Renewing your vows
A renewal of vows is an opportunity for you to renew your marriage or civil partnership vows in a unique and personal ceremony.
Although many couples choose to renew their vows at milestone anniversaries, the ceremony is just as appropriate at any stage of a relationship. Any legally married couple or civil partners of any age can arrange a renewal of vows ceremony and you do not need to live in the area where you would like the ceremony to take place.
It is also ideal if you have married abroad and now wish to celebrate your wedding or civil partnership with family and friends who were unable to attend the original ceremony.
The ceremony has no legal status but nevertheless is still of great significance. It also acts as a public statement of your continuing love and commitment to one another.
What you need to do
Choose your venue
Ceremonies can take place at:
- Aykley Heads House register office
- Bishop Auckland register office
- 30 Galgate, Barnard Castle
In addition, there are a number of approved premises for marriages and civil partnerships across the county where ceremonies can be held.
Book the registrar
Contact our ceremony team at Aykley Heads House register office to book your registrar. When you book you will need to pay a non-refundable booking fee of £40 in addition to the ceremony fees. Any changes to your booking will result in an additional £40 payment.
| Day(s) | Aykley Heads House Durham, | Licenced Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | £240 | £265 |
| Friday | £260 | £305 |
| Saturday | £275 | £330 |
| Sunday/Bank Holiday | £325 | £360 |
Plan your day
You can personalise your ceremony to create a unique and memorable event for both you and your guests. Take time to make sure the options you choose have meaning for you both. You may also want the special people in your lives, such as your children, relatives, friends and guests who attended your wedding or civil partnership to take part in the ceremony. You will also need to ask two people to witness the signing of the certificate.
Renewal ceremonies usually last about 15 minutes but can take up to 30 minutes if more readings or other elements are included. The ceremony will usually include:
- introduction and welcome
- acknowledgement of any children of the marriage or civil partnership
- reading
- renewal of vows
- rededication of rings
- giving of new rings or gifts
- words from previous guests such as the best man or bridesmaid
- further reading
- signing of certificate
- witnesses
- closing words
- Contact Register Office - Aykley Heads House
- aykleyheadshouseregisteroffice@durham.gov.uk
- 03000 266 000
-
Our address is:
- Aykley Heads
- Durham
- County Durham
- United Kingdom
- DH1 5TS
