What is a vow renewal?+
A ceremony where a married couple say their vows to each other again. It is symbolic, so nothing is registered and your marriage stays exactly as it is. Many couples renew for a milestone anniversary, others because the first wedding was small or rushed. If you go away together without a ceremony, that is an [anniversary trip](/packages/anniversaries) instead, and many couples do both in one stay.
Does a vow renewal need any paperwork?+
No. You are already married, so there is no licence, no notice period and nothing to register, wherever you hold it. A legal wedding abroad follows local law and needs documents from home, as the [UK government's guidance on marrying abroad](https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships-abroad) sets out, and a renewal skips all of that. Some venues and churches set their own conditions, so we check their terms before you commit.
Do you need an officiant for a vow renewal?+
No. You can lead it yourselves or ask anyone you choose. A celebrant or a member of clergy suits couples who want a formal shape, and many families ask a son, daughter or grandchild to lead it, because nothing is registered. A religious blessing is different and follows that faith's rules, so we confirm what is possible at your destination first.
Does a vow renewal have to be on your anniversary?+
No. Many couples choose a milestone year, but the date that matters most is the one your children and grandchildren can travel on. Some renew on the anniversary itself, others pick the school holidays or the week a family member can fly in. Tell us the anniversary and who must be there, and we find dates that work for both.
Can we renew our vows where we first married?+
Yes, and it is one of the choices couples make most. If you married abroad, we can take you back to the same beach, church or garden. Churches and venues set their own rules for a renewal, so we check them before you set your heart on the date.
How can our children and grandchildren take part?+
They can lead it, read, carry the rings or walk you in. Give each child one job. Our family settings have room for three generations, and Pandawa Cliff Estate in Bali includes a babysitter so parents of young children can listen to the words.
Do you exchange rings again at a vow renewal?+
You can, and couples do it both ways. Some add a new band for each decade, while others have their original rings blessed during the ceremony. If you keep your rings, an engraving with the renewal date marks the day without replacing anything. Tell us which you prefer, and the celebrant builds the exchange or the blessing into the order of the ceremony.
What do you wear to a vow renewal?+
Whatever feels right, as a renewal has no dress code. Some wear their original wedding dress or suit, others choose something new that suits a beach or a terrace. Think about the ground as well, because a cliff path in Santorini or the sand in Fiji rules out some shoes. Put the dress code on your Wonderland Studio page, so guests know what to pack.