A vow renewal ceremony is a special way to declare your continuing commitment to your spouse before family and friends. The ceremony can occur any time after your original wedding.

Couples who eloped or had a "destination" wedding may choose to renew their vows shortly after the original wedding at a gathering for the family and friends who were unable to attend the wedding. Others may choose to renew their vows on a special anniversary, such as the 10th, 15th, or 25th.

Some couples choose to publicly recommit themselves to one another after going through a difficult period in their lives. Since the couple is already married, there are differences between a vow renewal ceremony and a wedding. Following are some of the differences to consider:

Since the ceremony is symbolic, not legal, a minister or judge does not need to perform it, nor do you need to obtain a marriage license. You might choose to ask a father, grandfather, or a special friend to perform the ceremony, thus making it very personal.

Personalize your vows if you have been married for a number of years. You might mention occurrences during past years and hopes for your future together, giving special meaning to the occasion.

Since the wife is already married, her father should not "give" her in marriage. He may walk her down the aisle, however, then place her hand in her husband's.

Because the wife is not a bride and the husband is not a groom, there are no bridesmaids or groomsmen in a vow renewal ceremony. Instead, if the couple wants to have attendants, they might ask their children, parents, or friends that have had a major impact on their lives to stand with them. You might also ask your original wedding attendants to again stand with you.