How to Renew Your Wedding Vows: A Real Guide to Celebrating Your Love Again

How to Renew Your Wedding Vows: A Real Guide to Celebrating Your Love Again

How to renew your wedding vows is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, and honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful ways to celebrate everything you and your partner have been through together.

Look, marriage isn’t always rainbows and butterflies.

Some days are hard, some years test you, and sometimes you just want to hit pause and remind each other why you said “I do” in the first place.

That’s where a vow renewal comes in.

And the best part? There’s no rules. No legal paperwork. No stress about making it “official.”

It’s just you, your partner, and the choice to say those words all over again — but this time with all the messy, beautiful life experience you’ve gained since your wedding day.

Let me walk you through how to actually make this happen, from the first decision all the way to that final kiss.

Why Even Renew Your Vows?

Okay so before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why for a second.

Maybe you’ve been married 5 years, 10 years, or 50 years.

Maybe you went through something big — a health scare, a rough patch, or just realized you never had the wedding you really wanted.

Or maybe you just love each other so much that you wanna shout it from the rooftops again.

All of those reasons? Totally valid.

A vow renewal isn’t about proving anything to anyone.

It’s about you two.

And honestly, it’s one of the most personal, heartfelt things you can do together.

Step 1: Pick Your Date (and Make It Mean Something)

First things first — you gotta choose a date.

And this isn’t just any date. Make it count.

Here’s some ideas:

• Your original wedding anniversary
• A milestone year (10, 25, 50 years)
• The day you met or had your first date
• A date that means something personal to both of you

I’ve seen couples renew their vows on totally random days just because it felt right, and that’s cool too.

The point is, it should feel special to you.

Start planning about 12 months out if you want something bigger, or honestly, you could pull something intimate together in just a few weeks if that’s more your vibe.

Step 2: Set a Budget (Yes, Even for This)

Here’s the thing — a vow renewal can cost as much or as little as you want.

You could spend thousands on a big party with all the bells and whistles, or you could renew your vows on your living room couch in your pajamas.

Both are perfect.

Sit down with your partner and figure out what makes sense for you guys.

Things that might cost money:

• Venue rental
• Food and drinks
• A photographer or videographer
• New outfits or accessories
• Flowers or decor
• Invitations
• Rings (if you’re exchanging new ones)

Things that are totally free:

• Writing your own vows
• Having a friend or family member officiate
• Hosting it at home or a meaningful outdoor spot
• Keeping the guest list super small

Don’t let money stress you out. This isn’t about impressing anyone.

Step 3: Decide Who’s Coming (Or If Anyone’s Coming At All)

This is where it gets really personal.

Some couples want a huge celebration with everyone they love.

Others want it to be just the two of them, maybe on a beach somewhere at sunset.

Both are beautiful.

Think about what feels right:

• Just the two of you — intimate, emotional, no distractions
• Immediate family — your kids, parents, siblings
• Close friends too — the people who’ve been there through it all
• Big party vibes — everyone you know, full reception, the works

If you have kids, including them can be really special. They can walk with you, do a reading, or even say their own little vows to the family.

No wrong answers here.

Step 4: Choose Your Venue (Go Meaningful or Go Wild)

The venue sets the whole tone, so think about what feels like you.

Meaningful locations:

• Where you got married originally
• Where you first met
• Your backyard or home
• A favorite vacation spot
• A place that holds memories for both of you

Fun alternatives:

• A destination you’ve always wanted to visit
• A winery or garden
• A cozy restaurant
• A church or chapel
• Literally anywhere that makes you happy

I’ve heard of couples renewing vows on hiking trails, in their favorite coffee shop, even at the hospital where they met (one was a nurse, long story).

Point is, make it yours.

And remember — no permits, no legal stuff. You can literally do this anywhere.

<img src="https://purelycelebrations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2221minimalist-white-studio-vow-renewal-photoshoot.png" alt="A minimalist vow renewal photoshoot featuring a bride in a structured white dress with geometric cutouts and a groom in a crisp white shirt and light gray pants, set in a pure white contemporary studio