Renewal of vows ceremonies
If you have already contracted a marriage or civil partnership and wish to celebrate and renew your vows in a unique and personal way, this ceremony could be right for you. It is an opportunity to celebrate a special anniversary, to celebrate with people who were unable to be with you on the day (e.g. if you were married or formed a civil partnership abroad), or simply to re-affirm your commitment to each other.
Unlike a marriage or civil partnership, this alternative ceremony has no legal status, but it is intended to be of deep personal significance. You are able to give your promises to each other, exchange rings, and invite your guests to participate in the ceremony. A commemorative certificate is presented to mark the occasion.
Venues for ceremonies
You can decide on the most appropriate venue for your ceremony, which may be a Register Office, your home or garden, a hotel, a village hall, or other suitable non-religious place.
Booking a ceremony
In order to book a date for your ceremony please contact the register office which is closest to where you wish to hold your renewal of vows ceremony.
Fees
There is a non-refundable booking fee of £25 for ceremonies in Hampshire. This reserves the date and time that you have requested for your ceremony.You will then be required to pay for your ceremony in full three calendar months prior to the date. Payment of the booking fee and other associated costs may be made by credit/debit card, cheque (payable to Hampshire County Council) or cash, directly to the Register Office where the booking has been made.
| Register offices | |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | £110 |
| Friday | £130 |
| Saturday afternoon | £220 |
| Sunday / Bank holidays | £280 |
| Other venues | |
| Monday to Friday | £230 |
| Saturday | £290 |
| Sunday | £330 |
You are advised that Renewal of marriage vows ceremonies ceremonies have no legal status and the certificates issued to commemorate these events have no legal standing.
If you decide to have an additional ceremony at the same time e.g. Naming ceremony it will cost a further £100.
Cancellation Policy
In the event that you need to cancel a ceremony for which you have already paid, you will be required to provide a minimum of three calendar months notice in writing to be eligible for a full refund. Any requests for a cancellation inside this time scale will also need to be made in writing and will be subject to the following guidelines:-
Two to three calendar months notice of cancellation – 50% refund
Less than one calendar month notice of cancellation (or failure to cancel) – no refund