Renewing vows

[Drac]

Hi all,

With Amy and me coming up on our 20 years (17 this May) we have been knocking around renewing our vows. With the various Disneys (we are Mouse addicts, me more than her), our local Ren Faire, a destination (Scotland maybe?) wedding is possible.

If we go this route we aren't expecting guests. Won't want to throw them under the bus and expect them to pay lots of money just to be there. Doubt we would tell many besides our parents as we don't want/need more presents.

We would be looking for something simple. I assume there are some around here that have done such. Any advise?

Thx,
Jim

[Rob, ClanMacMillan, NM]

Well...

I don't know about it being simple -- but when my wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, we did it with a trip to Scotland and included renewing our vows in the Abbey Chapel on the island of Iona.

We also took with us most of the immediate family (seven of us), so it was definitely NOT in the "inexpensive" category. Looking back on it (August, 2004), I still say it was worth it.

Rob.

[bdkilted]

The chapel at Dunnottar (sp?) is available for that type of thing. However, you better hope it isn't raining as the roof is long gone. It may not be a Gordon castle, but at least it is in Aberdeenshire.

[Destin_scot]

Drac,

Regardless of where you choose to renew your vows, or how many friends/relatives can attend.

Let me congratulate you and Amy on 20 years, and here's to at least as many more.

[Geoff Withnell]

Drac,
Michele and I are working on our third 20 years (41 years married now). As by now you know, when it's good it just keeps getting better. Here's to you and Amy having many years to keep making each other happier.

[Drac]

Thanks for the well wishes.

We are looking into many options though Walt Disney World is in the lead. That way if our families insist on coming the drive is easy for them (Detroit and NY North Country) and we can cover their tickets with my military discount. I know my parents can't afford Disney so if they come Amy and I will be picking up their park passes and lodging.

We have time though so I want to check out multiple options. Actually this is 18 this May, 2015 is 20 for us.

Jim

[Drac]

Now that I am back from the last trip starting going back to the research. Found several interesting places such as Gordon Castle Estates (http://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/weddings/) but found this while pocking around and it really made Amy's eyes light up - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gretna_Green http://www.gretnagreen.com/renewing-your-vows-a796

Evidently it was (please forgive the analogy) the Vegas of the Victorian Era. Looks fairly easy to get to, about 90 miles south of Edinburgh. Seems like it might be the best kind of place for just 2-4 people. Most likely it will just be Amy and me with a very slim chance of her parents now that they are retired. While Gordon Castle sounds awesome it might be just a bit of overkill for just two people not to mention about 180+ miles from Edinburgh and it being currently 52F for a high! Amy thinks 85F is a comfortable room temperature. She would need quite the shawl for warmth.

Jim

[Bluescelt]

Another castle that does weddings near Edinburgh is Balgonie in Fife. It's a 13th century castle and has a candle lit great hall and chapel. The Morris family own the castle. Very cool place.

[Kiltboy]

Well, for unusual, but beautiful, how about the Edinburgh Zoo? See website here. I had friends get married there, at the Mansion House, and the views/photographs were stunning.

Congrats on your 20 year anniversary! I celebrate mine next month

[Drac]

Thanks.

I have dropped both an email. I also have sent emails to Edinburgh Castle and Hampton Court Palace. Main problem with a lot of places is that they aren't setup for weddings of just two people. A lot of the Zoo ones have 50 person minimums.

Right now Gretna Green has taken the lead. Amy isn't a very romantic person, that's my job. She reads romance novels for amusement factors. So when I say that it has lit a romantic fire in her eyes I kind of need to pay attention to that. I figured she would go gaga over the chance at Hampton Court with her English Ren degree but she is all over Gretna.

Granted that can change in the next two years. Right now we are moving out of the "dreaming" stage and moving into the preliminary planning stages.

Jim