Renewal of Vows in Byron Bay

Just as special as a wedding

Lesbian couple getting married with children and celebrant at the Edible Cafe in the Northern Rivers — V and Kat renewed their vows alongside their children and loved ones. Photo by Natsky

When two people stand together on their wedding day, it’s usually the start of something new. There’s excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of love. Most couples are just beginning their adventure — full of big dreams, plans, and the unknown. They’re making a promise to show up for each other on the good days and the tough ones.

But fast forward 10, 20, 30 years…
They’ve done it, lived it, seen each other at their best, at their most vulnerable, and everywhere in between. They’ve raised kids, moved cities, supported each other through career changes, grief, health scares, and the daily highs and lows of life.

And somewhere along the way, what started as a romantic promise has evolved into something even deeper: partnership, trust, friendship, and a shared history that’s impossible to replicate.

That’s exactly why a renewal of vows ceremony is just as meaningful — if not more so — than a wedding.

black and white photo of pregnant woman with husband hugging her from behind in byron bay — Lisa and Peffin had a vow renewal just before their baby was due. Photo by Carly Tia

What Is a Vow Renewal Anyway?

Simply put, a vow renewal is a beautiful, symbolic celebration of your journey together. It is a chance to say:

“I still choose you. After everything we’ve been through, I choose you again. And I’ll keep choosing you.”

Importantly, it’s not a legal ceremony — so there’s no paperwork, no pressure — just a heartfelt celebration of the life and the love you’ve built together.

Why Couples Choose to Renew Their Vows

🎉 To mark a milestone anniversary (10, 20, 30+ years)
💞 To reconnect after a challenging chapter — whether it’s a health scare, a rough patch, or big life changes
👨‍👩‍👧 To celebrate with and include their kids or grandkids, sharing their story and showing what lasting love can look like
✨ Just for the romance of it — or as the perfect excuse for an intimate gathering with loved ones or a getaway to the paradise that is the Northern Rivers.

Family of 5 walks along a wet gravel path at The Farm Byron Bay after their vow renewal ceremony — Dani and Mitch had their 20 year vow renewal at The Farm. Photo by mazzer photography

What Happens During a Vow Renewal Ceremony?

Here’s the best part: there are no rules and no paperwork- yay!

Your ceremony can include:

A walk down the aisle (together, solo, or with a child or loved one)
Reading your original vows, writing new vows, or doing both
A ring exchange — the same rings, new ones, or no rings at all
Exchanging personal gifts (think: a watch, necklace, or a surprise weekend away)
Symbolic rituals like a sand ceremony or hand fasting
Involving your children or closest people

In the lead-up, I’ll get to know you both and craft a ceremony that captures your story — the good bits, the hard bits, and everything in between.

couple on their 10 year surprise vow renewal ceremony smiling into camera with bouquet of flowers at Byron Bay — Kylie surprised Andrew with a 10 year vow renewal getaway!

Why Byron Bay Is the Perfect Spot to Renew Your Vows

Can you imagine a more magical place to say “I Still Do”?
Byron Bay is all about natural beauty, Australia’s best beaches, rainforests, sub-tropical climate, and amazing accommodation and food — and it makes the perfect backdrop for a vow renewal.

How I Can Help as Your Byron Bay Vow Renewal Celebrant

Hi, I’m Heidi — local celebrant and vow renewal enthusiast. 🙂
I specialise in creating relaxed, meaningful, story-driven ceremonies that include vow renewals that honour the life you’ve built and the love that still anchors it all.

Here’s how I make it easy (and meaningful!):

I send you both some fun and reflective questions to uncover your story
I craft a completely personalised script that feels true to you
I help you write or revisit your vows (and I print them out for the big day)
I create a vibe that’s calm, joyful, and totally stress-free
I offer a gorgeous commemorative vow renewal certificate as a keepsake

Celebrant Heidi robertson with a couple renewing vows in Byron Bay — Conducting the vow renewal ceremony for Dani and Mitch at The Farm. Photo by Mikaela at mazzer photography

Real Love and Real Reasons to Celebrate

“We wanted to reconnect after a tough few years, and this was the most beautiful way to do it.”

“We didn’t have the wedding we dreamed of back then — so this was our moment to do it our way.”

“Our kids got to see us say our vows again — it was emotional for all of us.”

“Honestly, we just love any excuse for a good party!”

FAQs

Question: Is a vow renewal ceremony legally binding?

Answer: No — a vow renewal is not a legal ceremony, so there’s no paperwork involved. It’s a symbolic and heartfelt celebration of your continued commitment to each other, often held on a milestone anniversary or after a major life event.

Question: Can we include our children or grandchildren in a vow renewal?

Answer: Absolutely. One of the most beautiful parts of a vow renewal is that you can involve your family and friends. Kids can do readings, walk you down the aisle, or even help write new vows. It’s all about celebrating the journey you’ve taken together.

Question: Do we need to wear formal wedding attire for a vow renewal?

Answer: Not unless you want to! Many couples choose to dress up, but others opt for something relaxed and personal. There are no rules — wear what feels meaningful and comfortable to you.

Question: Do we say our original vows in the ceremony or write new ones?

Answer: That’s entirely up to you! Some couples choose to repeat their original vows as a beautiful reminder of the promises they made, while others prefer to write new vows that reflect everything they’ve been through and how their love has grown. You can even do both — it’s your ceremony, your way.