WE STILL DO!!! After All These Years:
A Vow Renewal

Couples choose to renew their vows for a variety of reasons, but it all boils down to a celebration of love and commitment. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Reaffirming commitment after overcoming challenges: Maybe you went through a rough patch or even considered divorce, but you decided to work on things and came out stronger. A vow renewal can be a powerful way to say "I still choose you" after facing difficulties!

Milestone celebration:

Some couples renew their vows to mark a special anniversary, like a 5 or 10, 25th or 50th. It's a way to look back on all they've achieved together and recommit to each other for the future.
Including children or loved ones: If you got married young or didn't have children at the time, a vow renewal can be a chance to include your whole family in the celebration. You can write new vows that reflect your life together now.

Making up for a dream wedding they missed: Perhaps your first wedding wasn't quite what you envisioned, or maybe you eloped. A vow renewal allows you to have a more formal ceremony or celebrate in a way that feels more special to you now!

Just because!: Sometimes couples renew their vows simply to express their love for each other and have a reason to get dressed up and celebrate with loved ones.

Ultimately, a vow renewal is a personal decision. There's no right or wrong reason to do it, as long as it has meaning for you and your partner.

Here is but one example of a vow renewal ceremony....

Beautiful music in the background...(The wedding march or the couples favorite song playing in the background)


(The Justice of the Peace stands before the couple.)

Justice of the Peace: We are gathered here today to celebrate a beautiful union that has weathered the test of time. [Couple's Names], you stand before me not to begin a journey together, but to reaffirm the vows you made [Number] years ago.

(Justice of the Peace turns to the couple)

Over the years, your love has grown stronger, richer, and deeper. You have faced challenges together, shared triumphs, and built a life filled with laughter and joy. Today, you choose to renew the promises you made to one another, a testament to the enduring strength of your love.

(Justice of the Peace turns to the audience, if present)

Would everyone please stand as [Couple's Names] renew their vows?

(The audience stands, if present)

(Justice of the Peace turns back to the couple, one at a time)

[Spouse's Name 1], do you still take [Spouse's Name 2] to be your [Spouse/Husband/Wife], to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, until death do you part?

(Spouse's Name 1) answers: I do.

(Justice of the Peace turns to the other spouse)

[Spouse's Name 2], do you still take [Spouse's Name 1] to be your [Spouse/Husband/Wife], to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, until death do you part?

(Spouse's Name 2) answers: I do.

(Same rings can be exchanged at this point if exchanging the same rings again)

Justice of the Peace: With these rings, you renew the vows you made [Number] years ago. May they continue to be a symbol of your love, commitment, and enduring bond.

(Optional: If there is a brief reading or passage you'd like to include, you can insert it here.)

Justice of the Peace: Since you have both affirmed your vows, by the power vested in me by the State of Connecticut, I pronounce your vows renewed.

(The couple may now kiss)

Justice of the Peace: Please join me in congratulating [Couple's Names] on their renewed vows!

(The audience applauds)