Below are a half dozen reasonably complete ceremonies for the renewal of marriage vows. You will note that each of the paragraphs is numbered in case you would prefer to “mix and match.” Simply indicate your choices on the Form at the bottom of the page and indicate any substitutions you may choose in the comments section. If there is material that you would like to use that you do not find in these choices, let us know where to find the material that you would prefer, we will retrieve it and try to fulfill your wishes.

1.

Words of Welcome

1-01    We gather in the presence of God to give thanks for the gift of marriage, to witness the recommitment of N. and N., to surround them with our prayers, and to ask God’s blessing upon them, so that they may be strengthened for their continuing life together and nurtured in their love for God.

1-02    Marriage is a commitment to learning to care for one another in mutually
fulfilling ways. It is a life-long relationship always in progress. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. The happy times of life are twice as joyous because there is someone with you to share the joy. And the difficult times of life are only half as troubling because there is someone by your side who helps to bear the burden.

1-03    Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life. When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a unique spirit which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Let us pray…

Invocation

1-04    Gracious God, you are always faithful in your love for us. Look mercifully upon N. and N., who have come again seeking your blessing. Let your Holy Spirit rest upon them so that with steadfast love they may honor the promises they made once before and reaffirm this day, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Choices of Readings

Choices of Scriptures

If you would like to involve friends or family in the ceremony, the reading or scripture chosen would be an appropriate place.

1-05    N. and N., when you first joined hands and hearts in marriage ___ years ago, you did not know where life would take you. You promised to love, honor and cherish one another through all things. Life has surely brought you both wonderful blessings and difficult challenges over the years. As you reflect back over those years as husband and wife, do you now wish to reaffirm the vows you took ___ years ago?

We do!

Exchange of Vows

1-06    Now, please face each other and join hands, and with your promises, recommit yourselves to one another as husband and wife.

Husband

1-07    N., will you continue to have N. as your wife and continue to live in this happy and loving marriage?

I will.

1-08    Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor and cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?

I do.

Wife

1-09    N., will you continue to have N. as your husband and continue to live in this happy and loving marriage?

I will.

1-10     Do you reaffirm your love for him, and will you love, honor and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?

I do.

If there are children involved, they may simply “stand” with the parents during the ceremony or specific mention may include them. For example:

1-11     One of the great blessings of marriage is the joy and responsibility of raising a family. N. and N. have truly been blessed to be Mom and Dad. As they renew their vows of marriage today, they also renew their commitment to be loving and caring parents to _______(and)_______.

Affirmations of the Children:

1-12     To the children: do you give your blessing to your Mother and Father, and promise to do everything in your power to uphold them in their marriage, for another __ years?

We do.

If there is extended family involved

Affirmations of the Families:

1-13     To the ______ family: do you give your blessing to N. and N., and promise to do everything in your power to uphold them in their marriage, for another __ years?

We do.

Rings

1-14     N. and N., On your wedding day you exchanged rings which have no beginning and no end as a symbol of the never-ending circle that symbolizes your unending love. May you always wear your rings as a reminder of your wedding vows to each other, and your commitment to continue to live in unity, love and happiness. [Will you?]

If not re-exchanging rings, say together

We will.

If rings are exchanged, each in turn repeat

With this ring
I renew my pledge
of love and commitment
in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Prayer of Blessing

1-15     Eternal God, without your grace no promise is sure. Strengthen N. and N. with patience, kindness, gentleness, and all other gifts of your Spirit, so that they may continue to fulfill the vows they made __ years ago and have reaffirmed here today. Keep them faithful to each other and to you. Fill them with such love and joy that they may enjoy a home of peace and welcome. Guide them by your Word to serve you all their days.

1-16     Help us all, O God, to do your will in each of our homes and lives. Enrich us with your grace so that, supporting one another, we may serve those in need and hasten the coming of peace, love, and justice on earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord.              Amen.

Pronouncement

1-17    N. and N., today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each
other on your wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, (and by exchanging of rings). It is with genuine pleasure that I pronounce that you are STILL husband and wife.

