How to Plan a Sentimental Vow Renewal That’s Unforgettable

Planning a wedding and getting married is a big deal, so why limit the experience to just one celebration? Regardless of how long you've been married, hosting a vow renewal is a beautiful way to honor your relationship and recommit to your spouse. Vow renewals are usually held on milestone wedding anniversaries but some wedding traditions are meant to be broken. We're big proponents of hosting a vow renewal whenever you want. Your love story deserves it, after all. Consider this your go-to guide for hosting an epic vow renewal party to remember. Whether you're looking for vow renewal ideas or unsure of the logistics (like when to host or how to address your invites), we share exactly what you need to know right here.

A comprehensive guide to vow renewals: What Is a Vow Renewal? | Why Renew Your Wedding Vows? | When to Renew Your Vows | How to Plan a Vow Renewal | Vow Renewal Ideas | FAQs

What Is a Vow Renewal?

"A vow renewal is a ceremony for a married couple who would like to recommit themselves to each other with a ceremony. They're usually followed by a dinner or reception with loved ones, much like a wedding," says Shauna Wise, owner of Palm + Pine Events with over 15 years of event planning and design expertise.

Why Do People Renew Wedding Vows?

Intentions vary among couples, but "couples usually renew their vows to celebrate a milestone anniversary or to include their children in the ceremony. I've also had couples host a vow renewal because they didn't get to have the wedding of their dreams when they got married, so they decide to have a dream vow renewal instead," Wise explains.

"Renewing vows offers couples a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the journey they've taken together. Over time, life changes and brings new challenges, wins, losses, obstacles and moments of joy. These experiences shape and strengthen the bond between partners. A vow renewal allows couples to reaffirm their commitment, celebrate their enduring love, and revisit the promises made to each other. It's a chance to go back to the basics with their spouse, reminding them of the love and dedication that brought them together in the first place, and to honor how far they've come together," Alex Moreau, expert wedding planner and owner of XO Moreau, adds. Ultimately, there's no "right" reason to host a marriage vow renewal because it all comes down to honoring your commitment to your spouse at any stage of your marriage.

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When Should You Renew Your Vows?

You might be wondering "How often do you renew your vows?" Some couples don't want to renew too frequently, while others do it annually. Ultimately, the choice is completely up to you. And if you're thinking, "Does a vow renewal have to be on your anniversary?" Wise says a vow renewal can be done at any point in marriage, but there are special times people choose to do this ceremony. Consider reaffirming your wedding vows on one of these meaningful dates if "when do you renew your vows" is at the top of your mind:

• 5-year wedding anniversary
• 10-year wedding anniversary
• 25-year wedding anniversary
• 50-year wedding anniversary

Photo: Amber Koelling Photography

How to Plan a Vow Renewal

Like your wedding, your vow renewal can be as extravagant or simple as you want. So stop worrying and asking "How do I renew my vows," instead, follow these four easy steps below.

1. Decide how you want the event to look.

Your party can be any style, from a casual backyard barbecue to a soiree as large and complex as a traditional wedding reception. You might bring along your original wedding photo album so you can take guests on a trip down memory lane, as well as family photos through the years of your marriage. Use this event to reconnect with loved ones and add personal details you didn't get the chance to include during your wedding.

2. Choose a vow renewal venue.

There are numerous vow renewal venues to choose from since there's no right or wrong choice. If you're doing something intimate and want to show off your new home, consider having the celebration there. If you want to get everyone together in the venue you were unable to get for your wedding, throw the party there. Remember to book as soon as possible, if necessary, to get the space you love.

3. Hire pros to make it happen.

While you don't have to hire an entire team of vendors like you would for the wedding, there are some pros you might want around to capture the event, like a vow renewal photographer or a videographer. Book their services in advance to look back on the memories for years to come.

4. Make a vow renewal itinerary.

So, you've made it this far—but what actually happens at a vow renewal ceremony? The order of events is just about like every other aspect of planning a recommitment party, the itinerary is completely up to you. The vow renewal ceremony is, of course, the most important element of the party. Since a vow renewal isn't legally binding, you don't need another marriage license. Instead, you'll exchange vows, recalling what you said when you were first married while adding new promises if you'd like. Children, close relatives and friends can do readings, and you can have ceremony music playing. After you've both spoken, you can exchange rings. Finally, after the ceremony, consider thanking your loved ones for supporting your marriage over the years.

