VOW RENEWALS & ANNIVERSARIES
Thank you for visiting my website and considering me as your celebrant for your vow renewal ceremony
Vow renewal ceremonies are the most joyous occasions, full of meaning and happiness. In a vow renewal ceremony, you are able to remember the promises you made to each other on your wedding day, re-affirm your love and commit once again to each other.
For you it may be an opportunity to celebrate a milestone anniversary, or an opportunity to move forward from a difficult or challenging time in your marriage. It may simply be an opportunity to create the wedding day you feel you never had.
Renewing your vows gives you the opportunity to re-live your wedding day and this time have it the way you want it. Whatever your reasons a vow renewal ceremony allows you to reflect on your journey together to this point and reaffirms your commitment to your future life together
The options for how to create your ceremony are limitless and you can include as many traditional elements as you wish, including exchanges of rings and vows, readings, blessings and music.
If you have children, young or old, there are many different and special ways to include them in the ceremony.
You can have your ceremony anywhere you choose, and no licence is required. There are no limits to what can be included in your ceremony. whatever it is you have in mind for your day – it is possible.
Creating such a special ceremony can be a daunting prospect for some, but by choosing to work with a qualified and skilled celebrant you will be able to receive as much support, guidance and inspiration as you require.
I can design a service and readings for you, or you can write your own. My role is simply to enable you to create your day, your way.
I want to make sure that you have a perfect ceremony with all the personal elements you want included.
Together we can create a ceremony that is truly memorable.
I will offer you, and two witnesses, the opportunity to sign a commemorative record on the day and this will be given to you along with a presentation copy of the ceremony.
I am happy to meet with you for an initial no cost, no commitment meeting to discuss your day. This meeting will allow you to get to know me and I can gain an understanding of what is important to you.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT JULIA
“We visited The Greenway Hotel in Cheltenham to arrange our wedding vows renewal and recommended to Julia Hawkes as a possible celebrant for our ceremony, thank goodness we took their advice! From our first telephone conversation Julia was professional, helpful and friendly without crossing any barriers. After meeting Julia for the first time our decision was made to use this lovely lady for our celebrant.Julia spent many hours writing and rewriting the order of service with changes as we requested and her own suggestions to make a perfectly personalised event.
Thank you so much Julia for making our day so very special, we will remember this day for ever and will always recommend you for such events.”
Diane and Steve
Below are some of the questions most commonly asked about Renewal of Vows. If you cannot find an answer to a question you have please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email.
RENEWAL OF VOWS FAQs
Do vow renewals/commitment ceremonies have any legal status?
No. They are ceremonies led by the wishes and ideas of the couple themselves and are a public commitment to each other usually made in front of friends and family. They are usually deeply moving, memorable events.
Why should we choose you?
I am an imaginative, creative celebrant who will be open to all your ideas and wishes. I have undertaken a professional qualification and work to a recognised code of ethics. I believe that only the best is good enough for ceremonies marking such significant events. I am a member of the Fellowship of Independent Celebrants.
Can we meet you before making a decision?
Of course! I offer a free face to face consultation meeting within Gloucestershire and neighbouring counties. If you live further afield we can schedule a skype conversation or I am happy to travel throughout the UK and abroad if travel costs are met. At cost price if flight tickets or an overnight stay in hotel required.
We are marrying overseas but would like a vow renewal ceremony on our return for our family and friends who could not join us. is this possible?
Yes, I will plan a very special ceremony where you can renew the vows you made overseas whether that was one week or one year ago.
We are not sure where to start, can you help?
There are many different ideas for what to include in your vow renewal ceremony and I understand that it can be difficult to decide when you have so much choice. My role is to offer just as much support as you need. We can explore options together to ensure that we create a ceremony that is just right for you.
We want to write our own new vows is this ok?
Choosing to have a celebrant led ceremony gives you the choice to contribute to the words spoken as much or as little as you like. Writing your own vows means that they will be truly personal and meaningful to you both. I will encourage you to personalise your ceremony as much as possible.
Can we hold our ceremony outdoors?
