Renewal of vows preparation guide
Here's everything you need to know about your renewal of vows ceremony. After reviewing this information, you can complete the ceremony options form to share your preferences and personal additions.
Arrival
Before your ceremony your registrar will meet you both at your venue for a brief pre-ceremony meeting. This is to review the proceedings and confirm any personal elements you've chosen. These meetings can be conducted together or separately.
If you opt for separate interviews, the first person should be ready 20 minutes before the ceremony, and the second person 10 minutes before. If you'd prefer to be seen together, please be ready 20 minutes before your ceremony begins.
To ensure your ceremony proceeds smoothly and on schedule, it's essential that you and your guests are ready to begin on time. Late starts risk a shortened ceremony or postponement to another day. Additional fees may apply if your ceremony is postponed.
Number of guests
Ceremonies at a Register Office
Each ceremony room has a strict maximum capacity, determined by fire regulations, which cannot be exceeded.
These capacities include everyone except the registrars: the couple, all guests (including children of all ages), photographers, videographers and musicians.
Please ensure you are aware of the capacity of your chosen ceremony room. You can find our room capacities below.
Ceremonies at another venue
The maximum number of guests your venue can accommodate is determined by its safe capacity. Please check with your venue about their maximum capacity.
Photos and videos
Photos and videos are welcome throughout the ceremony, they are the perfect way to capture those special moments that will create lasting memories.
You may prefer to leave the photo and video taking to the professionals and have your guests be fully present in your ceremony. Let your registrar know, they'll make an announcement at the beginning of your ceremony letting everyone know it is an unplugged event.
Music
Music is usually played at three key moments: as you enter, while you sign the commemorative certificate and when you exit.
Register office ceremonies
If you are playing recorded music you must bring this with you on the day and ask one of your guests to be in charge of playing it. The register office has the following facilities.
- Bluetooth speaker
- CD player
- AUX port (must bring your own cable)
You are welcome to bring your own speaker, but please note you won't be able to plug anything into the mains.
Ceremonies at another venue
For ceremonies held outside a register office, discuss music arrangements directly with your venue.
Readings
A reading is a simple yet powerful way to create a special moment in your ceremony. They can provide a chance for you and your guests to pause and reflect on the meaning of love, your relationship and commitment to one another.
This could be a poem, an extract from your favourite book or film, or perhaps something someone has written especially for you both.
Asking a friend or family member to read will make the ceremony feel that bit more personal and is a lovely way of including them in your special day.
The placement of any readings within your ceremony can vary, depending on its content. You can discuss this with your registrar during the pre-ceremony check.
Personal vows
During your ceremony you'll have the option to exchange personal vows. Personal vows are a wonderful way to express what your partner means to you and to make promises unique to your relationship, creating a truly special and treasured moment. The ceremony options form provides suggested vows, or you are welcome to write your own.
Personal vows cannot include explicit language and should be short in length (max 300 words).
Confetti
The throwing of confetti is not permitted at our register offices.
For ceremonies taking place elsewhere please check their policy on the use of confetti. Where it is permitted we encourage the use of biodegradable confetti.
Commemorative certificate
Included in your ceremony is a commemorative certificate for you to take home as a keepsake of your special day. You'll sign this during your ceremony, which makes for a lovely photo opportunity.
If you'd like to order additional certificates or any other commemorative products contact the Ceremonies Hub on 0345 60 80 198.
Ceremony options form
Your ceremony options form should be submitted to the Ceremonies Hub one month before your ceremony date, detailing all personal additions you'd like to include.
Complete the ceremony options form once you have finalised all your personal additions.
Questions
If you have any further questions please contact us
Phone: 0345 60 80 198
