Renewing Your Marriage Vows - On the Right Side of the Law

Movies, sitcoms and soapies made in the United States could mislead Australian couples into inadvertently breaking the law when they renew their marriage vows.

In various countries in the world, including the United States, it may not be illegal to go through a form of marriage ceremony if you are already married to each other.

In Australia, that could result in six months in jail for the celebrant, considerable explaining, and possibly penalties, for the couple.

Reaffirmation or renewal of vows ceremonies are a popular and romantic way of celebrating significant wedding anniversaries. By all means wear your original wedding dress (lucky you if you can get into it ? I wouldn't have a prayer!), replicate the processional, include your original attendants, exchange new rings or the old ones refurbished.

All that is perfectly legal.

However, to remain on the right side of the law in Australia, the celebrant must make it clear to everyone that the ceremony is a renewal of vows and has no legal standing, and the wording of the vows must not imply that the ceremony is a wedding.

Prefacing your vow with On our wedding day 25 years ago, I promised to ... and completing it by saying Today I reaffirm that vowwill ensure that your Renewal of Vows Ceremony is both meaningful and legal.

Jennifer Cram is a sought-after celebrant who performs a range of ceremonies, including Reaffirmation of Vows, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. For a full list of Wedding Anniversaries, a popular time to renew marriage vows, visit her website at http://www.jennifercram.com

Copyright © 2005 Jennifer Cram. You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

---

The History of Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

These days, many people take wedding bands and engagement rings... Read More

You?re Making Your Wedding List and Checking It Twice?What Have You Forgotten?

Preparing for a wedding, large or small, is overwhelming! A... Read More

Wedding Rings

Your wedding rings were meant to last a lifetime. They... Read More

Sending Out Your Wedding Invitations

It really doesn't matter if you are planning to have... Read More

Toss a Garter or Two

The tempo of the music begins to rise. Drums begin... Read More

Catering to Your Wedding

Wedding catering has always been one of the most crucial... Read More

Slash Your Wedding Ceremony Bills

When it comes to your wedding services alone, nobody wants... Read More

Wedding Shower Favors

Wedding shower favors are a way to extend gratitude from... Read More

Indian Astrology and Marriages

Astrology is considered to be the oldest of all sciences,... Read More

A Promise Ring- More Than Just a Pre-Engagement Ring

When one thinks of a promise ring it is common... Read More

Bridal Shower Themes

It is the maid of honor's duty to organize the... Read More

Cookie Wedding Favors

Cookies as wedding favors, create an unique twist on the... Read More

Weddings Las Vegas: Popular Ceremonies

Are you looking for a las Vegas chapel to make... Read More

Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies ? Keeping Your Guest Comfortable

According to a survey conducted in 2003 by Bride's magazine,... Read More

How To Keep Love Growing Through All The Ups And Downs

The relationship expert on i.village.com, I am the author of... Read More

Like Sand Through an Hour Glass

Symbols! Weddings are full of them. Exchanging rings. Exchanging roses.... Read More

Wedding Receptions: How To Set Up The Tables

Getting the wedding tables right can make a big difference... Read More

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

Traditionally, a wedding band was worn on the ring finger... Read More

Wedding Flowers ? What Every Bride Should Know before Her Big Day

Whether your wedding will be coming up roses, daffodils, or... Read More

Are American Women Driving Their Men Away?

Recently, I stumbled across something on the internet. A particular... Read More

Love Connections - How Wonderful They Are

I've been noticing a few things lately that a few... Read More

Do You Hear Wedding Bells?

So you've been in that perfect relationship for some time... Read More

The A To Z Guide For Your Wedding Day

AttendantsAttendants, include the best man, Bridesmaid, ushers, and groomsmen. Generally... Read More

Before You Begin Marriage Counseling, Ask This Question

There's an important question that you need to ask the... Read More

Prenuptial Agreements: The Deal Breaker?

So you're toying with the idea of getting married? Maybe... Read More

Invitation Anatomy 101 - Optional Components - Part 2 of 3

Hopefully, you've read my prerequisite lesson "Invitation Anatomy 101 ?... Read More

Bridal Jewelry: Fulfilling a Wedding Tradition

'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' This is... Read More

New Findings on Happiness Have Implications for Rocky Marriages

Not only do individuals who follow Time Magazine's "Eight Steps... Read More

Getting Great Deals on the Wedding Clothes

If you are planning to have a full wedding that... Read More

Choosing A Wedding Photographer

The wedding day is the day that most women wait... Read More

Low Budget Wedding Reception

The reception alone will bust your wedding budget if you're... Read More

Fiji Honeymoon Vacations

If you are looking forward to a vacation of attractive... Read More

Secrets to Controlling Your Man

Ben* has been happily married for 19 years. He recently... Read More