Wedding Document (Vow Renewal)

Introduction

James and Shannon, I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of this special day as you desire to renew your vows at our church and commit this marriage to Jesus from this point onward.

Many people believe that entering into marriage is the final step in a romantic relationship. As they see it, a couple meets, gets to know each other, falls in love, decides they want to go through life together, and then take the final step—marriage.

But marriage is not meant to be the final step in a couple’s relationship—it is really just the beginning of a grand adventure, that hopefully, will be long and fruitful for each couple as you honor each other and point others to Christ.

You all have been through a lot in the short time you’ve been together and that’s not by mistake or accident. You have worked as a team to navigate family difficulties and you have faithfully brought your children to church even when times were hard. You’ve experienced blessings and challenges during these years and today, you desire to reconfirm your commitment to one another and to our Lord and Savior. I pray that this ceremony reminds you of the love that you share for each other and that despite the stresses you experience, your covenant of love, trust, respect, and understanding will carry you through and continue to grow in the months and years to come. This isn’t easy - and anyone who said it was doesn’t know what they’re talking about, but it’s worth it!

Please join hands.

James, will you continue to have Shannon as your wife and continue to live in this marriage? (I WILL)

Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, lead, honor and cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live? (I DO)

Shannon, will you continue to have James as your husband and continue to live in this marriage? (I WILL)

Do you reaffirm your love for him, and will you love, respect, honor and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live? (I DO)

The Bible has many passages talking about love and the commitment between a husband and wife. The Christian marriage is not a contract that can be broken and cancelled but a covenant that binds the two together and seeks to work through hard times and restore the other person whenever they make a mistake. Love is a big deal to God and the marriage union is especially important because the Bible tells us that it is a picture of the love that Jesus has for His church. I want to read from Colossians 3 as we look at the love that should exist in every Christian marriage.

Colossians 3:12–17 CSB

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. 14 Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

On your wedding day you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never-ending circle of love that first began long before either of you knew each other or were born as the Bible tells us that God loved us so much that He created us and sent His Son to die for us. Rings serve as a reminder of your wedding vows to each other, and your commitment to live in unity, love, and happiness. At this time, it is appropriate to reconfirm the meaning of the rings you wear.

Please join your left hands together so that Michael’s hand is on top. James, please repeat after me…………………

Shannon, I wear this ring you placed on my hand————- as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.

Now, with James’ hand on top, Shannon, please repeat after me:

James, I wear this ring you placed on my hand——–as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.

I ask that you each remember to continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most of all, be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges against one another. Live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and refuge to each other, in good times and bad.

James and Shannon, today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and by the wearing of your wedding rings.

It is with pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing the vows of marriage that joined you and binds you as husband and wife. Please celebrate this renewal of vows with a kiss!