Do you ______ take ______ as your lawful wedded wife/husband? Do you promise to love & care for her/him forever more? �I do�
(Groom) I, _____, take you, ____, to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to honor, for all the days of our life.
(Bride repeats)
You have vowed your love to each other. Are you now ready to confirm that love in the responsibilities of a marriage? Yes!
Ring Blessing:
Bless these rings oh God, that they who wear them may ever abide in peace, living together in unity, in love and in happiness. Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know; and thus bringing you closer, living in love and in peace.
Ring exchange:
(groom) repeat after me: �_____, I give you this ring as a symbol, of my vow of love, and with all my heart, and all my love, I honor you, in this, our joining. (Bride repeats)
We have heard the vows that you have made to each other, and now may your love and understanding grow throughout the years. May you seek each others happiness, and recognize each others needs as though they were your own. May yours always be a shared adventure, rich with moments of serenity as well as excitement, vital with problems that test as well as successes that lift, marked with a sense of personal freedom as well as mutual responsibility. And above all, may you find an ever richer meaning and joy in the high adventure of lifelong loving & growing together.
Prayer: And now as our hearts have been opened by this blessed joining of the two of you, ___&___, and in the full knowingness that this celebration of your union is blessed by all those present, by all those who hold you in their hearts and by God. We give our genuine thanks this day to have witnessed your joining. I pray for forever joy and happiness to descend upon you and keep you always in the love and the gratefulness that you share now, this moment, for each other, and for each friend who has come here today to be a part of this joyous occasion. Amend!
By the authority vested in me by God and the state of Oregon, I now pronounce you, _______&______, husband and wife.
Rev. Theresa Collins
Email-RevTheresaCollins@gmail.com
www.same-sexceremonies.synthasite.com
(813)503-5529
