A wedding is a celebration of falling in love and beginning a marriage. A Renewal of Vows is a celebration of staying  in love and staying married.

As Robert and Anne have already found, in every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. What they've found is their own grounds for marriage.

And just as we celebrate our successes - whatever they might be - so today, Robert and Anne are celebrating their achievement in being successful at marriage. 

Today, on this, their wedding anniversary, Robert and Anne take the opportunity, to  rededicate themselves to each other, celebrating what they've accomplished and looking ahead to what they still want to do with their lives.

They have invited you, their relatives and friends, to share with them this celebration. Many of you of you were present five years ago when Robert and Anne exchanged their wedding vows. 

In the past five years you have been part of their lives because by your thoughts, your feelings and your acts towards them, you have strengthened their vows. your presence today is an affirmation that you will continue to take interest in their marriage.

Robert:
We give thanks for all that we've been privileged to experience this past five years - for both the good and the bad, the happy, the sad, the discouraging and the exhilarating.

Anne:
We give thanks for the support given to us when our days were troubled, and the sharing of our joys when times were good.

Robert:
As we enter this new year of our marriage,  let us grow in wisdom from mistake we make, in patience from the sorrows we endure, in perseverance from the disappointments we meet, in strength from the trials we face an in joy from the pleasures we are privileged to experience.

Anne:
As we walk hand in hand may our capacity increase in the love, compassion, and understanding we need to make this new year in our marriage not only a year in which we can continue to lovingly minister to each other, but also a year when we can build an inspiring legacy to pass on to all those who choose to follow the path of married life.

Renewing Wedding Vows
Robert:
Five years ago, I, Robert, took you, Anne, to be my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from that day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. Today, I re-affirm that vow.

Anne:
Five years ago, I, Anne, took you, Robert, to be my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from that day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. Today, I re-affirm that vow.

Exchanging the Wedding Rings

Warming the Rings
The wedding rings are passed among all the guest and as they hold them they give their personal blessing before husband and wife exchange them.

Celebrant:
These ring, now warmed by those you love the most, will forever show the world you are one, and they carry with them the eternal love and blessing of your families and friends.

Robert:
With this ring I pledge my continual love for you.

Anne:
With this ring I pledge my continual love for you.

Celebrant:
May that special love you now share continue to grow and blossom in the years to come and be sustained by the Divine, by family and friends, and by the commitment you make again today.

May you find in each other companionship as well as love; understanding as well as compassion; challenge as well as agreement.

May the home in which you live continue to be an island where the pressures of the world can be sorted out and brought into focus; where tensions can be released and understood; where personal needs do not tower over concerns for other and where the warmth of humour and love puts crisis into perspective.

Above all, may you find an even richer joy in living, learning, and loving together.

Sample Ceremonies Index