Yes! You can hold your ceremony wherever you like; in a wood, on a hill, in your garden or by a river bank. It is likely you will need to organise seating for your guests so this may influence your choice. Also consider the weather and how rain will impact on your day.
Does the venue have to be licensed for weddings?
No – you can have a vow renewal ceremony in any venue that hires out rooms for social events or gives you permission to do so – hotels, museums, galleries, somewhere that has special meaning to you.
Is there a restriction on the time of day we can have our ceremony?
I can perform vow renewal ceremonies at anytime of the day or night.
How long will the ceremony be, we don’t want to feel rushed ?
As long as you want it to be, it is your day and there are no time constraints.
Are you happy for other people to participate in the ceremony?
Yes, it is entirely up to you who contributes. I would recommend that this is planned before the day but sometimes people do choose to add spontaneous comments!
Are there any restrictions on music, readings, photography?
There are no restrictions of any kind.
Can we have some religious/spiritual content in our ceremony
Yes, the choice of content is up to you. I will offer as much support and guidance as you need to ensure the religious/spiritual elements that are important to you are included. I will ensure that the ceremony that reflects your religious/spiritual beliefs.
Can you incorporate elements from another culture or religion, or two religions into the ceremony?
Yes of course. There are many customs and traditions from other cultures and religions and I would be happy to incorporate appropriate elements into your vow renewal ceremony.
We have heard about handfasting – is that something you do?
There are a number of ‘mini’ ceremonies that we could include in your ceremony – take a look at my wedding page where they are outlined in more detail. I would be happy to incorporate these in your vow renewal ceremony at no additional cost.
If we decide to have a mini ceremony do you provide the necessary materials?
You are responsible for providing any “props,” such as handfasting cords, that your ceremony requires. Making your own choices makes the ceremony personal to you. Most of the items used are readily available from local wedding shops or crafts stores and you can also purchase them online. I can suggest some suppliers if required.
Will we always be able to contact you if we have additional questions or need more information?
Absolutely! Once you have made a booking with me my fee includes unlimited phone and e-mail support. I am available to speak with you both at any reasonable time of the day or evening.
What time will you arrive on the day?
I usually arrive 1 hour before the start of the ceremony so that I can introduce myself to the key people participating in your ceremony.
Will we meet with you before the ceremony?
I would like to meet with you individually before the vow renewal ceremony just to reassure you and offer any words of encouragement needed. You do not need to worry about what to say when, I will guide you throughout the ceremony. I would recommend that you are both ready 30 minutes before the ceremony is due to begin.
What will you wear at our ceremony?
Something that does not distract attention away from the couple! I aim to look formal and elegant but am also happy to be more creative if you have a theme that you want me to get involved in. I am happy to share my outfit with you before the day if you would like to approve it.
How far in advance do we need to book you?
I suggest that as soon as you have decided on the date you contact me to check my availability. If I have availability I will hold the date for you for a limited period. This will enable us to meet each other and for you to make a final decision.
Do you ever accept bookings at short notice?
Occasionally! Dependent on my availability however to be sure you can have the date you want I highly recommend booking in advance.
Are your fees negotiable?
I believe that the quality and standard of my service and the ceremonies I provide warrants the fees I charge, so it is unlikely I would negotiate. However, I can offer lots of suggestions that will help you create a day that is magical without breaking the bank!
COMMITMENT CEREMONIES
You may not want the formality of a registered marriage or civil partnership but do want an opportunity to make a public commitment to one another and celebrate your love with your family and friends.
Commitment ceremonies provide the ritual feeling of a wedding without the legal red tape.
The options for how to create your own ceremony are limitless and you can include as many traditional elements as you wish, including exchanges of rings and vows, readings, blessings and music.
Whatever it is you have in mind for your big day – it is possible.
Creating the perfect ceremony can feel daunting, but by choosing to work with me you will be able to receive as much support, guidance and inspiration as you require.
My role is simply to enable you to create the perfect ceremony with all the personal elements you want included.
Together we will create a ceremony that is truly memorable.
