Tightening the knot: Cambridge church helps couples renew their vows for Valentine’s Day

By Siobhan Middleton

A Cambridge church will renew the vows of multiple couples on Sunday (February 13), the day before Valentine’s Day.

This will be the first time Great St Mary’s, on Senate House Hill, will hold this kind of service, which is a response the strain the pandemic has put on relationships.

Devin McLachlan, associate vicar, said: “Several couples have talked to us about renewing their vows, so we have come to the realisation that it has been a stressful couple of years for relationships.

“Spending lots more time together or being stuck in the house together is not always easy.

“So, with Valentine’s Day coming up, this seemed like an obvious time to give couples an opportunity to remind themselves of their vows to each other.”

It’s not just couples who will be declaring their commitment – as part of the service, the whole congregation will make a promise to support married relationships at the church and in their lives.

“Part of the Christian belief about marriage is that it’s more than a relationship between two people,” added Devin.

“It’s also about the support you get from the whole community, and your love in the context of that community and your relationship with God.

“It’s very hard to do a relationship in a vacuum.

“I think the church recognises that sometimes relationships do end.

“That’s a part of our journey with faith – we know that we don’t always succeed in the promises we make.

“But, as a church, we want to do what we can to support people who are able to work on their relationships during difficult times.”

The Valentine’s service is open to everyone, married or not.

Wives and husbands will simply stand up in the spot they are seated to say their vows, with every couple reciting their vows at the same time.

Devin recalled: “I know from my own wedding that there is so much to think about that the day can actually be a bit of a blur.

“So, it’s a nice opportunity for couples to revisit the promises they made without worrying about whether Aunt Mabel is going to show up and what she’s going to say to Uncle Fred!”

Great St Mary’s, the University of Cambridge church, attracts people from across the country and international visitors.