Visiting Scotland with your loved one? How can you make your trip even more special and unforgettable? Look no further than Celebrant Ceremonies by Elaine, and renew your wedding vows amidst Scotland's breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks.
A vow renewal is a celebratory ceremony during which a married couple reaffirm their love and commitment to one another. It's a chance to reflect on the journey you've shared, celebrate your accomplishments, and look forward to the future with renewed dedication. Whether you're marking a milestone anniversary or simply wish to express your enduring love in a meaningful way while you’re in Scotland, a vow renewal ceremony provides a beautiful opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your partner and make your visit even more memorable.
There are so many fabulous venues to choose from. One of my favourites is the beautiful ruins of Dunfermline Abbey. Around 18 miles north of Edinburgh, the Abbey was the scene of one of Scotland’s most beautiful love stories. In the 11th century royals rarely married for love, but during this time King Malcolm III met and fell head over heels in love with Queen Margaret. He proposed, but she declined as she wanted to be a nun. Rather than force her hand, Malcolm pursued her for 2 years until she said yes, and they were married at Dunfermline Abbey.
Imagine standing hand in hand with your beloved in the heart of Edinburgh's iconic Old Town, surrounded by centuries of history and romance. One of Edinburgh’s closely guarded secret venues is Dunbar’s close gardens. Just off the Royal Mile, the quiet gardens make a perfect venue.
Or maybe your backdrop could be Sweetheart Abbey in Dumfries, another abbey associated with a loving marriage. The abbey was named Dulce Cor (‘Sweet Heart’ in Latin) in memory of Lady Dervorgilla, who founded the abbey to pay tribute to her deceased husband, Lord John Balliol. When Lord John died in 1268, his grieving widow had his embalmed heart placed in an ivory casket and is said to have carried it with her everywhere. When she died in 1289, Dervorgilla was laid to rest in front of the abbey church’s high altar, holding her husband’s heart to her chest.
If the majesty of Scotland’s magnificent landscapes is more your thing, this can serve as the perfect setting for your vow renewal. Why not exchange vows by the edge of a tranquil loch, where the shimmering waters reflect the timeless bond between you.
I believe that sometimes, it's the simplest moments that hold the most meaning. Whether you prefer an intimate ceremony with just the two of you or wish to include your family in this special occasion, I am here to accommodate your desires. And with an outdoor ceremony you need not worry about booking or paying for a venue.
Perhaps you might even arrange the ceremony as a surprise for your partner!
Would you like to exchange rings again? Will you have new rings? Or perhaps you’d like to re-dedicate your original rings instead. I love the idea of engraving your new rings with a special saying or phrase, like the date of your vow renewal or a meaningful quotation.
Perhaps you’d like to incorporate a handfasting ceremony into your ceremony. Handfasting is an ancient Celtic marriage ritual and is thought to be where the expression ‘tying the knot’ came from. It even featured in popular movies and drama series including Braveheart, Game of Thrones, and Outlander. This is a wonderful, but simple ceremony. If you have children, they could do the binding, or you could have yours and your children’s hands bound together as a symbol of who you are as a family and all you have shared.
We can talk about other symbols such as lighting a unity candle, sand-blending, or sharing a quaich (a two-handled loving cup). I will be happy to help you choose something meaningful to you and to write the ceremony in a way that fits with your day.
Planning your vow renewal ceremony is made effortless with Celebrant Ceremonies by Elaine. We can use video calls to collaborate closely to personalise every aspect of your ceremony.
So, whether you're celebrating decades of marriage or simply reaffirming your commitment to one another, let Celebrant Ceremonies by Elaine be your guide to a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Scotland. Let me help you renew your love amidst the beauty and magic of my beloved Scotland.
Contact me today to begin planning your dream vow renewal ceremony in Scotland. Together, let's create a moment in Scotland that will be cherished for a lifetime.