"Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate"
(Matthew 19:6)
Marriage is a sacred covenant—a lifelong commitment of love and fidelity. Renewing your wedding vows is not about recreating your wedding day, but about reaffirming your promises before God.
What is a Thanksgiving for Marriage service?
This special service allows couples, whether married in church or elsewhere, to give thanks for their marriage and dedicate their life together to God. It is often chosen to mark a significant anniversary, celebrate a milestone, or renew commitment following a difficult season in marriage. You may also hear it described as a Renewal of Wedding Vows. The service can be simple and intimate, or more formal with hymns, readings, and music. It can be tailored to reflect your story and your hopes for the future. If you choose to renew your vows as part of the Thursday service, there is no fee—though you will need to pay for an organist if you wish to have one. If you prefer a separate, bespoke service, a fee applies.
Whatever your story, we'd be delighted to talk with you about marking your marriage in church and asking for God's blessing on your life together.
A Service of Dedication, Not a Re-enactment
A renewal of vows is not a repeat of your wedding day, nor does it mimic the original ceremony. You are already married—this service is an opportunity to celebrate that reality, rather than relive the past. For this reason, we encourage couples to approach the service with a spirit of gratitude and commitment, rather than formality and spectacle.
Before the service, husband and wife enter the church together, without ceremony, and sit together. The service begins with Bible readings and a sermon.
You will then be invited to the front, where you will:
- Renew your vows, reaffirming your commitment before God to the covenant made on your wedding day,
- Have your rings blessed—whether your existing wedding rings or eternity rings, and
- Receive prayers of thanksgiving and blessing.
Through scripture, prayer, and blessing, this service provides a beautiful way to honour your marriage and entrust your life together into God’s hands once again.
Personalising Your Service
We are here to help you select music and readings for your service, which may reflect those from your wedding day if you wish. Whether you invite all your family and friends or prefer a more intimate gathering, we will support you in creating a meaningful and memorable celebration.