1-18     Benediction

The grace of Christ attend you,
the love of God surround you,
the Holy Spirit keep you,
that you may live in faith,
abound in hope,
and grow in love,
both now and forevermore.
Amen.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

2.

2-01    This is a special day. N. And N., it is a joy for all of us to share this moment with
you.

2-02   Some think of marriage as the final step in a romantic relationship. A couple
meets, gets to know each other, falls in love, decides they want to go through life
together, and then take the final step – marriage. But those who have been around for
awhile know that marriage is just the beginning, the start of a wonderful and challenging
adventure, that hopefully, will be long and fruitful for each couple.

2-03   You have shared the joys, blessings, and yes, the challenges, of married life for
___ years. And, today you wish to reconfirm your commitment to working together to
make your marriage grow and blossom in the years to come. May this ceremony,
renewing the vows you took on your wedding day, remind you that despite the stresses
inevitable in every life, your love, respect, trust and understanding of each other will
continue to increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living.

Invocation

2-04   Creator God, on this day of celebration and excitement, make us aware of your
continuing, renewing presence in our lives. Today, re-create us in joy, as this
recommitment to a life together takes an honored place in your creation. Guide the steps
of N. and N. as your ever-changing blessings continue to unfold before them. Show the
way to us who gather here, moving us to share with all around us, your blessings in our
lives, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Choices of Readings

Choices of Scriptures

To the husband

2-05   N., will you continue to have N. as your wife and continue to live in this marriage?

I will.

2-06   Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor and cherish her in
sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and foresaking all
others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

I do.

To the wife

2-07    N., will you continue to have N. as your husband and continue to live in this
marriage?

I will.

2-08   Do you reaffirm your love for him, and will you love, honor and cherish him in
sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and foresaking all
others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

I do.

Rings (which are already being worn)

2-09   On your wedding day you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never-ending circle
of love. Rings serve as a reminder of your wedding vows to each other, and your
commitment to live in unity, love and happiness. At this time, it is appropriate to
reconfirm the meaning of the rings you wear. Please join your left hands together so
that the husband’s hand is on top. N., repeat after me…

N., I wear this ring
that you placed on my hand
as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Now, with the wife’s hand on top, N., repeat after me…

N., I wear this ring
that you placed on my hand
as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Prayer of Blessing

2-10    O God who gives us life, we bring the lives of N. and N. before you. Bless their
recommitment of themselves to one another. Breathe into their continuing marriage the
vitality that only your spirit gives. Grant them the strength, the energy and the fortitude
to nurture this relationship through whatever they face. Protect them and guide them
through the everydays so that they can live before you, honoring you with this union.
Only you, O Lord, have given us life and love. Lead this happycouple in the path of love.
May their lives, joined together, reflect your presence in this world. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Charge

2-11     N., N., as you go out from this place and move forward through your life together,
remember to continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that
you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most of all, be able to
forgive each other, and not hold grudges against one another. Live each day in love with
each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and refuge to each other, in good
times and bad.

2-12    Today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your
wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of
hands, the taking of vows, and by the wearing of your wedding rings. It is with pleasure
that I conclude that the marriage that joined you continues to keep you together
husband and wife.

2-13    N., you may kiss your bride.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

3.

Words of Welcome

3-01    Friends, we gather together to celebrate the union of a husband and wife. It is a
union of the heart, mind, and body and is intended by God for their mutual joy as well as
for the help and comfort given to one another in the times of prosperity and adversity.
The union grows as the couple become one in more and more ways on a growing basis as
their love for one another expands. N. and N. have learned that after __ years of living
together in marriage.

3-02   Mr. and Mrs. _________, as you know, life is given to us as individuals and the
first lesson we must learn as a married couple is how to live together with each other.
Love is given to us by our family and friends, We learn to love by being loved. Learning
to love and learning to live together is one of life’s greatest challenges. That is the goal of
a married life.

