Renewal of vows

The West Northamptonshire Registration Service has many years of experience in celebrating the special day that was your wedding or civil partnership ceremony.

You may want to have a renewal of vows ceremony to celebrate your continued commitment to each other. These ceremonies are also particularly attractive to couples who previously held a ceremony abroad and want to celebrate again with family and friends.

Whatever your motivation, the Registration Service team want to help you celebrate.

Personalising your ceremony

There are plenty of ways that you can personalise your day to make it a memorable celebration.

You may wish to exchange rings, select poems or personally meaningful text and choose music that is special to you.

Your loved ones can also take part in your ceremony. Whether this be your children, new friends and relatives, or guests who were at your original ceremony – it's up to you.

Two of these people could even act as witnesses and sign a commemorative certificate. How your loved ones play a part in your special day is your choice.

After we have confirmed our availability, please complete the online planning form to express your choices.

Where to have your renewal of vows ceremony

Because a renewal of vows ceremony does not have any standing in law, there are minimal restrictions on where they can take place.

Your ceremony can be conducted in any one of the Registration Service ceremony rooms around the county. West Northamptonshire Council also has an amazing variety of open-air venues in our country parks (weather, health and safety requirements permitting).

You may also want to consider a venue that has a special meaning to you. This could be a hotel, castle or country estate, or something entirely different, subject to health and safety requirements.

You need to book your venue directly with them, but we recommend you enquire about Registration Service staff availability via our online enquiry form before paying any deposits with a venue.

Booking a renewal of vows ceremony

Step 1: Make an enquiry

To recreate that magical day a second, third or fourth time contact us and we’ll get back to you on availability:

For prices, please visit our fees page.

Step 2: Plan your ceremony

Fill in the ceremony planning form by logging into your account that was created at the time of booking.

If you have forgotten the login details provided when booking, please email [email protected].

This lets the registrars know your order of events for the ceremony. We recommend you submit the form 8 weeks before the ceremony to let us check there are no religious references in readings or music. About this time we will also contact you if we need to take any outstanding balance of fees.

Restrictions and conditions

Renewal of vow ceremonies are primarily celebratory. They have no legal status and are not legally binding on those who participate.

The ceremony cannot have any religious content or be conducted in a private house without a formal health and safety inspection. We also need to see your marriage or civil partnership certificate.

Please see the terms and conditions for our booking conditions.

The ceremony will be conducted by a Registration Service ceremony officer. However, the ceremony officer does not act in any official or legal capacity.

Ceremony officers are trained to conduct different ceremonies professionally and in a customer-focused manner. This ensures your ceremony is an enjoyable and memorable occasion for you, your partner and everyone else attending your celebration.

Last updated 23 February 2024