Vow Renewal Ideas

While it's freeing that there aren't set rules with vow renewals, it can also be tricky to know what's best since tradition isn't dictating the proceedings. If you're having a hard time settling on the perfect way to renew your vows, let these creative vow renewal ideas inspire you:

• Go for a sunset sail on a dinner cruise.
• Visit a winery and serve wine that's from the year you were married.
• Plan a destination vow renewal that doubles as a family vacation.
• Theme the event around your anniversary's traditional gift, like silver for the 25th year.

We asked Moreau what's the most unique vow renewal idea she's seen and it was actually her own. "In 2022, my husband Stefan and I renewed our vows at the Taco Bell Chapel in Las Vegas for our 5-year wedding anniversary. It was a significant milestone for us as Stefan transitioned out of the army, and we wanted to reaffirm our commitment as we started a new chapter together. Unlike our original 250-person wedding, this renewal was just the two of us. We got tattoos, gambled a bit and enjoyed some delicious tacos. It was a special time for us to focus on each other and do our favorite things together. It was a unique and unforgettable experience, celebrating our love in a way that was completely true to us," Moreau recalls.

Photo: LOGAN COLE Photography,

Planner: XO Moreau Weddings

Vow Renewal Etiquette Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you know the basics of planning this event, let's dive deeper into the logistics. Here are the answers to all your vow renewal questions.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew Your Wedding Vows?

This depends on how involved a couple's vow renewal will be. If someone is hiring vendors and booking a venue, their event will cost more than someone who isn't. Set a budget and determine what's the most important to you for your ceremony.

Do You Exchange Rings at a Vow Renewal?

Exchanging vow renewal rings is optional, but don't be afraid to get creative with this process. These can be your original bands, or special anniversary bands to upgrade your wedding ring stack. We love the idea of engraving your new bling with a special saying or phrase, like the date of your vow renewal or a meaningful quotation.

Do You Need an Officiant for a Vow Renewal?

"Couples don't need an officiant for their vow renewal. Since it's not a legally binding ceremony, anyone can lead it, or the couple can simply exchange vows with each other. Some couples choose to have a close friend or family member officiate to make the event more personal and meaningful," Moreau, former The Knot Ones to Watch honoree, says. Some couples even rehire the professional they had on their wedding day for a sentimental touch. Regardless of who you choose, work with them before the date to create a vow renewal ceremony structure.

Photo: Heidi Elyse Photography

How Do You Write Vows for a Vow Renewal?

Writing your vows doesn't have to be complicated. If you exchanged vows during your wedding, look at your past words to see which promises you kept and which ones you want to add since your journey together is always evolving. This is an opportunity for both of you to think about how you feel about your relationship, especially if the last time you exchanged vows was years ago. (Need some inspiration? Check out these wedding vows from real couples.)

Who Hosts a Renewal of Vows?

"Typically, the couple hosts their vow renewal. They might organize and plan the event themselves, or sometimes their family or close friends might help or even take the lead in planning. It can be as formal or casual as they want, and there are no strict rules about who should host it," Moreau says. The host is generally responsible for funding the event and providing food, drinks and entertainment.

Where Should You Host a Vow Renewal?

If you're looking for great vow renewal ideas, start with your venue. The ceremony location can influence every aspect of the big day, from the food to the decor and the ambiance. You can renew your vows in a house of worship, at home in your backyard, on a coastal beach, in a lush garden or on a mountaintop. You can even host a vow renewal elopement just for you and your S.O. in a scenic destination, like Hawaii or Las Vegas. What matters most, though, is that your vow renewal location has sentimental ties for both of you. Some venues even offer vow renewal packages, which can provide couples with everything they need in one contract (think: catering, entertainment, private space, and even a cake). If you don't want to spend a lot of time wedding planning for your renewal ceremony, a preplanned package will take all of the work out of your celebration.

Photo: Beyond Jade

Can You Have a Wedding Party for Renewing Vows?