3-03   Humankind did not create love, God created love and teaches it to us. As
Scripture says, “We love because God first loved us.” The measure of a true love is one
given freely and a love that is freely accepted, just as God’s love for us is given freely and
unconditionally. Today is a glorious day that God has made as you reaffirm your love
and vows for each other. Both of you are blessed with God’s greatest gift of all, an
abiding and true love of each other, and the reward of a life long companionship that
entered your life through the love in your lives. As you travel through this life together
remember it was love that got you here, it is love that will continue in your lives, and it is
love that will cause this union to endure. I ask that you guard your heart and your love
for one another, and hold it tightly in your hearts.

Invocation

3-04   God of all grace and goodness, accept our thanks for the gift of marriage which
You have instituted. Bless these, your servants, who are now about to renew their
marriage vows. Guide them and sanctify them by your Spirit, and fill them anew with a
deep sense of the obligation of the vows they took at their wedding and which they
renew today. Help them to look to you today for your assistance and to renew these
sacred obligations in humble dependence upon your enabling grace. In the name of
Christ we pray. Amen.

Choices of Readings

Choices of Scriptures

Exchange of Vows.

3-05   N., will you continue to have N. as your wife/husband and continue to live in this
marriage. Do you reaffirm your love for her/him, and will you love her/him, keep
her/him, and honor her/him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be
faithful to her/him as long as you both shall live?

I will.

Rings

3-06   For many centuries, a wedding ring has been a symbol of a pledge that those who
give a ring intend to live up to the vows and promises made at the time of marriage. A
ring is a visible sign of an inward grace which signifies the givers and receivers becoming
one in holy matrimony through the church of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let us pray…

3-07    Enable, O Lord, the ring giver and the ring receiver to fulfill the vows reaffirmed
here and to know your joyful presence in their marriage and family; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

N., as evidence of my continuing love for you
and my vow to be your faithful companion
as long as life shall last,
I joyfully place this ring upon your finger.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The minister then gives the charge:

3-08   N., N., as the two of you both now reaffirm you love for each other and the vows
you made to each other ___ years ago, I charge that you each remember to cherish each
other as special and unique individuals and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas
of one another. And most all, be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges against
one another, and I charge that you live each day in love with each other, always being
there to give love, comfort, and refuge to each in good times and bad.

Pronouncement

3-09   Since N. And N. have now exchanged vows and rings, and pledged their love and
faith for each other, it is my pleasure and honor to affirm that you are STILL Husband
and Wife.

3-10    N., you may kiss your bride.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

4.

4-01    N. and N., today you have chosen to reconfirm your commitment to continue
working together to make your marriage grow and blossom in the years to come. May
this ceremony, renewing the vows you took to become husband and wife on your
wedding day, remind you that despite the inevitable stresses which occur in every life,
your love, respect, trust and understanding of each other will increase your contentment
and heighten your joy in living as husband and wife.

Invocation

Let us pray…

4-02   O God, in stillness and in trust we recognize your presence. We know your love
drew N. and N. together so that they could live the adventure of life as one. We also
know that your love drew each of us together so that we might add our love and
blessings to this marriage. We affirm that you are with us now as always…guiding us,
upholding us and blessing us with abundance of faith, love and joy. In Jesus name we
pray. Amen.

Choices of Readings

Choices of Scriptures

Exchange of Vows

4-03   N. and N., I remind you that marriage is a precious gift; a lifelong dedication to
love and a daily challenge to love one another more fully and more freely.

To the husband

4-04   With this understanding, do you N., continue to take N. as your beloved wife?
Will you continue to be a tender, faithful husband? To love and cherish her, in sickness
and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and keep yourself only unto her?

I do.

To the wife

4-05   With this understanding, do you N., continue to take N. as your beloved
husband? Will you continue to be a tender, faithful wife? To love and cherish him, in
sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and keep yourself only
unto him?

I do.

The Rings

4-06   N., you have been wearing rings as the outward symbols of your ongoing
commitment to each other. From earliest times, the ring has been a symbol of wedded
love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment to love that is also
never ending.

N., hold N’s hand, touch her/his ring, symbolically giving it to her/him again, and
repeat after me.

