Catholics Celebrating Wedding Vows Renewal: Is It Allowed?

While the Catholic Church does not have a ritual for the renewal of marriage vows, it is not prohibited. Couples can renew their vows as a symbolic gesture and powerful reminder of their commitment. This is usually done during a special Mass on a major anniversary, such as the 25th or 50th, and can be a private or public ceremony. While it is ideal to have a priest or deacon present, it is not necessary, and the ceremony can take place anywhere.

The renewal of marriage vows is symbolic

A vow renewal ceremony is not a sacrament but a simple public reaffirmation of a couple's love and commitment to one another. It is a way to celebrate and bless the ongoing commitment of marriage in the sense of revitalizing or reinvigorating it.

The exchange of vows is seen as the sacramental form and is thus essentially unique for the same couple. Through their consent, the spouses mutually give and accept each other through an irrevocable and perpetual covenant to establish marriage. This is why the Church is somewhat hesitant to permit a simple renewal of the marriage vows. One cannot renew a valid marriage in the sense of restarting or resuming it.

The universal Church has not proposed any ritual for the renewal of marriage vows either within or outside of Mass. However, the Church offers great leeway for national bishops' conferences to prepare their own Rites of Marriage and submit them for approval by the Holy See. Through this process, several countries, especially in North and South America, have included in the Ritual for Marriage a rite for the renewal of vows, especially on the 25th and 50th anniversaries.

While tradition may be important, what's most important is that you plan a ceremony that feels most authentic to you as a couple. If what's most important to you is having your union validated by the church, then make sure you take all the proper steps and gather insight from advisors within the organization.

It is not a sacrament

While Catholics are allowed to renew their wedding vows, the ceremony is not a sacrament. It is a simple public reaffirmation of their love and commitment to one another. The renewal of vows is symbolic and does not make a valid marriage more valid. However, it can be a powerful reminder for the couple and all those present of the significance of the sacrament and how the power of God has brought the couple to such a milestone.

The universal Church has not proposed any ritual for the renewal of marriage vows either within or outside of Mass. There is no such thing as the "renewal of the marriage vows" as the exchange of vows is seen as the sacramental form and is thus essentially unique for the same couple. Through their consent, the spouses mutually give and accept each other through an irrevocable and perpetual covenant to establish marriage.

The strength of the indissoluble bond created by the celebration of marriage makes the Church hesitant to permit a simple renewal of the marriage vows. One cannot renew a valid marriage in the sense of restarting or resuming it. However, the ongoing commitment of marriage may be celebrated, blessed, and renewed in the sense of being revitalized or reinvigorated.

If a Catholic couple wants their vow renewal ceremony to be approved by the Church, it is important to discuss the necessities and logistics with a Catholic priest or someone who can serve as an advisor. They are the ones who ensure that the Church can bless the current union and may also be the ones "officiating" the vow renewal ceremony.

It is a public reaffirmation of love and commitment

While the Catholic Church does not have a formal ritual for the renewal of marriage vows, it is still possible for Catholics to renew their vows. This ceremony is a public reaffirmation of love and commitment to one another. It is not a sacrament but a symbolic act that reminds the couple and those present of the significance of the sacrament.

A vow renewal ceremony can be held anywhere, and it is common for a priest or deacon to participate and offer a blessing. The Book of Blessings offers an option that includes the participation of a layperson who blesses themselves, rather than the couple. The ceremony can include readings, psalms, hymns, and a blessing of the wedding rings. The husband and wife do not repeat their original wedding vows or reenact the marriage ceremony.

The Church offers leeway for national bishops' conferences to prepare their own Rites of Marriage and submit them for approval by the Holy See. Through this process, several countries, especially in North and South America, have included a rite for the renewal of vows, usually on the 25th and 50th anniversaries. These rites make a slight but significant distinction between the original vows and the renewal of the ongoing marriage commitment.

In the United States, the formula for the renewal of vows is slightly different from the original formula to reflect a spiritual renewal. In Canada, it is the priest's introduction that explains the meaning and reasons for the renewal of the original formula. In some countries, the renewal on jubilee anniversaries is done after the homily, while in others, it follows the Prayer after Communion.

While it is not necessary to hold a vow renewal ceremony in a church, consulting with a priest or pastor is important if the couple wants the ceremony to be approved by the Church. The priest or pastor can provide spiritual guidance and ensure that the Church can bless the union.

It can be done anywhere

The renewal of wedding vows is a symbolic act for Catholics. If a marriage is valid, it can't be made more valid. However, renewing one's wedding vows can be a powerful reminder for the couple and all those present of the significance of the sacrament.

The ceremony is not a sacrament but a simple public reaffirmation of love and commitment to one another. While it is ideal to have a priest or deacon participate and offer a blessing, it can be done anywhere and does not have to be in a church. The Book of Blessings offers an option that includes the participation of a layperson who blesses themselves with the sign of the cross rather than the couple.

The Roman Missal has three special Masses for anniversaries, especially jubilees. The Book of Blessings also contains several prayers and blessings for married couples both within and outside of Mass. These texts can be used anywhere in the world.

The renewal of vows within Mass may be used only where it is officially incorporated within the ritual books or has been specifically approved. Through this process, several countries, especially in North and South America, have included in the Ritual for Marriage a rite for the renewal of vows, especially on the 25th and 50th anniversaries.

While the church may be the most obvious place to hold a Catholic vow renewal, it is not the only option. It is not uncommon for faith-based vow renewals to take place on a big anniversary, but that doesn't mean you're forced to wait 20 years to reaffirm your commitment to one another.

If what's most important to you is having your union validated by the church, then make sure you take all the proper steps and gather insight from advisors within the organization on how to do so.

It is not prohibited

While the universal Church has not proposed any ritual for the renewal of marriage vows either within or outside of Mass, there are several other ways to honour perseverance in married life. The Roman Missal, for example, has three special Masses for anniversaries, especially jubilees. The Book of Blessings also contains several beautiful prayers and blessings for married couples both within and outside of Mass. These texts may be used anywhere in the world, while the renewal of vows within Mass may be used only where it is officially incorporated within the ritual books or has been specifically approved.

The renewal of marriage vows is symbolic. If a marriage is valid, it can’t be made more valid. However, renewing one’s marriage vows can be a very effective reminder to the couple and all those present of the significance of the sacrament and how the power of God has brought the couple to such a milestone. It is not uncommon for faith-based vow renewals to take place on a big anniversary, but that doesn’t mean you’re forced to wait 20 years to reaffirm your commitment to one another. While tradition may be important, what’s most important is that you plan a ceremony that feels most authentic to you as a couple.

If you want the vow renewal ceremony to be approved by the church, it’s extremely important to discuss the necessities and logistics with a Catholic priest or someone who can serve as your advisor. They’re not only helpful for providing spiritual guidance, but they’re also the ones who make sure that the church can bless your current union. In some cases, they may also be the ones “officiating” the vow renewal ceremony, depending on the route you choose to take.

Frequently asked questions