Vow renewal without minister?

[connorlevismom]

Has anyone done a vow renewal without a minister? I would really love to have my sister do it, since she knows us best and she and her partner are our best friends.

My one concern is that my other siblings would get mad about it. But we are not as close to them, as we are my sister.

Thoughts?

 

[Jilian]

I've never been to a vow renewal but it is perfectly ok to do one without an officiant. You're already legally married so you can pretty much say/do whatever you want up there. The only issue might be the flow of the ceremony. The officiant usually leads and says a few words leading up to the vows and then does a closing. Would you or your H do that yourself?

We're doing a VR in March and we're having our pastor as the officiant. We considered not using an officiant but I didn't think it would flow as nicely. I'd have no idea what to say (other than our vows) so we asked him to join us and he accepted.

If you're concerned about asking one sibling and leaving another sibling feeling left out then maybe you could just use one of the Disney officiants? Through the Swan we were quoted $150 for an officiant. If you use a neutral person then you won't be playing favorites. But I understand you wanting to use someone you know to make it more special. Is it possible to talk to the other sibling(s) ahead of time about it? Perhaps the other sibling could have a different job like the toast or the blessing before the meal?

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

While DH & I were in WDW a few weeks ago, we had been in our room long enough to bring in our luggage, and decided to go sit on the balcony. We were staying at Saratoga Springs (in the Springs - our first time staying in the Springs section). Anyway, we go out onto the balcony and low and behold there is a group of about 5 - 7 people. At first DH said "I think they are praying". I then realized we were witnessing a vow renewal (it was either that or a very low keyed wedding)! It looked like an older couple and their kids and grandkids and one of the "kids" (who was not dressed as a minister or anything) was reading from a book, they exchanged rings, kissed and it was over.

So...yes, if you are already married - anyone can "officiate". I had a friend who didn't have anyone officiate when she & her hubby renewed their vows. It was all family & friends and the two of them thanked everyone for coming, said their vows, and then asked everyone to join them for dinner.

just my 2 cents.