In the hush of the Kent countryside, where time flows a little slower and the past lingers in the stones, a rare and beautiful tradition endures…

Those who have pledged their hearts at the Lost Village of Dode — beneath the shelter of our ancient church or beside the yew tree in bloom — know that what is begun here never truly ends. Love rooted in sacred soil continues to grow. And for those who feel that pull to return, we offer the time-honoured ritual of One Year and One Day.

A Timeless Rite of Renewal

In the old ways of handfasting — the ancient Celtic ceremony that once united two souls in the eyes of nature and spirit — it was customary for the couple to return “one year and one day” after their union to reaffirm their bond. It was a time to reflect, to celebrate, and to choose once again the sacred path of togetherness.

At Dode, we honour this tradition with reverence and love. We welcome our married or handfasted couples back to the place where their journey began — to renew their vows in a deeply personal and symbolic ceremony.

What Happens During a One Year and One Day Ceremony?

Each couple is unique, and so too is each renewal. Your ceremony may include:

🌸 A re-binding of your original handfasting cords, or the weaving of new ones, to represent the year you have spent growing together
🕯️ A moment of silence or reflection to honour your journey so far — the joys, the challenges, the milestones
📜 A renewal of vows, whether traditional, personal, or written together anew
🌿 A quiet celebration with nature as your witness

Whether you choose to keep it just the two of you, or invite a few close witnesses, this is your moment. There are no rules, only meaning.

Why Return?

Dode is not just a wedding venue. It is a place of deep memory and spirit. When you return, you are not merely revisiting a location — you are rekindling a sacred connection to the land, to each other, and to the vows once spoken.

The “One Year and One Day” ceremony is a chance to slow down, to step outside the rush of everyday life, and to mark your union in a way that is both ancient and alive.

Many couples who return speak of a powerful sense of grounding — of being reminded not just why they fell in love, but why they chose one another in the first place.

How to Book Your Ceremony

If you were handfasted at Dode, we would be honoured to welcome you back for this special tradition.

Ceremonies can be arranged quietly and simply, or with as much flair and festivity as your hearts desire. Some couples return barefoot at sunrise with just their cords and each other. Others arrive in full dress once more, with their nearest and dearest gathered round.

To find out more or arrange a date, simply reach out to us directly. We’ll guide you gently through the options and help you create a ceremony that speaks to you.

“And so we returned… one year and one day later. And once again, the village wrapped us in its peace. Our vows, once whispered, rang out stronger. Our love, once promised, stood even deeper-rooted. It was perfect.” — A Dode couple

If your hearts are calling you home, know that Dode awaits.

Return. Renew. Remember.