I am always happy to meet with you if distance permits or we can organise a zoom meeting to discuss your day. This meeting will allow you to get to know me and I can gain an understanding of what is important to you. No hard sell just a chat! Use the ‘schedule a call’ button above to access my diary and book a day and time that suits you. I can’t wait to hear all your plans
FUNERALS
I believe that everyone should be able to have a funeral ceremony that captures their unique and special qualities. A funeral ceremony should comfort the bereaved, acknowledge loss, celebrate life and allow people to smile at shared memories.
There is no right or wrong way, a well-crafted sensitive funeral ceremony can take many forms and is likely to include laughter as well as tears. At its conclusion, there is a general feeling that it was a fitting send-off.
As an independent celebrant I will work with you to create a ceremony that is uniquely personal. You may already have a clear idea of how you wish the funeral ceremony to proceed or alternatively we can work together to choose appropriate words, poems, readings, music.
I am a sincere, warm and compassionate person and I will listen carefully to what you want. My role is simply to enable you to create a ceremony that honours and reflects your loved one.
Creating such an important ceremony can be daunting but by choosing to work with a qualified and skilled celebrant you will be able to receive as much support and guidance as you require at this difficult time.
I will meet with you to discuss your wishes and create a draft funeral plan that you can review. This initial meeting will allow you to get to know me and I can gain an understanding of what is important to you.
I am happy to include religious, non-religious or spiritual content from any faith in the ceremony. In addition, you may want to include the following elements within the ceremony:
Poems and readings
Family tributes
Music
An acknowledgement of absent friends
A candle ceremony
Sometimes, the emotion of the day means occasionally – and understandably – people cannot read their tributes or poems. Rest assured that if this happens, I will be on hand to help by stepping in and reading it on their behalf.
You may wish to have the ceremony in the crematorium or cemetery chapel or at a natural burial ground. Alternatively, I am happy to conduct a funeral ceremony in any location of your choice including at home or in an outside venue possibly followed with a private committal. Some hotels will now host the funeral ceremony and the wake. Please ask me about all the possibilities
MEMORIALS
With the emotional stress of the death of a loved one, the planning and preparation for a funeral ceremony can be overwhelming.
You may decide to invite only immediate family to a very simple funeral and put your effort into planning a memorial ceremony at a later date for other family members and friends.
There is much flexibility and choice available in the design and structure of a memorial ceremony and traditionally family and friends usually play an active role in planning the event.
My role as Celebrant is to support you in creating a personal and heartfelt ceremony, offering as much advice and guidance as needed. If you wish me to lead the ceremony on the day and coordinate the order of ceremony I am happy to do so.
A memorial ceremony can be held anywhere you choose; at home, in a garden, a hotel, a rented hall or even a close family member’s home.
There are no time limits or restrictions on what is included in your ceremony and I am happy to suggest ideas if needed.
It would be a privilege to create a memorial ceremony with you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT JULIA
“Just wanted to say thank you so very, very much for the wonderful service for my Dad, on Monday. It was so lovely, and we have had so many comments saying that it was the perfect send off. Mums was also delighted with the service that you had printed in the box – a wonderful keepsake, and the lovely candles.
Thank you so much once again
Very best wishes”
Sue
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“Julia that was wonderful, the family across the world (watching the live stream) have all been moved by your delivery and presence. I couldn’t of wished for better, nor would I of changed a thing. Thank you from us all x”
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“The boys and I wanted to write and say thank you for the absolutely beautiful service you did for P. on Tuesday. It was the perfect send off for him and we simply couldn’t have wished for better. Even though you weren’t able to meet P. the eulogy you presented captured him perfectly and your coordination of the overall event was amazing. It was positive and uplifting despite the inevitable sadness and P. would have very much approved of the humour! We were touched by your empathy and sensitivity and I have had many messages from family and friends commenting on what an incredible service it was thanks to you. With all our very best wishes and thanks for making what is inevitably a difficult time much more positive.”
