[pocketgirl]

My husband and I will be married 5 years in just a couple of weeks. Lately I've been thinking about having a renewal ceremony, as we eloped the first time around. I know that having a traditional wedding is frowned upon for a renewal, but when we eloped, our wedding party was extremely small, and my father wasn't even present at the ceremony (he refused to come because he thought we were making a rash decision). My husband's family didn't even know we were married until our first anniversary.

In these circumstances would it be okay to actually have a "wedding" that all of his family and mine could enjoy?

[the_admin]

No matter the circumstances, the type of ceremony or who attended, the end result was that the two of you were/are married. You don't get a second chance at that. Sorry.

Many people have things they'd like to change about their past, but we cannot recreate the past. It's best to go forward and celebrate what we have and what we can have.

[startingover]

The site administrator is correct. You are already married. However, since your fifth anniversary can be considered a milestone, you can plan a lovely vow renewal ceremony. There are many posts in the archives dealing with having this kind of ceremony. Talk with your minister or priest to see what your church's policy is on vow renewals.

May God guide you in your decisions.

[Etiquette Now]

Yes, and please remember that many times these people will tell you what they can do, but not what is considered socially acceptable behavior.

A fifth anniversary is not usually considered an anniversary where we invite guests. So, be careful with your planning. I agree that it is best to read our many posts on this subject.