Married couples wishing to celebrate their marriage vows in a unique and personal way may now have a ceremony to re-affirm their Marriage Vows. Often these ceremonies are associated with a special wedding anniversary, such as the tenth or twenty-fifth, but the ceremony is just as appropriate for couples at any stage of their marriage. It is sometimes particularly relevant to those who have been through a period which has placed a strain on their relationship, but who now wish to celebrate their renewed commitment to each other.
You can make your own choices for your ceremony to create a unique event that you and all your guests will remember. Take time to consider which options are appropriate and have meaning for you both.
Special people in your lives can also take part in your ceremony, for example your children, friends or relatives. You will also need to ask two people to witness the signing of the Commemorative Certificate.
Venues
Venues that hold current fire and safety regulations and public liability insurance will be deemed suitable to hold a Re-affirmation of Marriage Vows Ceremony. Please note that private homes are not considered suitable. Approved Venues which are licensed for civil marriages are excellent locations for Re-affirmation of Marriage Vows ceremonies as these premises are experienced at holding such events. (see Approved Premises in Leeds). If you are unsure of the suitability of a particular location please contact our ceremony co-ordinators for advice (0113 247 6722).
The ceremony
A celebrant, appointed by Leeds City Council will conduct your ceremony. Re-affirmation of Marriage Vows ceremonies take approximately 15-30 minutes depending upon the content of your ceremony. A typical ceremony may contain the following:
Introduction, Acknowledgement of any children of the marriage, Reading, Re-affirmation of Vows, Re-dedication of ring(s), Giving of new ring(s) or gift(s), Words from previous wedding guest, (often Best Man, Bridesmaid or Bride's father), Signing of certificate and closing words.
Please note that the Re-affirmation of Marriage Vows ceremony must include no religious connection.
Making a booking/enquiry
To make an enquiry regarding the Re-affirmation of Marriage Vows, to book a ceremony or to arrange a pre-ceremony meeting, please speak to our ceremony co-ordinator.
The Ceremony Co-ordinator
Leeds Register Office
Leeds Town Hall
The Headrow
Leeds
LS1 3ADT
Tel: 0113 247 6722
Fax: 0113 247 6708
Please note that you will need to show your Marriage Certificate before you are able to book a ceremony. A deposit will be payable on booking. Fees and charges will vary according to the time, day and venue you choose for your ceremony. (see How much does it cost?)
Important Notice
Re-affirmation of Marriage Vows ceremonies have no legal effect. The celebrant who conducts your ceremony will not be acting in an official capacity even if they also work as a registration officer. Similarly, the rooms which are used in Register Offices or elsewhere are not designated as marriage venues for the duration of the ceremony. These ceremonies are provided purely to celebrate the re-affirmation of marriage vows in a unique and personal ceremony.
Please note that it is possible for a couple who are already married to each other to marry again, in accordance with the law. They may wish to do this because they have reason to doubt the validity of their first marriage, or simply because they wish to fulfil the legal preliminaries and requirements of another marriage ceremony. Unlike the Re-affirmation of Marriage Vows ceremonies, these ceremonies are legally binding. If you think that a marriage ceremony in accordance with the law is more appropriate to your needs, you can obtain further advice from the Superintendent Registrar.