Are Vow Renewals Legal in Australia?
One of the first questions couples often ask me about vow renewal ceremonies is: “Are they legal?” It’s a fair question—after all, they look and feel very much like a wedding.
The answer is simple: vow renewals in Australia are not legally binding. You can only be married once (to the same person, that is), so renewing your vows doesn’t create a new legal marriage. It’s a symbolic celebration rather than a legal one.
So Why Have a Vow Renewal?
Because the heart of a vow renewal isn’t about paperwork—it’s about people. Couples choose them for many reasons:
Milestone anniversaries — 10, 25, or 50 years together.
Celebrating a journey — after challenges, achievements, or simply many shared years.
A second chance at the “wedding moment” — perhaps your original wedding was small, overseas, or didn’t reflect you as a couple at the time.
Family involvement — giving children, grandchildren, or friends a chance to be part of your story.
What a Vow Renewal Looks Like
A vow renewal ceremony feels a lot like a wedding: there are vows, readings, music, and maybe even a kiss at the end. But without the legal obligations, it’s flexible, personal, and pressure-free. You can keep it simple and intimate or go all-out with a full celebration—it’s entirely up to you.
The Role of a Celebrant
As a vow renewal celebrant, my role is to help craft a ceremony that reflects your journey and your promises for the future. Think of it as “the best bits of a wedding, without the paperwork.”
Time to Say “I Still Do”?
Vow renewals aren’t about re-doing your wedding. They’re about celebrating the years you’ve shared and the adventures still to come. Whether it’s ten years, twenty, or “we’ve lost count,” I’ll help you create a ceremony that feels personal, heartfelt, and very much you.