Vow Renewal Ideas in Northern Ireland
Vow renewals
A vow renewal is a chance to stand up and say it all again, with everything you have learned since your wedding day. In Northern Ireland you can renew your vows almost anywhere, in almost any way you like.
When Bailey and Brandon flew over from Wisconsin, they chose an elopement style vow renewal at Dunseverick Castle on the Causeway Coast, with photos at Ballintoy Harbour afterwards. We are a husband and wife team of wedding photographers in Northern Ireland, and we photograph vow renewals as well as weddings. Here are some ideas to help you plan yours, from where to hold it to who leads it and what to include.
The basics
What Is a Vow Renewal?
A vow renewal is a ceremony where a married couple make their promises to each other again. It is not a legal ceremony, so there is no notice to give, no paperwork to sign and no rules about where it has to happen.
Couples renew their vows for all sorts of reasons. Some mark a big anniversary, some want the celebration they did not get the first time, and some simply want to say the words again in front of the people they love.
Because it is not legally binding, you can keep it as short, as simple or as personal as you like.
Who leads it
Choosing Who Leads Your Ceremony
Anyone can lead a vow renewal. Lots of couples ask a celebrant, and Humanists UK celebrants work across Northern Ireland and offer vow renewal ceremonies, with options like handfasting or lighting a unity candle. If you would like a religious blessing, talk to your minister or priest about what your church offers.
You could also ask a close friend or a family member, which can make it feel even more personal. Our guide on how to choose a wedding celebrant in Northern Ireland is a good place to start, and you can read more about handfasting ceremonies here.
Idea one
Elope on the Causeway Coast
If you want something small and dramatic, the Causeway Coast is hard to beat. Dunseverick Castle, Dunluce Castle and Ballintoy Harbour are all a short drive from each other, and an elopement style renewal there can be just the two of you or a handful of guests.
The same places our elopement couples love work beautifully for a vow renewal. Have a look at our Northern Ireland elopements page and our Dunluce Castle elopements guide for ideas, or read 5 reasons to elope on the Causeway Coast.
Idea two
Go Back to Where You Got Married
Returning to the venue where you got married is a lovely way to bring everything full circle, and standing in the same spots years later makes for really special photos. It is worth asking your wedding venue whether they host vow renewals.
If you cannot get back to the same place, choose somewhere that means something to you both, like the spot where you got engaged, a favourite walk or even your own back garden.
Idea three
Make It a Family Day
A vow renewal is a wonderful chance to include your children, especially if they were not around for your wedding. They can walk you in, read a few words, carry the rings or join in a family promise at the end.
If you have grandchildren, they can be part of it too, and a renewal is a lovely reason to get a proper family photo with everyone together. Our post on wedding photography for older couples has more ideas if you are marking a big anniversary.
Idea four
Wear Your Dress Again or Something New
Some people love the idea of wearing their wedding dress again, while others would rather choose something completely different. There is no right answer. A vow renewal can be as formal or as relaxed as you want, so wear whatever makes you feel like yourselves.
If your dress needs a little work to fit again, give a seamstress plenty of notice.
Idea five
Exchange Rings or Add a New One
You can exchange your original rings again, or mark the day with something new, like an eternity ring or a ring engraved with your anniversary date. Our post on the traditions of wedding rings covers where the custom came from.
Writing new vows is a lovely touch too. Think about what has happened since your wedding day, what you have learned about each other and what you are looking forward to next.
Your photos
Photographing Your Vow Renewal
We offer vow renewal photography in Northern Ireland in the same relaxed, documentary style as our weddings, so your photos look like the day felt rather than a stiff photo shoot.
Whether it is a quiet ceremony on the coast or a party with everyone you love, we would be happy to hear your plans. You can also see the kind of relaxed portraits we take on our couple photography page.
Before you go
A vow renewal does not need to follow any rules. Choose a place that means something to you, invite the people who matter and say what is in your heart.
If you are planning a vow renewal in Northern Ireland and would love us to photograph it, get in touch and tell us your plans.
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More ideas and inspiration
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