As of June 1st 2003 we are delighted to be able to offer you the opportunity to renew your marriage vows. Perhaps you were married abroad and would like to celebrate with friends and family here? Maybe your parents silver wedding is approaching and you would like to arrange the ceremony as a surprise gift? Have you been through tough times and want to celebrate the good times ahead?
In Northamptonshire you can hold these ceremonies at any Register Office, any licensed venue for civil marriages, and any other public building for example: sports centres, village halls, public house, subject to health and safety requirements and the availability of both a Celebrant and the location.
Do Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremonies have a legal status?
No. They are simply something that you choose to do, as a public gesture of love and commitment to your partner. Unlike a Marriage Certificate, which is a compulsory legal document, the Record of the Ceremony cannot be used as proof of identification. Neither is the ceremony legally binding for those who take part in it.
Renewal of Marriage Vows
The ceremony is for any married couple who wish to celebrate renewing their marriage vows in a unique and personal ceremony.
Often these occasions are associated with a special wedding anniversary, such as the tenth, twenty-fifth, fortieth etc, but the ceremony is just as appropriate for couples at any stage of marriage. It is sometimes particularly relevant to those who have been through a period which put a strain on their relationships, but who wish to celebrate their renewed commitment to each other. Many couples who get married abroad choose to renew their Marriage Vows in a special event held for family and friends on their return.
Who are they for?
Any married couple, of any age and married for any length of time, can arrange a Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremony. It does not matter if you do not live in the area where you want your ceremony.
Your Unique Ceremony
The Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremony is as individual as the couple arranging the celebration. The ceremony is created by the couple with the help of the Celebrant, and just as no two marriage unions are the same, no two Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremonies will be the same.
Take time to consider which options are appropriate and have special meaning. As you consider the choices and make your selections, you will be creating a unique Ceremony reflecting your commitment to one another which will be fondly remembered by you and your guests.
Special people in your lives can take part in your ceremony, your children, guests who were at the wedding and any friends and relatives. You will also need to ask two people to witness the signing of the Certificate of the event.
What does the ceremony contain?
Renewal of Vows Ceremonies can contain the following sections: Introduction and Welcome, Acknowledgement of any children of the marriage, Reading, Renewal of Vows, Rededication of ring(s), Giving of new ring(s), or gift(s), Words from previous wedding guest, (often Best Man, Bridesmaid or Bride's father), Further Reading, Signing of Certificate, Witnesses and Closing words.
Is there a certificate?
A souvenir certificate is signed during the ceremony by the couple and two witnesses.
How long is the ceremony?
The Renewal of Marriage Vows is approximately 15 minutes and can be up to 30 minutes in duration, depending on the number of options and readings chosen.
When can ceremonies be held?
In Northamptonshire you can hold these ceremonies at any Register Office, any licensed venue for civil marriages, and any other public building for example sports centres, village halls, public house subject to health and safety requirements and subject to the availability of both a Celebrant and the location.
Can another couple renew their marriage vows at the same ceremony?
Unfortunately the answer is no. Every ceremony is unique, reflecting a special and personal meaning to the couple renewing their marriage vows and is therefore very individual. The purpose of the Ceremony is for a couple to make their personal commitments to each other. Other family and friends can hold their own unique Ceremony at the same venue, on the same day but not at the same time.
Can we organise a Ceremony at short notice?
Usually yes.
I have been married before, can I still have a ceremony?
Yes, as long as you are now legally married.
Where in the country are ceremonies available?
There is a website which has a full listing of all Local Authorities offering ceremonies and their full contact details (see Related Links below).
I want to arrange a ceremony - what do I do now?
If you would like to book a ceremony please phone (01604) 707907and give the following details: your name, daytime contact number, full postal address, required location, date and time. You will receive confirmation that we have your request within 2 working days. A Celebrant will then be in contact within 14 working days of your initial enquiry to either confirm the booking or discuss alternatives available.
Current fees are (from April 1 2008):
Initial fee (non refundable deposit) £50
This will entitle you to the information pack from which you may select your own choice of ceremony
Selected Register Offices*
| Weekdays during opening hours |
£150 (inc £50) |
| Weekdays outside normal hours by arrangement |
£190 (inc £50) |
| Saturdays |
£220 (inc £50) |
| Sundays and Bank Holidays |
£300 (inc £30) |
|
Venues |
|
| Weekdays |
£200 (inc £50) |
| Saturdays |
£250 (inc £50) |
| Sundays and Bank Holidays |
£300 (inc £50) |
Conditions
*Dependent on which Register Office is used there may be a room hire charge at certain times over the weekend, for which NCC has no control.
Fees are payable approximately a month prior to the ceremony or sooner whichever is appropriate.
You will be advised in advance if any additional fees are to be charged.
We are able to accept payment by any form of credit card with the exception of Diners Card and American Express.
All fees will be taken at the time you meet your Celebrant to discuss ceremony details, of which £30 is non refundable under any circumstances. It should be noted that fees may be reviewed periodically.
It should be stressed that the ceremony has no legal status and you will be required to provide a marriage certificate to confirm the marriage has already taken place according to law. Please note: your marriage certificate must be produced when booking the ceremony.
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