A Celebration and Renewal of Marriage or Civil Partnership Commitments

 

What is a Renewal Ceremony?

These ceremonies give couples the opportunity to re-affirm their marriage or civil partnership dedications, and to celebrate their continued commitment and love for each other. Every ceremony will be unique and the couples can invite family and/or friends to take part in the ceremony. Ceremonies are secular and do not contain religious references. The ceremony has no legal status and the couples’ marriage or civil partnership certificate must be shown before a ceremony can be booked.

 

What happens?

Whether it’s just the two of you, or you want to celebrate with your family and friends, we can help you arrange the perfect celebration. The ceremony is a public declaration of your life-long commitment, love and support toward each other. Such an event provides a dignified and formal opportunity to:

  • Reiterate your commitment and life long partnership to each other
  • Re-dedicate or give new rings to each other

The ceremony will be conducted by one of our experienced “Celebrants” who will not be acting in any legal capacity. However, the Celebrant conducting the ceremony will offer you their guidance and expertise to ensure your ceremony is a dignified and meaningful occasion.

 

Specially written ceremonies are available containing choices to make each ceremony unique with special meaning to the couple and to their family. The following elements can be included in a ceremony:

 

Standard Elements

  • Welcome
  • Reading
  • Renewal of vows ceremony
  • Signing of the commemorative certificate by the couple and witnesses
  • Closing words

Additional Elements

  • Acknowledging the couple
  • Rededication of rings which have been previously given
  • Giving of new rings
  • Giving of gifts
  • Opportunity for a guest to say a few words
  • Further readings

Ceremonies will normally last fifteen to thirty minutes depending on the number of elements chosen.

 

Where can ceremonies be held?

Ceremonies can take place at most of the Approved Premises for marriage and civil partnerships ceremonies within the Vale of Glamorgan. It is also possible to hold ceremonies at the Register Office. In certain circumstances, it may be possible for the ceremonies to take place in local public places like restaurants or public houses. Please contact the Superintendent Registrar to discuss.

 

Will the Celebrant issue a certificate?

A commemorative certificate recording the ceremony is provided. The certificate is signed by the couple, their witnesses and the Celebrant performing the ceremony. Please remember that the ceremony and certificate have no legal standing.

 

What are the costs?

The costs of the ceremony are detailed below and include an initial booking meeting, a pre-ceremony discussion meeting, the attendance of one of our specially trained Celebrants on the day and a "Record of Ceremony Certificate " for you to keep as a reminder of the special occasion.

 

There may also be a cost for the venue which the couple must negotiate direct with the management of the premises which are chosen.

Fees for Celebration and Renewal of Marriage or Civil Partnership Commitments

(For ceremonies taking place 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009)

Monday -Friday: £130.00

Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays: £160.00

 

These charges are set by the Local Authority and reviewed annually.

 

How do I arrange a renewal ceremony?

If you would like to arrange a ceremony, or would like further information/advice please contact the Superintendent Registrar at the following address:

 

Vale of Glamorgan Register Office, Barry

 

Civic Offices

Holton Road

Barry

CF63 4RU

Tel: 01446 709490

Email: registrationservice@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

 

Office Hours

Monday – Friday 0900 – 1300

1400 – 1600