Wedding Vow Renewals: The Complete Planning Guide

Q: What is a wedding vow renewal ceremony?

A wedding vow renewal ceremony is a celebration where a married couple recommits to one another and reaffirms the promises they made on their wedding day. It is a ceremonial event with no legal standing, meaning you have total freedom to make it as intimate or as elaborate as you want.

Q: Why do couples renew wedding vows?

Couples choose to renew wedding vows for countless reasons, from celebrating a milestone anniversary to marking a fresh start after overcoming life's challenges. Some use it as a "do-over" if their original wedding didn't feel authentic to them, while others simply want to celebrate their growing love in a big, unforgettable way.

Q: When do you renew your vows?

While many couples wait for major milestones like a 10, 25, or 50-year anniversary , there is no "official" timeline. You can renew your vows as early as one year after your wedding or even annually if you want to make it a tradition. The best time is whenever you feel the need to pause and honor your journey together.

Q: How much does it cost to renew wedding vows?

The cost to renew wedding vows varies wildly depending on your vision. A simple hike for two with a photographer is a much different investment than a destination event at an all-inclusive resort. Because there are no legal requirements or venue "rules," you can decide exactly where to save and where to splurge, whether that is on a luxury cabin, a private chef, or epic adventure photography.

Updated: March 4, 2026

Let’s be real for a second. Weddings are amazing, but they can also be incredibly stressful. Maybe your first wedding was more about pleasing your family than celebrating your love. Maybe it rained. Maybe you were so busy greeting 200 guests that you didn’t even get to eat the cake! Or maybe you’ve just signed the legal paperwork and that’s it.

Or maybe your wedding was perfect, but you and your partner have grown and evolved so much since that day. You have built a life, maybe raised some tiny humans, survived challenges, and come out stronger on the other side.

That is exactly why renewing your wedding vows is such an amazing idea.

This isn’t just a “second wedding.” It is a chance to reclaim your day. It is an opportunity to look at each other and say, “Hell yes, I would choose you all over again.”

If you are thinking about planning a wedding vow renewal ceremony, this guide is for you. Forget the stuffy banquet halls. Let’s talk about how to plan an adventure.

A breathtaking night sky shot showing the Milky Way galaxy stretching over a silhouette of pine trees while a couple kisses holding a glowing lantern during their star photos wedding vow renewal.

What is a Vow Renewal?

At its core, a wedding vow renewal ceremony is simply a way to celebrate your marriage and reaffirm the promises you made to each other. Whether you’ve been married for one year or fifty, it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and say “I still do.”

While some couples choose to host a big party or a formal ceremony in a church (basically a “sequel wedding”), many couples are realizing that a big event just feels like… stress.

Enter the adventurous vow renewal.

Think of this as the cool older sister of the elopement. It follows the exact same philosophy: There are no rules.

You don’t need an officiant (unless you want one). Skip the guest list (or invite just a couple of your favorite people). You don’t need a white dress. All you need is your partner and a sense of adventure.

Most couples who choose an adventurous vow renewal treat it like a luxury date day. Instead of worrying about guests, they hike to an alpine lake, take a jeep tour to a mountain top, or picnic in a field of wildflowers. It is about creating a memory that is 100% focused on the two of you.

A couple sharing a romantic kiss in an autumn meadow with the bride wearing a purple puffy jacket in front of a massive red mountain slope during their Crested Butte wedding vow renewal.

A detail shot of vow books titled "My vows to my Husband" and "My vows to my Wife" resting on autumn leaves next to wedding rings for a wedding vow renewal ceremony.

6 Steps on How to Plan a Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony

Planning a wedding vow renewal ceremony is actually way easier than planning a wedding because the legal pressure is off! You are already married. This is just for you.

Here is the step-by-step guide to making it happen:

1.) Forget The “Rules” of a Vow Renewal Etiquette

If you are Googling “vow renewal etiquette,” let me save you some time: There aren’t any. So ignore the random rules that one dude on the internet is telling you. This is your chance to get married however you want. This is your wedding day – part 2!

Traditional weddings have a lot of “shoulds.” Vow renewals are about “wants.”

