An Intimate Vow Renewal at Cliveden House:
Gennifer and Jei - Vow renewal after 22 years of marriage - Cliveden House
Jei & Gennifer's Story
When Jei and Gennifer got in touch from Seattle, Washington, they were planning something special: a vow renewal at Cliveden House to mark over 20 years of marriage. They wanted to travel across the Atlantic for an intimate celebration in one of England's most beautiful stately homes, and I couldn't have been more honoured to be part of it.
Planning a Vow Renewal from Across the Atlantic
Distance is never a barrier to creating a meaningful ceremony. Jei, Gennifer and I began the process over Zoom, and from that very first call it felt less like a planning meeting and more like catching up with old friends. We talked, we laughed, and — by their own admission there were a few happy tears too.
Vow renewals are a wonderful opportunity to reflect on a marriage as it stands today, not just as it began. Rather than repeating the vows from 20 years earlier, Jei and Gennifer wanted words that reflected who they are now: the years they'd shared, the life they'd built, and the love that had only deepened with time. Through a series of thoughtful questions and gentle encouragement, we crafted vows that were entirely their own — personal, honest, and full of the kind of detail only two decades together can provide.
Why Cliveden House
Cliveden House needs little introduction. With its formal gardens, sweeping parterre and unmistakable grandeur, it's one of the most sought-after luxury wedding and vow renewal venues in Buckinghamshire — and a setting that matches the significance of a milestone anniversary. For Jei and Gennifer, it was the perfect backdrop for an intimate, elegant ceremony surrounded by close family and friends.
The couple's wedding planning was also expertly handled by Susie Evans, an award-winning luxury wedding and events planner based in Surrey, specialising in bespoke celebrations at exclusive venues across the UK. It was a pleasure to work alongside Susie's meticulous planning to bring the day together seamlessly — this is one of several luxury weddings I've had the privilege of being celebrant for alongside her.
The Ceremony
On the day itself, Cliveden's timeless setting provided the backdrop for a ceremony full of warmth, laughter and a few happy tears. Guests later said it was the best vow renewal they'd ever witnessed — and hearing that kind of reaction from a couple's nearest and dearest is exactly why I love this work.
Here's what Jei and Gennifer had to say afterwards:
"Vows 2.0 with the Ultimate Love Celebrant! Let us just say, when you decide to renew your vows at a place as stunning as Cliveden House, you need someone who can match the magic. Enter — Miss Kathryn.
From our first Zoom call (we're from Seattle, WA), it felt like chatting with an old friend who just got us. We laughed, we cried (well, maybe just one of us) and my husband and I instantly knew she was the perfect person to guide us through this milestone.
Kathryn didn't just show up with a script, she brought soul, sparkle and the kind of care that made every step feel personal. She walked us through crafting our vows that truly reflected who we are now, not just who we were over 20 years ago when we first said "I do." Her thoughtful questions, encouragement and tips made it easy and even fun to put our hearts on paper.
The ceremony itself? A dream and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Kathryn brought so much warmth and joy to the moment that even our family and friends couldn't stop raving. Our guests told us afterward that "that was the best vow renewal I've ever witnessed," and my husband and I know exactly why — it was because of her.
Thank you so much Kathryn for making our vow renewal unforgettable. We wish we could relive it all over again just to have you marry us. You made us laugh, cry and fall in love all over again. Truly, you're the officiant dreams are made of."
Planning Your Own Vow Renewal or Wedding at Cliveden House
Whether you're renewing your vows after 20 years, getting married for the first time, or planning an intimate celebration far from home, a humanist ceremony at a venue like Cliveden House offers something truly personal — a script written entirely around your story, with the freedom to include exactly what matters most to you.
If you're planning a wedding or vow renewal at Cliveden House, Or Hedsor House which is only moments away. Or perhaps you’re looking at Blenheim Palace, Claridge's, or any other luxury venue in London and the Home Counties, I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to talk through your ideas.