Attendants are unnecessary for a vow renewal, but if "Can I have bridesmaids at a vow renewal" is an important question for you, have them. You can invite your wedding party members to stand with you for sentimental reasons. (They don't have to wear their original outfits again––just like you can always wear a new vow renewal dress––but wearing them could be nice for the nostalgia factor.) Some couples also involve their children and grandchildren, by being escorted down the aisle by them or having them perform a ceremony reading.

Who Should Be Invited to a Vow Renewal?

"The guest list for a vow renewal can be as large or as small as the couple wants. Some couples invite close family and friends for an intimate celebration and others prefer a larger gathering that includes extended family and a wider circle of friends. Ultimately, the guest list should include the most important people to the couple who have been a significant part of their journey together," Moreau explains.

How Do You Address Vow Renewal Invitations?

Ready to start addressing vow renewal invitations? This is one of the most important vow renewal planning tasks—after all, you'll need to send formal invites to get the word out to your loved ones. Here's how to address your stationery:

• If the invitation is issued by the couple: The honor of your presence is requested at the reaffirmation [or renewal] of the wedding vows of [your names].
• If the invitation is issued by the couple's kids: The children of [the couple's names] request the honor of your presence at the reaffirmation ceremony of their parents.
• If the invitation is issued by close friends or relatives of the couple: The honor of your presence is requested at the reaffirmation [or renewal] of the wedding vows of [the couple's names].

Photo: Kamarin Ann Photo

Should You Register for a Vow Renewal?

"Having a vow renewal registry is a personal choice and depends on the couple's preferences and the cultural norms they follow. In many cases, a vow renewal is seen as a celebration of love and commitment rather than a gift-giving occasion, so some couples may choose not to have a registry. However, if guests inquire about gifts or the couple feels that a registry would be appropriate for their situation, they can create one. It's important to communicate clearly and sensitively with guests to ensure they feel comfortable with whatever choice is made regarding gifts," Moreau suggests. Wise adds her opinion on the matter as well. "I don't think a registry is appropriate for a vow renewal. The purpose of a registry is to help a couple with items they may need as they begin their lives together and set up a home for the first time," Wise says.

Do You Bring a Gift to a Vow Renewal?

Since it's uncommon for couples to create vow renewal registries, it can be difficult to know what to give the happy couple in honor of their special day. If the couple is renewing their vows in honor of a specific anniversary, consider gifting them a present that coordinates with the associated year, such as gold for a 50th wedding anniversary. Alternatively, if there's a certain hobby the couple enjoys partaking in together, a gift that aligns with that interest would be appropriate too.

What Are Vow Renewal Ceremony Script Examples?

If you're looking for sample vow renewal ceremony wording, let these example scripts inform your plans.

Officiant: [Couple's names], when you were first joined in matrimony [insert amount of time you were married], you didn't know what life had in store for you. You promised to love, honor and cherish one another through life's highs and lows. You've persevered through the blessings and challenges that have come your way over the years, and today you're here to reaffirm your vows of love and respect for each other.

As you celebrate your marriage and reflect on your shared journey, do you now wish to reaffirm the marriage vows you committed [insert amount of time you were married]?

Couple: We do.

Officiant: Please face each other and join hands.

Officiant (to be repeated to each partner): [Partner One's name], will you continue to have [Partner Two's name] as your wedded spouse and continue to be committed to this loving marriage?

Partner One: I will.

Officiant: Do you reaffirm your love for your partner, and will you love, honor and cherish them in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to them for as long as you both shall live?

Partner One: I do.

(insert optional reading here)

Officiant: [Couple's names], on your wedding day you exchanged rings to symbolize your unending love and commitment to each other. May these rings always serve as a reminder of your vows to each other as long as you live together in love. To remind you of your commitment to one another, it is appropriate for you now to exchange rings once again.

Officiant (to be repeated to each partner): [Partner One's name], please place the ring on [Partner Two's name] hand and repeat after me: "With this ring, I pledge my renewed love and commitment to you."

(insert optional blessing to the couple here)

Officiant: [Couple's names], you renewed your marriage vows today and reaffirmed your shared love for one another. With pleasure, I now conclude this vow renewal ceremony. You may now share a kiss as a sign of your enduring affection.

Sarah Hanlon contributed to the reporting of this piece.