Think about how far you’ve come together — the laughter, the challenges, and the quiet moments that now mean everything. If you’re wondering how do you renew your vows, it often starts with reflecting on your journey and celebrating how your love has grown since your wedding day. A vow renewal isn’t just about saying “I do” again; instead, it’s about honoring your story, the memories you’ve created, and the future you’re still building together.
The best part? There are no strict rules. You can revisit your original vows, write new ones, or even combine both. From there, choose a meaningful location, invite loved ones or keep things intimate, and add personal touches that reflect your relationship. Whether you envision an adventurous mountaintop ceremony, a quiet beachside moment, or a cozy backyard gathering, your vow renewal should ultimately feel like you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to plan an unforgettable experience — from choosing the perfect location to crafting heartfelt vows. Together, let’s create a day that celebrates your love, your journey, and your future.
Table of Contents
What is a Vow Renewal?
A vow renewal is a heartfelt way to reaffirm your love and commitment to each other, whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary, overcoming challenges together, or simply wanting to relive the magic of your wedding day.
Unlike a wedding, there’s no legal paperwork—just a meaningful ceremony focused on your journey as a couple.
It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and say, “I still choose you,” in a way that feels true to your relationship.
Marriage isn’t just about the day you say “I do”—it’s about the journey you take together. Over time, your love deepens, your adventures multiply, and your commitment grows stronger.
A vow renewal is the perfect way to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that you’ve built together. But how do you actually renew your vows? There are no rules, only possibilities. Here’s how to craft an intentional, unforgettable experience that reflects your love story.
How to renew your vows: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Define your why
Before diving into the details, ask yourselves: Why do we want to renew our vows? Maybe you’ve reached a major milestone—10, 20, or even 50 years of marriage. Maybe you’ve weathered a storm together and want to reaffirm your commitment. Or maybe you just love any excuse to adventure together and celebrate your love. Whatever your reason, defining your “why” will guide the rest of your planning.
2. Choose an experience, not just a location
A vow renewal isn’t about impressing guests—it’s about creating an experience that feels true to you. Think about what makes your relationship special and choose a setting that reflects it:
- For the adventurers: Renew your vows on a mountaintop at sunrise, during a backpacking trip, or on a secluded beach at sunset.
- For the romantics: Opt for an intimate ceremony in a flower-filled meadow, a cozy cabin in the woods, or under the stars in your backyard.
- For the travelers: Why not revisit where you first said “I do,” or explore a new bucket-list destination together?
3. Decide who to invite (or keep it just the two of you)
Some couples invite close family and friends, while others keep their vow renewal deeply personal—just the two of them, an officiant (if desired), and maybe a photographer to capture the magic. There’s no wrong way to do it! If you do invite guests, make sure they align with your vision of an intimate, meaningful experience.
4. Write your vows from the heart
Unlike a wedding, your vow renewal isn’t about promises for the future—it’s about celebrating the journey so far. Reflect on what your partner means to you, the challenges you’ve overcome, and what you cherish most. Be honest, be personal, and don’t be afraid to get emotional. Re-reading your original vows can also be a deeply moving experience.
When I (Sanne) re-read my vows after ten years, I read my old vows and realized I had completely forgotten some of the promises we made to each other.
It was incredibly emotional to see how far we had come, how much had changed, and how much still held true.
Take a moment to revisit those words—you might be surprised at how much they still resonate, or how your love has grown beyond them.
If you do decide to write new vows, try starting with:
- “When I married you, I promised…”
- “Since then, we’ve…”
- “Today, I vow to continue…”
5. Make it special with personal touches
A vow renewal is about the experience, not the formality, so make it uniquely yours:
- Wear something that makes you feel amazing—whether it’s a flowy dress, a suit, or hiking boots and a backpack.
- Exchange meaningful gifts, like a handwritten letter or a piece of jewelry engraved with your wedding date.
- Incorporate a ritual, like handfasting, lighting a unity candle, or even sharing a toast with your favorite drinks.
6. Capture the moment
Whether it’s a professional photographer or a simple tripod setup, documenting your vow renewal allows you to relive the magic for years to come. If you’re doing something adventurous—like eloping all over again—having a photographer along can be the perfect way to freeze those breathtaking moments in time.
7. Celebrate in your own way
There’s no single “right” way to celebrate after your anniversary day. Instead, you might spend the day hiking, enjoying a picnic, or stargazing together. Alternatively, you could host an intimate dinner with your closest loved ones or even plan a spontaneous getaway. Ultimately, whatever feels most authentic to you is the perfect way to celebrate.
Best vow renewal locations
Choosing the perfect location is key to making the day unforgettable. Whether you decide to revisit a meaningful place or explore somewhere new, the location plays a big role in setting the tone for your ceremony. Here are two fantastic options to consider:
Visiting a meaningful location
For many couples, a vow renewal is all about returning to a place that holds special meaning in their relationship. This could be where you first met, where you got engaged, or even where you tied the knot.