From this day on,
I recommit myself to you,
and this ring
is a symbol of my pledge.

Pronouncement

4-07   And so now, inasmuch, as you, N., and you, N., have announced the truths that
have already been written within your hearts, we observe joyfully that you have re-declared yourselves to be husband and wife.

Prayer of Blessing

Let us pray…

4-08   Spirit of Love and Life, out of this whole world, these two souls have found each
other. Their destinies have been woven into one design, with you as the Golden Thread.
We are deeply grateful for the gift of their marriage, and for your presence in all our lives
and relationships. Therefore, we thank you for participating with us as we offer the
following benediction for their union…

May your home continue be a place of happiness for all who enter it.
May it continue to be a place for growing and sharing,
a place for music and for laughter,
a place for prayer and love.
May you continue to be enriched
by the beauty and bounty of your love for one another,
and as it nurtures you,
may it nurture all beings on earth.
May you continue to reach
your highest potential
as a couple as well as individuals,
so that all your endeavors,
joined and separate,
serve the world and God.
And may your days be
good and long upon the earth.
Amen!

4-09   N., you may kiss your bride.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

5.

Words of Welcome

5-01    We gather in the presence of God to give thanks for the gift of marriage, to
witness the recommitment to marriage by N. And N., to surround them with our
prayers, and to ask God’s blessing upon them, so that they may be strengthened for their
life together and nurtured in their love for God.

5-02   God created us male and female, and gave us marriage so that husband and wife
may help and comfort each other, living faithfully together in plenty and in want, in joy
and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, throughout all their days.

5-03   God gave us marriage for the full expression of the love between a man and a
woman. In marriage a woman and a man belong to each other, and with affection and
tenderness freely give themselves to each other.

5-04   God gave us marriage for the well-being of human society, for the ordering of
family life, and for the birth and nurture of children.

5-05    God gave us marriage as a holy mystery in which a man and a woman are joined
together, and become one, just as Christ is one with the church.

5-06   In marriage, husband and wife are called to a new way of life, created, ordered,
and blessed by God. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish
motives, but responsibly, and prayerfully.

5-07    We rejoice that marriage is given by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and
sustained by the Holy Spirit. `Therefore, let marriage be held in honor by all.’

Let us pray…

5-08   Gracious God, you are always faithful in your love for us. Look mercifully upon
N. And N., who have come seeking your blessing. Let your Holy Spirit rest upon them so
that with steadfast love they may honor the promises they made __ years ago and make
again this day, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Choices of Readings

Choices of Scriptures

Declaration of Intent

5-09   N., will you continue to have this Woman to be your wife, and will you pledge
your continued faithfulness to her, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all
faith and tenderness, to live with her, and cherish her, according to the ordinance of
God, in the holy bond of marriage?

I will.

5-10    N., will you continue to have this Man to be your husband, and will you pledge
your continued faithfulness to him, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all
faith and tenderness, to live with him, and cherish him, according to the ordinance of
God, in the holy bond of marriage?

I will.

Affirmations of the Family:

5-11     To Children: do you give your blessing to your Mother and Father, and promise to
do everything in your power to uphold them in their marriage, for another __ years?

I do.

The Exchange of Vows:

Husband:

Wife:

The rings:

What do you bring as a sign of your covenant?

Let us pray.

5-12    Bless, O Lord, these rings, that they who give and receive them may abide in your
peace, and continue in your favor, unto their life’s end, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

To each in turn:

This ring I give you;
In token and pledge;
Of our constant faith;
And abiding love.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray.

5-13    MOST merciful and gracious God, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth
is named: Give to these your servants the seal of your approval, and your divine
benediction granting to them grace to fulfill, with pure and steadfast affection, the vow
and covenant between them made __ years ago and again today. Guide them together,
we pray, in the way of righteousness and peace, that, loving and serving you, with one
heart and mind, all the days of their life, they may be abundantly enriched with the
tokens of your everlasting favor, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reaffirmation of Marriage:

5-14    Love is a gift from God. You, N. And N., have chosen to share with each other that
gift of love that God has created in you for the past __ years and plan on doing so into
the infinite future. Therefore, you have exchanged vows and rings today in order to
symbolize what you are feeling in you hearts. It is a joy for me to now pronounce you
STILL united in marriage and to say that you are husband and wife together.

