What Is a Renewal of Vows—and How Is It Different from a Legal Wedding Ceremony?

A Renewal of Vows is a beautiful way for couples to reaffirm their love and commitment—whether you’ve been married for one year or fifty. It’s not about the legalities. It’s about the journey you’ve taken together and the promises you continue to honour.

As a celebrant, I often get asked, “Is a vow renewal like a real wedding? Is it more casual? Do we need to prepare anything?”

Let me walk you through what a vow renewal actually involves—and how it compares to a legal wedding ceremony.

What Is a Renewal of Vows?

A Renewal of Vows is a non-legally binding ceremony where a married couple reaffirms their vows and celebrates their relationship. There are no legal documents involved, and no registration with Births, Deaths and Marriages.

You may choose to renew your vows for many reasons, such as:

• A milestone anniversary (like 10, 25, or 50 years)
• A fresh start after a significant life event
• A symbolic ceremony after an elopement or overseas wedding
• Simply to say “I still do” in front of loved ones who weren’t present the first time

There are no rules—just heart.

How Is It Different from a Legal Wedding?

The main difference between a vow renewal and a legal marriage ceremony is this:

💡 A legal wedding requires official documentation—like the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), declaration forms, and marriage certificates.
🕊 A vow renewal does not involve any legal paperwork.

That said, the ceremony planning process is almost identical.

I still take the time to:

• Get to know your story
• Understand your values and intentions
• Design a personalised ceremony that reflects your journey
• Craft meaningful moments, like vow exchanges, readings, and involvement of loved ones
• Rehearse and prepare with you to ensure everything runs smoothly

Just like a legal wedding, a vow renewal deserves intention, care, and professional guidance.

Does a Vow Renewal Cost Less?

Since a vow renewal doesn’t involve legal paperwork or registration, some people assume it should cost significantly less. But the truth is:

✨ Because the ceremony itself is still carefully planned, written, and delivered with the same time, heart, and professionalism, the cost of a vow renewal is often very similar to that of a legal wedding ceremony.

As your celebrant, I invest the same time into understanding your love story, crafting the perfect ceremony, and delivering it in a way that feels deeply personal and memorable—whether it’s a first “I do” or a second one.

Final Thoughts

A vow renewal is not a “lesser” ceremony. It’s a celebration of growth, resilience, and enduring love.

Whether you’re planning something intimate in your backyard or a big gathering with your family and friends, I’d be honoured to help you create a ceremony that feels just as meaningful as your wedding day—maybe even more so.

If you're thinking about renewing your vows and want a celebrant who will take the time to tell your story with warmth and care, I’d love to hear from you.

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