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“My thanks go to Julia for her professionalism and compassion during such a difficult and upsetting time. It was comforting to be able to talk so openly about my thoughts and feelings of my mother and Julia really took the time to understand how she lived, what made her the beloved woman she was and what other people thought of her.
Julia was able to transfer all that information into a caring, kind and warm service that has certainly helped me with the grieving process and added more of a celebratory feel to proceedings on the day of the funeral. I wish to extend my thanks and gratitude to her.”
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“On behalf of the family can I thank you for the compassionate way you handled the preparations for Mum’s funeral and the event itself. We were very impressed with the way you picked up on our mood. While we were of course sad to say goodbye to Mum, we really wanted it to be a celebration of a life lived to the full.
We didn’t want our focus to be the trying last months of her life, but all the many happy years we had with her. You realised this very quickly and everyone who attended the funeral felt Mum’s sense of humour and fun coming through in your address. It was a perfect send-off for her, and your approachable manner made it so much easier to get through what could have been a very hard day. Thanks again for all you did”
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I just wanted to say thank you so much for the wonderful job you did for mum’s funeral on New Years Eve. You were amazing and we are all truly thankful for making a very difficult time a little easier. Your words were lovely, thank you for taking the time to come to the house to meet us and get to know mum. Thank you once again”
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“Thank you so much for giving Dad such a tasteful and appropriate send off. We all agreed that it was a fitting tribute to him and you managed to capture our wishes perfectly. Much appreciated and thank you for making a difficult day more manageable”
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“Everyone I spoke to said how lovely the service was and that you were so kind. I can’t thank you enough for all you did it was so personal. You have a very special gift”
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“just a little message to thank you for dad’s service again. It was lovely and many people commented after, saying that it was simple yet beautiful and what they would like for themselves.. many thanks again”
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“Thank you for officiating at mum’s funeral. You really took the time to listen to myself and my brother to find out all about mum’s life and that really came across in the ceremony. You delivered the whole thing beautifully and we will forever be grateful to you for helping us say goodbye to such a special and wonderful lady”
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“I recently attended a service led by Julia Hawkes, following the death of my neighbour. Intrigued, I approached her after the service as I was impressed by the way that she had complete control from start to finish, but with the lightness of touch needed at such a delicate time.
My neighbour made me aware that Julia was very empathetic and efficient in compiling the story of her late father’s life, which she delivered with the perfect balance of respect and humour.
With a background in teaching Julia has clearly worked with people from a range of ages and backgrounds and I have no doubt that she will be as equally professional and capable in handling more joyous ceremonies as well.”
Below are some of the questions most commonly asked about funerals and memorials. If you cannot find an answer to a question you have please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email.
FUNERALS FAQs
Why should I choose you?
I am sensitive, compassionate person who has had personal experience of the overwhelming nature of grief and loss. I recognise the unique nature of bereavement and know that my experience is not yours and it is your experience that matters. I am an imaginative, creative celebrant who will be open to all your ideas and wishes. I believe that only the best is good enough for your ceremony. I have undertaken a professional qualification and work to a recognised code of ethics. I am a member of the Fellowship of Independent Celebrants.
How should I contact you?
You can do this one of two ways. You can contact me directly either by phone or by email, whichever suits you. We can have a no fee, no commitment chat if you like so that you can get to know me. Alternatively you can tell the funeral director that you would like me to conduct the funeral and they will contact me to instruct me.
How do you put a funeral ceremony together?
I will meet with you to find out about the person that has died and discuss options for the ceremony. I will write a unique ceremony script based on the wishes, beliefs and values of the person who has died. I will agree music, readings and all other content with you. You will proof read the script and it will be amended until the you are happy with it.
Will I always be able to contact you if I have additional questions or need more information?
Absolutely! Once you have made a booking with me my fee includes unlimited phone and e-mail support. I am available to speak with you at any reasonable time of the day or evening.
Are you able to include hymns, prayer and religious readings in the ceremony?
I am happy to include whatever you wish – this is your ceremony and it needs to reflect your wishes, beliefs and values and those of the deceased.
Can you incorporate elements from another culture or religion, or two religions into the ceremony?
