April 02, 2025
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.
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:
There are no rules—just heart.
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:
Just like a legal wedding, a vow renewal deserves intention, care, and professional guidance.
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.
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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April 02, 2025
“Once we’ve chosen a celebrant, do we still need to submit paperwork to the government ourselves?”
The short answer is: No—you don’t.
Your Celebrant Takes Care of the Legal Lodgement
As an authorised celebrant in Australia, it’s my legal responsibility to manage and lodge all your marriage documentation with the relevant state registry.
April 02, 2025
Absolutely—you can get legally married without having a traditional wedding ceremony.
As a Commonwealth-registered celebrant based in Perth, I often work with couples who prefer a simpler, no-fuss approach to getting married. Whether you're planning a big celebration later, keeping things private, or just want to be legally married without the bells and whistles, you don’t need a wedding to make it official.
April 02, 2025
Yes—your family member can be your witness at your wedding or legal marriage registration in Australia, as long as they meet a few simple requirements.
As a Commonwealth-registered celebrant, I often get asked this question—especially by couples planning a small, intimate ceremony or a legals-only marriage. The good news is that the rules around witnesses are flexible and inclusive.