A vane ring assembly which includes a lower vane ring (22), an upper vane ring (30), one or more guide vanes (80) positioned at least partially between the vane rings, and a plurality of spacers (42, or 50) positioned between the lower and upper vane rings for maintaining a distance between the lower and upper vane rings. By using a first set of fasteners (190) to fasten the lower vane ring to the turbine housing, and a second set of fasteners (191) to fasten the lower vane ring to the upper vane ring, the vane ring assembly is effectively decoupled from the turbine housing with regard to differential thermal expansion, and the co-planerism of the vane rings is easier to maintain.