Cat & Kym’s Magical Ceremony at the Temple of Minerva, Bath
As an independent Celebrant based in the South West of England, I have the privilege of leading all kinds of ceremonies – from naming days and weddings to funerals and celebrations of life. More recently, I have seen a growing number of couples choosing to renew their vows, a beautiful way to celebrate love, longevity, and shared journeys.
Why More Couples Are Saying ‘I do’ Again
The Guardian recently published an article about this rising trend and explored why so many couples feel drawn to say “I do” all over again. The article interviewed several couples who had decided to renew their vows, and one of those couples was Cat and Kym. I had the enormous honour of leading their vow renewal in August 2025.
I first met Cat last year, when I worked closely with her family to create and deliver her father’s Celebration of Life ceremony. It was a deeply moving experience to get to know her and her loved ones during such a sensitive time. When Cat reached out to me earlier this year with the idea of celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary by renewing her vows with her husband, I was truly touched. It felt like continuing a special connection, and I could not wait to be part of their next milestone.
The Temple of Minerva, Bath: A Perfect Venue
Cat and Kym chose to have their very special ceremony at The Temple of Minerva, which is part of the ‘Bath Historic Venues’ collection. The temple is set in the heart of Bath Botanical Gardens and makes it a truly unique venue for a wedding or vow renewal ceremony. It is an incredibly special venue and lends itself to a small and intimate gathering, which this absolutely was.
Planning a Personal and Heartfelt Ceremony
In the months leading up to the day, we spoke often, sharing ideas and shaping the ceremony together. Cat and Kym wanted it to feel personal, heartfelt, and inclusive of the people they love most. As Cat later described, the result was “a warm and magical experience from start to finish.”
The day itself was filled with wonderful moments. Before the ceremony, the couple took a short walk together across the bridge in front of the temple, making a beautiful and symbolic entrance. Inside, the ceremony was enriched by storytelling – something I love weaving into my Celebrant-led ceremonies. I shared the story of how Cat and Kym first met, the adventures they have shared over the years, and the journey that brought them back to this moment of saying “I do” once again.
Perhaps the most moving part of the ceremony came when their daughters read their own heartfelt dedications. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room – plenty of tissues were passed around as they spoke with such honesty and love about their parents’ relationship.
Vows, Rings and a Handfasting Ritual
To mark the occasion, Cat and Kym not only exchanged vows but also blessed their wedding rings before we concluded with a handfasting ritual. Each chose a set of ribbons, with colours carefully selected to reflect their values, their relationship, and their family bond. Both their daughters took part in the ritual, each tying a knot as part of their love for their parents. The visual beauty and symbolism of this moment were truly unforgettable.
Why You Might Consider a Vow Renewal
For anyone considering a vow renewal, I can only say how meaningful it is – a chance to celebrate everything you have built together, to reaffirm your love, and to step forward into the next chapter of life with renewed commitment. Cat and Kym’s ceremony was proof that saying “I do” again can be just as moving, if not more so, than the very first time.