Can I wear a white dress? Yes! Or wear a black one. Or hiking boots and a flannel.
Do I need a bridal party? Only if you want your best friends hiking up with you.
Do we exchange rings? You can re-exchange your original rings, upgrade to new bands, or skip this part entirely.
Do I need an officiant? Nope! No officiants are required since you are legally married. Although you are always free to hire one if you’d like to be guided through your vow renewal ceremony.

A close-up of a joyous bride and groom throwing their hands in the air and laughing excitedly in a mountain meadow during their wedding vow renewal ceremony celebration.

2.) Choose Your Vibe & Location

The first step is dreaming up what you want your day to look like. If you close your eyes and picture your perfect day, what do you see?

Ask yourselves these questions to get the brainstorming started:

The Scenery: Are you high up on a mountain peak, standing next to a rushing waterfall, or deep in a golden aspen forest?
The Company: Is it just the two of you, or are your kids and dogs running around your feet?
The Action: Are you hiking 5 miles to an alpine lake, or are you jeep-ing to a scenic overlook so you don’t get sweaty?
The Vibe: Is it a sunrise mission with headlamps, or a lazy afternoon picnic with champagne?
The Food: If you could have the best dinner of your life, what would it be? Would you hire a private chef? Schedule a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant? Cook steaks over a campfire under the stars?

Since you don’t have to worry about seating charts or venue capacity, the world is literally your venue. As a Colorado photographer, I might be biased, but I think the Rocky Mountains are the perfect backdrop for reaffirming your commitment. The epic views just match the magnitude of your love!

A Note on Destination Vow Renewals

If you are torn between a party at home or a trip, I always vote for the trip. A destination vow renewal turns your celebration into a second honeymoon.

PRO TIP: Instead of spending money on a venue rental for 4 hours, put that budget towards a week-long experience. Rent a jeep, stay in a luxury cabin, visit hot springs, and spend your days exploring. If you are thinking about packing your bags, check out my complete guide on mountain destination vow renewals linked below.

MOUNTAIN DESTINATION VOW RENEWAL

A couple and their dog standing at the base of a rushing turquoise waterfall surrounded by red rocks and pine trees during their intimate blue waterfall Silverton vow renewal ceremony.

3.) When Should You Renew Your Vows?

You might be wondering, “Is there a ‘right’ time to do this?” The short answer is: Whenever you want.

However, the most popular milestone I see is the 10 year wedding renewal.

Celebrating a decade together is a huge achievement. You have likely built a life, survived challenges, and grown together in ways you never imagined. Planning a 10-year anniversary adventure is the perfect way to honor that journey. Here are a few other great reasons to plan a vow renewal:

The “We Survived” Celebration: Celebrating getting through a tough year, a health scare, or a major life transition.
The “Just Because” Adventure: You want to say “I love you” without waiting for a milestone.
The “Do-Over”: If your original wedding was stressful or not “you,” why wait 10 years to fix it? Do it for your 1st or 2nd anniversary!

Whether it’s your 5th anniversary, your 12th, or just a random Tuesday, the best time is whenever feels right for your story.

A couple sitting in camping chairs with their backs to the camera, enjoying a cozy fire and string lights at a table set for two during their intimate wedding vow renewal campfire picnic in the woods.

4.) Decide on Guests (Or No Guests!)

This is the beauty of a private vow renewal. You can keep it completely intimate with just the two of you, or you can bring along your kids and closest friends.

I have photographed incredible renewals where the couple’s children signed a commemorative certificate as “witnesses.” It is such a sweet way to include your family in your continuing love story.

A bride and groom dancing and twirling on a lingering patch of snow high in the mountains surrounded by green pines during their adventurous Colorado wedding vow renewal.

5.) Hire a Photographer

Okay, I know I am a photographer, but hear me out. You deserve to have this documented.

When you got married the first time, you probably have photos of you posing with family members you haven’t seen in years. This time? You need photos of you. Photos of the way you look at each other now. Photos of you laughing, exploring, and being totally yourselves.

Plus, when you hire an adventurous photographer (hi!), you also get a planner. I help my couples scout the perfect trail, build a stress-free timeline, and recommend the best local vendors for hair, makeup, and private chef dinners.

A couple cuddling in camping chairs next to a glowing fire pit and a candlelit table with cake and drinks during their romantic night time campfire picnic wedding vow renewal after-party.