5-15    Benediction:

The grace of Christ attend you,
the love of God surround you,
the Holy Spirit keep you,
that you may live in faith,
abound in hope,
and grow in love,
both now and forevermore.
Amen.

5-16    N., you may kiss your bride.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

6. Older Traditional Ceremony

Words of Welcome

6-01    Dearly beloved, we are assembled here in the presence of God, to reaffirm this
Man and this Woman in holy marriage; which is instituted of God, regulated by God’s
commandments, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and to be held in honor among all
people. Let us therefore reverently remember that God has established and sanctified
marriage, for the welfare and happiness of humankind.

6-02   Our Savior has declared that a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave
unto his wife. By His apostles, He has instructed those who enter into this relation to
cherish a mutual esteem and love; to bear with each other’s infirmities and weaknesses;
to comfort each other in sickness, trouble, and sorrow; in honesty and industry to
provide for each other, and for their household, in temporal things; to pray for and
encourage each other in the things which pertain to God and to live together as the heirs
of the grace of life.

Let us pray.

6-03   ALMIGHTY and ever-blessed God, whose presence is the happiness of every
condition, and whose favor hallows every relation: We pray you to be present and
favorable to these your servants, that they may be truly joined in the honorable estate of
marriage, in the covenant of their God. As you have brought them together by your
providence, sanctify them by your Spirit, giving them a new frame of heart fit for their
new estate; and enrich them with all grace, whereby they may enjoy the comforts,
undergo the cares, endure the trials, and perform the duties of life together as becomes
Christians, under your heavenly guidance and protection: through our Lord Jesus
Christ. Amen.

Choices of Readings

Choices of Scriptures

Brief Homily

Declaration of Intent

To the Man:

6-04   N., will you continue to have this Woman to be your wife, and will you pledge
your continued faithfulness to her, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all
faith and tenderness, to live with her, and cherish her, according to the ordinance of
God, in the holy bond of marriage?

I will.

To the Woman:

6-05   N., will you continue to have this Man to be your husband, and will you pledge
your continued faithfulness to him, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all
faith and tenderness, to live with him, and cherish him, according to the ordinance of
God, in the holy bond of marriage?

I will.

Affirmations of the Families:

6-06   To the family: do you give your blessing to N. and N., and promise to do
everything in your power to uphold them in their marriage, for another __ years?

We do.

The Exchange of Vows:

6-07   To the Man:

I, N., take you, N.,
to continue to be my wedded wife.
And I do promise and covenant
before God and these witnesses
To be your loving and faithful husband,
In plenty and in want,
In joy and in sorrow,
In sickness and in health,
As long as we both shall live.

6-08   Then the Woman:

I, N., take you, N.,
To continue to be my wedded husband;
And I do promise and covenant
Before God and these witnesses;
To be your loving and faithful wife;
In plenty and in want;
In joy and in sorrow;
In sickness and in health;
As long as we both shall live.

Let us pray.

6-09   MOST merciful and gracious God, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth
is named: Give to these your servants the seal of your approval, and your divine
benediction granting to them grace to fulfill, with pure and steadfast affection, the vow
and covenant between them made __ years ago and again today. Guide them together,
we pray, in the way of righteousness and peace, that, loving and serving you, with one
heart and mind, all the days of their life, they may be abundantly enriched with the
tokens of your everlasting favor, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Declaration of Marriage:

6-10    By the authority committed to me as a Minister of the Church of Jesus Christ, I
declare that N. and N. are STILL Husband and Wife, according to the ordinance of God,
and the law of the State: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.

6-11     Benediction:

The grace of Christ attend you,
the love of God surround you,
the Holy Spirit keep you,
that you may live in faith,
abound in hope,
and grow in love,
both now and forevermore.
Amen.

6-12            N., you may kiss your bride.

<><><><><><><><><><><>