Revisiting a meaningful location adds extra sentiment and depth to the day. Whether it’s a tranquil beach, a scenic mountaintop, or a peaceful forest, being surrounded by memories makes the experience more personal and intimate, creating a meaningful ceremony.
Visiting a new location
Some couples prefer to choose a completely new destination for their vow renewal. A fresh setting allows you to create new memories while still celebrating your love.
There are countless stunning locations, from mountain landscapes to serene lakesides and hidden gardens, that can turn your vow renewal into a beautiful, adventurous experience.
A new location adds excitement and romance, and it’s the perfect chance to create new milestones together. Plus, it provides an incredible backdrop for capturing beautiful, one-of-a-kind photos.
Interested in some of our favorite locations? Here are some helpful blogs to help you decide:
Best places to Elope in Europe
What to wear for your Vow Renewal?
When choosing your outfit, there are no strict rules—you don’t have to stick with traditional wedding attire unless you want to! This is your chance to express your personal style and celebrate your journey together in a way that feels right for you.
Vow Renewal Dresses
If a classic white gown isn’t your thing, go for a colorful dress, a floral maxi, or even a chic jumpsuit. Flowy boho styles, vintage-inspired looks, or even something bold and modern can all be perfect choices.
Vow Renewal Suits
A full tuxedo isn’t required unless that’s your style. You can opt for a more relaxed look like a linen suit, a stylish blazer with jeans, or even suspenders and a button-down for a laid-back vibe. Want something unique? Try a patterned suit, a velvet jacket, or a fun pop of color.
This is your day—wear what makes you feel amazing, whether that’s a classic look or something totally unconventional!
How much does it cost to renew your vows?
The cost of a vow renewal varies greatly depending on what matters most to you. Are you traveling to a dream destination or keeping it simple at home? Are you hiring vendors like a photographer, officiant, or florist? Do you want to include fun activities to make the experience even more memorable—like a private dinner, a helicopter tour, or a scenic hike?
Your vow renewal can be as budget-friendly or as extravagant as you’d like. The key is to focus on what feels meaningful to you rather than trying to match traditional wedding expectations.
Vow Renewal Packages
Here at Running Wild, we offer a special package designed for couples looking for a vow renewal that’s short but sweet in an epic location. Our Vow Renewal Packages start at $3,500 here in Washington, and include everything from location research, planning, coordination, timelines, and much more.
If you’re looking for a full-day experience, our elopement packages also work perfectly for vow renewals. Let’s create an incredible day together to celebrate your major milestones!
Vow Renewal Packages & Pricing
Frequently asked questions about Vow Renewals
How many years after marriage do you renew your vows?
There’s no set rule for when a couple should renew their vows—it’s a deeply personal decision that varies for everyone. Some people choose to renew their vows based on a milestone anniversary, like 10, 25, or even 50 years, while others feel called to do so after a significant moment in their relationship, such as overcoming challenges or entering a new chapter in life.
In the Netherlands, it’s common to celebrate anniversaries at 12.5 years (bronze), 25 years (silver), and 50 years (gold), marking major milestones with friends and family. But for many couples, it’s not just about the number of years—it’s about when it feels right.
For example, I chose to renew my vows after 10 years, not because of a specific tradition, but because my partner and I had faced some difficult years and felt that reaffirming our commitment was meaningful at that point in our journey.
Ultimately, the best time to renew your vows is whenever it feels right for you and your partner. Whether it’s a milestone, a fresh start, or simply a moment to celebrate your love, what matters most is that it holds meaning for you both.
How often do you renew your vows?
There’s no set rule for how often you renew your wedding vows — it’s completely up to you. Some couples choose to renew their vows on milestone anniversaries like 5, 10, 20, or 25 years, while others do it after major life moments such as overcoming challenges, welcoming children, or simply wanting to celebrate their love again. Ultimately, you can renew your vows whenever it feels meaningful and right for your relationship.
What do you say when renewing your vows?
What you say when renewing your vows is entirely up to you. You can re-read your original vows, write new ones, or do both!
Re-reading your old vows honors the promises you made, while new vows reflect how your love has grown. Some couples even make writing vows part of their day—reminiscing and crafting words together.
There’s no right or wrong way—just speak from the heart and celebrate your journey in a way that feels meaningful to you.
Do you exchange rings at a vow renewal?
Yes, you can exchange rings at a vow renewal, but it’s entirely optional. Some couples buy new rings to symbolize this new chapter, while others continue wearing their original rings.
If new rings don’t feel right, you could exchange another meaningful gift instead—like engraved jewelry, a watch, or something special that represents your journey together.
Ultimately, it’s all about what feels most meaningful to you and your partner!
Ultimately, when you’re wondering how do you renew your vows, the answer is simple — create a meaningful experience that reflects your journey, your love, and everything still ahead.
Your love story is worth celebrating—not just on your wedding day, but every day after. A vow renewal is a beautiful way to honor your journey, reflect on how far you’ve come, and step forward together with even more love and intention. So go ahead—say yes to forever, again and again.