6.) Write Your Vows

This is the big one! Renewing your wedding vows means you get to speak from experience. Your first vows were promises for a future you didn’t know yet. Your renewal vows are promises based on the life you have actually built.

You can keep them funny, emotional, or short and sweet.

Sample Adventure Ceremony Script

You might be wondering, “Okay, but what do we actually say?” An adventure vow renewal is usually short, sweet, and deeply personal. Here is a simple outline to get you started:

The Grounding: Take a moment to just breathe. Look at the view. Hold hands. Acknowledge where you are.
The Reflection: Share a few words about your journey so far. (e.g., “We made it through 10 years, two moves, and one crazy puppy.”)
The Vows: Read your new promises to each other.
The Exchange: Exchange rings or a special gift (like a handwritten letter).
The Kiss: Seal the deal!

Struggling to find the right words? You do not have to start from scratch. Browse my complete guide packed with templates, ideas, and inspiration to help you write your ceremony.

STEAL THESE VOW RENEWAL VOWS

A wide shot of a couple reading their vows from leather books while standing on the grassy edge of a crystal clear turquoise lake reflecting the pine trees during their blue alpine lake vow renewal.

A romantic shot of a groom resting his head in his bride's lap on a mountain meadow blanket at dusk, enjoying a casual pizza picnic vow renewal Colorado style dinner with a glowing lantern and a We Eloped sign.

Sample Wedding Vow Renewal Timeline

Wondering what a vow renewal ceremony actually looks like? It can be whatever you want! Here is a sample timeline to get you dreaming:

4 Hour Vow Renewal Timeline

This timeline is perfect if you want a stunning ceremony without a full-day production. With 4 hours of coverage, we focus on one single location to maximize your time. We meet at the trailhead, hike to a beautiful spot for your vows, catch the best lighting of the day, and hike back down under the stars.

3:55 PM: Meet & Caravan We meet at your Airbnb or the trailhead to load up gear and start the drive together.
4:10 PM: Scenic Drive (Coverage Begins) You drive up the mountain road. I capture candids of the journey as we cruise toward the summit.
4:50 PM: Getting Ready in the Wild You arrive at the alpine basin. I hang your attire on the pine trees for detail shots, and then you get changed in the fresh mountain air.
5:20 PM: First Look Once you are both ready, I set you up in a secluded spot. You turn around to see each other for the first time against the mountain backdrop.
5:45 PM: Vow Renewal Ceremony The main event. You read handwritten vows, exchange rings, and share a first kiss.
6:05 PM: Private Moment I step back to give you space to hug, cry, and just breathe in the moment of being here together without any cameras in your face.
6:15 PM: First Dance You start the music on a portable speaker for a private first dance in the meadow.
6:25 PM: Sunset Portraits You spend time exploring the area, hiking to a nearby waterfall or overlook, and taking epic photos as the sun sets.
7:00 PM: Campfire & Relaxing I set up a cozy fire with blankets and chairs. You can enjoy snacks, pop champagne, and warm up while watching the stars come out.
8:15 PM: Coverage Ends

12 Hour Vow Renewal Timeline

This is for couples who want to turn their vow renewal into a complete experience. A 12-hour day gives us the freedom to visit multiple locations without feeling rushed. You can start with a 4×4 drive to a high alpine basin for your ceremony, hike to a secluded waterfall for a private picnic, and still have time to drive to a completely different spot for sunset and star photos. It allows you to see the best of what Colorado has to offer in one or two incredible days.

