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 wedding anniversaries
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.
post construction cleaning Des Plaines ..Hopefully, you've read my prerequisite lesson "Invitation Anatomy 101 ?... Read More
Between paying for the wedding and setting up a new... Read More
There's an important question that you need to ask the... Read More
Wedding catering has always been one of the most crucial... Read More
Being disc jockeys, we get the opportunity to evaluate many... Read More
So you have been invited to a wedding. Whether you... Read More
Brides through the ages have accessorized with wedding jewelry to... Read More
It's time to look for a banquet facility. Most clients... Read More
Just as there are a variety of wedding packages available,... Read More
Providing chocolate as a wedding favor has been a time... Read More
Reading this article does not necessarily mean that if you... Read More
The kids are yelling, the dog is barking, and you... Read More
Did you know that an emotional affair can be just... Read More
Thanking your wedding party with special gifts is a favored... Read More
From the book Spider's Big CatchAs June wraps its arms... Read More
While signing a prenuptial agreement can be one of the... Read More
Weddings are memorable events couples and their families want to... Read More
Marrying for love, financial security and/or companionship does not guarantee... Read More
Wedding ceremonies are the stuff fairy tales are made of.... Read More
If your wedding or party is being held in a... Read More
Even though it's a great tradition with a long history,... Read More
Asian-themed weddings are on the rise, and at first this... Read More
Not only do individuals who follow Time Magazine's "Eight Steps... Read More
India is a diverse, multi-cultural country with people of various... Read More
Imagine it's Halloween evening and you've just gone to the... Read More
house cleaning company Lincolnshire ..One of the best benefits of marriage is that you... Read More
It really doesn't matter if you are planning to have... Read More
Did you know that an emotional affair can be just... Read More
Getting Married? Congratulations! You just set the date for the... Read More
Providing chocolate as a wedding favor has been a time... Read More
While signing a prenuptial agreement can be one of the... Read More
Traditionally, a wedding band was worn on the ring finger... Read More
Speculation continues about the break-up of Brad Pitt and Jennifer... Read More
Ah! It's the wedding night. You've cut the cake, drank... Read More
After choosing the design for your wedding invitations you can... Read More
The vows you take to become husband and wife are... Read More
Her dreams of marriage and collected marriage values disintegrate when... Read More
In marriages, many arguments and hurt feelings can be traced... Read More
It's a fact, however odd it seems, that some brides... Read More
Most brides become obsessed with throwing the perfect wedding. The... Read More
I've been noticing a few things lately that a few... Read More
For better or worse, in people's minds weddings and wedding... Read More
Every bride wants a fairytale wedding. Therefore, this article is... Read More
Well you may not become a billionaire or even a... Read More
What should you "walk down the aisle" to? Should you... Read More
These days, many people take wedding bands and engagement rings... Read More
One of the biggest areas of dispute in estate planning... Read More
Often when you are looking for wedding vendors who suit... Read More
It is absolutely possible to find a beautiful and affordable... Read More
Wedding photography is an evolving field that requires artistic talent,... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |