Celebrate Love Anew:
Why Scotland is the Perfect Place to
Renew Your Vows
Renewing your vows is a deeply personal and romantic way to celebrate your journey together, reaffirm your love, and create new memories. I create more ‘new weddings’ than vow renewals and yet the latter are always a highlight for me because there is something very special about a couple making the deliberate choice to reflect on their life together, their achievements and challenges, and then looking into the future with dedication and excitement.
What better place to do so than Scotland, a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and heartfelt traditions? Whether it’s a milestone anniversary, a desire to relive your wedding day, or simply an opportunity to express your love, Scotland offers endless possibilities for a vow renewal ceremony that is as magical and unique as your relationship.
Why Renew Your Vows?
Renewing your vows allows you to celebrate your love story and reflect on your journey together. Some reasons couples choose to renew their vows include:
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Celebrating a milestone anniversary.
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Overcoming challenges and emerging stronger together.
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Reaffirming love after significant life changes.
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Inviting family and friends to join in a meaningful celebration.
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Creating a memorable experience in a new or significant location.
Whatever your reason, a vow renewal is a chance to focus on your connection and share your love story in a way that feels authentic to you. My role as a celebrant is to support you in this journey, listen to you, and create a ceremony that reflects your character and likes and is comfortable.
Why Choose Scotland for Your Vow Renewal?
Scotland’s timeless beauty and romantic charm make it an ideal destination for vow renewals. Here’s why:
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Spectacular Scenery: From rugged mountains and tranquil lochs to historic castles, rolling green hills, and impressive mountains, Scotland offers a stunning and atmospheric setting for your ceremony.
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Rich Traditions: Incorporate unique Scottish rituals like handfasting or drinking from the quaich to add depth and cultural significance to your celebration.
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Historic Venues: Say your vows in an ancient castle, a charming village kirk, or amidst historic ruins… there are lots of very special locations to choose from.
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Intimate Settings: Scotland’s remote locations and secluded spots make it perfect for a private and personal ceremony.
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Warm Hospitality: Experience the famous Scottish welcome from all the suppliers who will support you with making your day unforgettable.
Photo: Roddy Mackay
Incorporating Scottish Traditions and Rituals
Enhance your vow renewal ceremony by embracing Scotland’s cultural heritage:
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Handfasting: Symbolise your renewed commitment by tying your hands together with cords or ribbons.
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The Quaich Ceremony: Share a drink from the traditional quaich to toast your unity and shared journey.
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Tartan: Include family tartans in your ceremony, whether as a sash, ribbon, or incorporated into your attire.
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Blessings and Poetry: Include your favourite poems, song lyrics or prose.
How to Plan Your Scottish Vow Renewal
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Choose Your Location: Whether you dream of a castle, a loch, or a hidden glen, Scotland has something to suit every couple’s vision. Why not combine your vow renewal with a second honeymoon or even just a few days of quality time or bring close family and friends for a special family celebration?
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Add some nice touches: Couples often think of vow renewals as very simple celebrations, but there is no reason not to add some special touches – have a special cake, treat yourself to beautiful flowers, wear your original wedding dress or a totally new one. Sometimes duplicating elements of your original wedding honours the past, and yet at other times a vow renewal is a great opportunity to do things differently and get things you were maybe unable to incorporate in your first wedding. Maybe another style of dress or flowers is a nice touch, or a venue very different from the last time.
Personalising Your Ceremony
Your vow renewal should reflect your unique journey as a couple. Consider these ideas for a personalized experience:
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Write New Vows: Reflect on your years together and write vows that capture your growth and love.
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Incorporate Shared Interests: Whether it’s hiking, whisky, or history, find ways to include your passions.
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Create Keepsakes: Use an oathing stone or engrave a quaich to commemorate your day.
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Include Family: Invite your children or close family to participate in the ceremony, symbolising your shared journey and where you have travelled to.
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Capture the Moment: Hire a photographer or videographer to document your special day against Scotland’s stunning backdrops. A second set of wedding photos is always a special treat.