Yes of course. There are many customs and traditions from other cultures and religions and I would be happy to incorporate appropriate elements into the funeral ceremony.
My wife was not religious but she was a spiritual person can you reflect this in a ceremony?
Definitely, the ceremony will be individually crafted to reflect her beliefs and values. There are many readings and poems that could be used to capture the nature of her beliefs.
My husband was a scientist with no religious beliefs at all, can you create a secular send off that will do him proud?
Yes, working with you I can create a fitting, dignified and appropriate send off that truly reflects him.
Can my fathers golf clubs be placed on the coffin in the chapel during the service?
Yes, including much loved personal items or photographs is a wonderful way to personalize the ceremony.
Can everyone sing the Welsh National anthem?
We can include any music choices you like. If the congregation is small, it can be difficult to successfully do justice to some songs. I may suggest that you choose to include them in a pre- recorded form as a time of reflection but I will always be guided by your wishes.
My father has written his own funeral plan can you accommodate this in a ceremony?
Of course, I would be delighted to honour his wishes.
I would like you to create the ceremony but I would like to write, and read, the Eulogy myself is this ok?
Wonderful, this will make the ceremony truly personal and unique. I am happy to give you any support you need before or on the day.
I am keen to make it a truly memorable and personal ceremony but are not sure where to start – can you help?
Yes, I can offer you as much advice and guidance as you need whilst all the time ensuring I listen carefully to what it is you want.
Is there a way to acknowledge the people who are unable to be with us?
Yes, very often a candle is lit to represent absent friends or those that have died.
Can her children do something as part of the ceremony?
Yes, I can suggest several ways to involve children.
My mother didn’t want any black can you dress in brightly coloured clothes?
I will make sure that I fit in with whatever dress code you want for the ceremony – it is your day not mine. My job is to accommodate your wishes.
Can I hold my sister’s funeral ceremony at home?
Yes of course. I am happy to conduct a ceremony anywhere that is suitable for you. If you are planning to be outdoors, give consideration to wet weather arrangements and seating.
If I choose to have a funeral ceremony at home what happens next?
After the ceremony the deceased will need to be transported to the crematorium or the cemetery. This can be arranged with the Funeral Director. As many or as few people can accompany the deceased for the final committal or no-one at all. I can lead the committal, which will just be a few brief words of farewell for you if you so choose.
Do you conduct burials?
Yes. Wherever the ceremony is to take place I will ensure it meets all of your requirements.
Would you conduct a green burial?
Yes, I am a supporter of the Natural Death Centre and am very comfortable with the idea of green funerals.
Do you offer memorial services?
Yes. I can conduct memorial services at a venue of your choice. A memorial service can give you greater flexibility about how, when and where your ceremony is conducted.
I would like some help to write my funeral wishes in advance is that something you do?
Yes, it is always a great privilege to work with someone to create a plan for their own funeral. People take great comfort knowing that they have left clear instructions for their family at a time of great sadness.
ADVANCE PLANNING FUNERALS
Pre-planning your funeral ceremony offers you peace of mind and the reassurance that your family will not need to second guess your wishes at this extremely difficult and emotional time. This allows them to focus on the other, more practical matters that will arise, whilst giving them the comfort of knowing that they have honoured your last wishes.
Working with a sensitive and understanding celebrant will allow you to create the ceremony you would like. I can offer you as much support as you need. You may already have some ideas but would like help to gather together your thoughts, memories and ideas into a truly memorable ceremony.
I am happy to meet with you and together we will discuss the kind of ceremony you would like. This could be completely non-religious or include some religious elements like a prayer and hymns. You might have a favourite piece of poetry or reading that you would like to include and maybe even a special person you would like to read it.
After meeting with you I will then draft your funeral ceremony. When it is finished we can meet again to go through the document carefully and make any changes you wish to make. Once agreed, you will receive a written copy. Your Funeral Director can have a copy of your ceremony document and a copy can be placed with your Will. If you would like to discuss this process further please don’t hesitate to contact me for a free, no obligation chat.
