Renewal Ceremonies

An increasingly popular trend is renewal ceremonies – a couple's re-pledging their commitment to one another. This may be on a special anniversary, such as your 10^th, 25^th or 40^th, or at any time in the marriage. For couples we didn't have the means to throw that big, lavish wedding, this is an opportunity to indulge in those wedding fantasies.

Renewal ceremonies are ideally suited for a destination ceremony. Fewer people will generally be attending a renewal than a traditional wedding. Plus, you're not limited to destinations without a residency rule as you are with a wedding. (You're already married; the paperwork isn't necessary.) Here are some ideas for places to have your renewal ceremony.

Renewals on a Cruise

Cruises make planning a renewal ceremony easy. Many lines, such as Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, have special chapels that are perfect spots for a renewal ceremony. In addition, the staff will help to arrange all of the details and a cruise vacation surrounding the ceremony makes the event a wonderful way to spend time with family you may not see often.

Hawaii

Whether it's vibrant Honolulu, the fabled Fern Grotto on Kauai, or the old-world charm of Lahaina on Maui, the Hawaiian Islands offer a myriad of romantic places to renew your wedding vows. Give the ceremony that island flair by wearing white orchid leis, having an accompaniment of lilting Hawaiian music, and feasting after the ceremony on a traditional Hawaiian luau.

Disney Renewal Ceremonies

Disney, one of the leaders in destination weddings, does not forget about renewal ceremonies. They bring their years of experience and fanciful, one-of-a-kind settings to the planning of your ceremony. Renew your vows overlooking Cinderella's Castle or alongside the Wilderness Lodge Resort. Arrive at your ceremony in Cinderella's coach with liveried horsemen.

Sandals Resorts

Sandals Resorts, with locations in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas, offers a special Wedding renewal package. It includes the services of the wedding officer and a wedding coordinator, flowers for the "bride" and "groom," a celebration cake, a certificate, a 5" x 7" photograph, and a bottle of Champagne. The package cost $200 for couples staying at a Sandals resort for at least seven nights and $500 for couples staying less than seven nights.

Other Ideas

Your choice of destination for your renewal ceremony are really only limited by your budget and your imagination. Consider Paris, not an easy place for a wedding because of its strict residency and civil requirements, or the majestic beauty of one of America's National Parks [link to: http://honeymoons.theweddingwizards.com/america-national-parks/161/], such as the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park.

Resources:

A Disney Wedding (http://www.theweddingwizards.com/a-walt-disney-world-wedding/71/)

Sandals Resorts (http://www.sandals.com)

Princess Cruise Lines (http://www.princesscruises.com)

Hawaii Visitors Bureau (http://www.gohawaii.com)

Image:

Weddingchampagne.jpg

A Renewal Ceremony Should be as Festive as a Wedding

Credit: istockphoto; licensed to Wedding Wizards