11:30 AM: Getting Ready & Details I start by capturing the small things like rings, vow books, and flowers. Then, I capture candid moments of both of you getting dressed and putting on final touches.
12:50 PM: First Look We set up a private spot for you to see each other for the first time. No posing, just you two enjoying the moment before the adventure begins.
1:30 PM: Pick Up 4×4 Rentals Time to grab the Jeeps or side-by-sides and start the drive up the mountain!
2:15 PM: Off-Roading Adventure You drive high into the alpine basin, stopping along the way to check out glacier lakes and scenic overlooks.
3:30 PM: Picnic Lunch by a Waterfall You park the vehicles and hike down to a massive, secluded waterfall to eat lunch and enjoy the view.
5:00 PM: Scout the Ceremony Spot You arrive at the high alpine basin to explore. You can look at a few different lakes and meadows to decide which one feels right for your vows.
7:00 PM: Vow Renewal Ceremony This is it! You read your handwritten vows, exchange rings, and celebrate your marriage as the sun starts to set.
7:30 PM: Private Time & Champagne I step back so you can have 100% seclusion to soak it all in. Afterward, you pop some champagne or shotgun a beer to celebrate!
8:00 PM: Sunset Portraits Take advantage of the golden hour lighting for epic portraits against the mountain peaks.
8:40 PM: Drive Back Down You head back down the mountain road as the sky turns blue and the stars start to peek out.
10:00 PM: Campfire Dinner & Relaxing Back at your accommodation, we light a fire. You can eat cake, dance, and just relax. I capture candid moments of the celebration.
10:40 PM: Star Photos You step away from the fire for a few minutes to get creative long-exposure shots with the Milky Way.
11:30 PM: Coverage Ends

Two brides laughing while cutting a small cake at a private camping table under string lights and lanterns during their cozy outdoor vow renewal celebration in the woods.

Vow Renewal Ceremony Packages & Pricing

You might be wondering, “Do I need a special package for a vow renewal?”

The answer is no. Because I believe your vow renewal deserves just as much care, attention, and documentation as a wedding day, my Vow Renewal Packages are identical to my Elopement Packages.

Whether you want a 4-hour sunset hike or a full 2-day jeep adventure, we will build a timeline that fits your vision perfectly.

VOW RENEWAL PACKAGES & PRICING

A bride and groom wearing hiking backpacks walking up a trail away from a stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by pine trees during their adventurous wedding vow renewal.

Vow Renewals Frequently Asked Questions

A wedding vow renewal ceremony is a celebration where a married couple recommits to one another and reaffirms the promises they made on their wedding day. It is a ceremonial event with no legal standing, meaning you have total freedom to make it as intimate or as elaborate as you want.

Couples choose to renew wedding vows for countless reasons, from celebrating a milestone anniversary to marking a fresh start after overcoming life’s challenges. Some use it as a “do-over” if their original wedding didn’t feel authentic to them, while others simply want to celebrate their growing love in a big, unforgettable way.

While many couples wait for major milestones like a 10, 25, or 50-year anniversary, there is no “official” timeline. You can renew your vows as early as one year after your wedding or even annually if you want to make it a tradition. The best time is whenever you feel the need to pause and honor your journey together.

When renewing wedding vows, your words should reflect where your relationship stands today. You can read your original wedding vows again, write new ones that mention the life you’ve built together, or follow a simple ceremony script that reflects your shared experiences and future promises.

The cost to renew wedding vows varies wildly depending on your vision. A simple hike for two with a photographer is a much different investment than a destination event at an all-inclusive resort. Because there are no legal requirements or venue “rules,” you can decide exactly where to save and where to splurge, whether that is on a luxury cabin, a private chef, or epic adventure photography.

No, you do not need a marriage license for a vow renewal in Colorado because you are already legally married.

This is entirely up to you. Some couples choose an intimate “just us” experience, while others include their children or a few best friends. Because you aren’t tied to a traditional venue, you don’t have to worry about guest counts or “obligatory” invites.

Since many adventurous renewals happen on mountain tops or by lakes, there often isn’t a traditional aisle! You can walk to your ceremony spot hand-in-hand, have your children walk with you, or simply meet at a beautiful overlook. There are no rules here.

Typically, vow renewals don’t involve registries. Most couples tell their guests that “your presence is our present.” However, if you are doing a private adventure, you might consider “gifting” yourselves something for the trip—like a high-end camera lens, new hiking packs, or a luxury cabin stay.

Absolutely, but think outside the banquet hall! After your mountain-top vows, you could have a private chef cook for you at a luxury Airbnb, host a casual brewery hangout with friends, or just enjoy a quiet campfire under the stars.

Ready to Plan Your Vow Renewal?

Whether you are celebrating 1 year or 10 years, you deserve a day that celebrates your journey. If you are ready to ditch the stress and plan a vow renewal that feels like an epic adventure, I am here to help.

Let’s find the perfect mountain peak and make this happen!