Renewing your vows

Renewing your vows is a really special occasion and one which more and more couples are considering. Perhaps you've been married for many years and want to reaffirm your marriage vows; or you may have been through some of the difficulties every couple faces from time to time and would like to have a fresh start, reminding each other of how much you still love and treasure each other. Whatever the occasion, we'll focus on you as a couple and create the perfect ceremony.

There's lots to think about when you begin planning a vow renewal ceremony.

Do you want to use the same wording as you did in your original ceremony or will you choose words to reflect the time you've already had together? Have you considered holding the ceremony where you had your original wedding reception or are you going to opt for somewhere completely new? You may wish to have a small ceremony with your closest family or combine your vow renewal with a special wedding anniversary. Whatever you wish, we'll make it happen.

Childhood sweethearts Natalie and Thomas decided to rent an amazing holiday home near Loch Ness, gathered their closest family together, and renewed their vows after 27 years of marriage.

If you choose me to be your celebrant, I'll meet with you around 12 - 14 weeks before your ceremony to hear about your love story so far. We'll explore your lives together and talk about your achievements and any future aspirations. I'll explore with you how you feel about each other and then I will guide you through writing the very special vows you wish to make to each other. If you can't write these yourself, don't worry, as I will work with you to write your vows.

Once you've decided on any special readings and music you'd like to include, and decided on whether you'd like any friends or family members to be involved in the ceremony itself., I'll work on constructing your ceremony with any other special elements you'd like and, of course, your special vows will be the central part of it.

Karen and John chose to have a handfasting and vow renewal overlooking the river at Inverness Castle with around 50 family and friends to witness their special moment after 30 years of marriage.

Many couples travel from the US to renew their vows or to have a handfasting, and for the two couples pictured here, the ceremonies were extremely intimate with only me conducting the ceremony and accompanied by a very trusted photographer: often, it's these small ceremonies which are the most poignant.

I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;
I cannot promise riches, wealth, or gold;
I cannot promise you an easy pathway
That leads away from change or growing old.
But I can promise all my heart's devotion;
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;
A love that's ever true and ever growing;
A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.

(Mark Twain)