The Ultimate Guide to Renewing Your Wedding Vows

A vow renewal is celebratory ceremony during which a married couple to reaffirms their commitment to one another. They are especially popular on milestone anniversaries (10, 25, or 50 years), but there's no rule that says you have to wait to have one. Whether you've been married for a year, a decade, or half a century, a vow renewal is a heartfelt way to celebrate your love and reaffirm the promises you made to each other when you first said "I do." If you are thinking about planning your own vow renewal ceremony, know that a joyous celebration of your marriage can be easily and confidently orcheestrated with a little guidance from the experts.

“The most important thing to remember is not to get caught up in ‘wedding planning’ again,” says Natasha Anakotta of American Marriage Ministries. “Vow renewal ceremonies should be unique and meaningful while wholly re-committing yourselves to each other.”

Ahead, we share expert-approved tips for planning the perfect vow renewal, plus advice on how to rewrite your marriage vows for this special occasion.

Why Do Couples Renew Their Vows?

Vow renewals are held for any number of reasons. Perhaps the couple was only able to have a small wedding or elopement and now wishes to have more guests present. Maybe they've overcome an illness, infidelity, or other situation in their marriage and want to re-commit to each other. Other couples may be so crazy in love that they simply want to say “I do” all over again. For romantics, planning a surprise vow renewal for your partner can be a way to re-ignite the flame of passion. It may also be a way of saying goodbye. One particularly moving vow renewal was held in hospice for a couple, complete with flowers and cake. Two days later, after promising to see her husband in heaven, the wife passed peacefully.

When Do Couples Renew Their Vows?

Ultimately, there's no hard and fast rule that dictates when you should (or shouldn't!) renew your vows. Some couples like to wait for a milestone anniversary—say, after 10 or 20 years of marriage—while others think there's something sweet and sentimental about doing so sooner. Often, couples choose to renew their vows after overcoming an obstacle that challenge that relationship, like an illness or personal hurdle, or when they're in a financial position to throw the party they couldn't afford in the past.

Does a Vow Renewal Require a License?

From the perspective of each state in the union, a vow renewal is purely ceremonial. You are not required to obtain a marriage license or use a registered church minister or officiant. There are no legal documents involved, and it can be held anywhere at any time. This means:

• You’re not limited by marriage laws, religious restrictions, or location. Why not make it a destination vow renewal and take the family? Or go to a romantic spot with just two of you and the officiant, as there is no need for official witnesses. 
• You can choose anyone to preside over the ceremony. Since it's a public speaking role with no legal obligations, your officiant can be your local pastor, a longtime friend, your original best man or maid of honor, or a hired wedding professional. Even your children can take part in performing the ceremony.

How to Plan a Vow Renewal

There is no standard protocol for planning a vow renewal ceremony, so you’ll have lots of freedom to create a meaningful celebration. Here is a general planning guide.

Decide the details.

Whether at an international destination, a restaurant, or your home, your celebration can be as formal or informal as you’d like. While vow renewals are not a sacrament in organized religions, you may still want to hold it in a place of worship. Check with local churches or hire a nondenominational chapel. 

Hire a photographer and any other key vendors.

Just like you would for a wedding, it's important to determine which vendors you'll need when bringing your vow renewal to life; at the very least, you'll want a photographer there to capture every special moment. You should also consider whether or not you want to work with a wedding planner or coordinator, florist, musicians, and caterers, depending on how complex you want the celebration to be.

Choose a date and send invitations.

Once you select the location and date, send an invitation reflecting the tone and formality of the event. As vow renewals can be anything you want, your invitation will tell the guests what to expect and whether you are providing a meal, cocktail hour, or a champagne toast and cake.

Pick your outfit.

You don’t need a wedding dress, veil, or tux—wear what you want. That said if you'd like to get dressed up for the occasion that is perfectly fine, too. Whatever you choose, your outfit should reflect the formality of the event.

Meet with your officiant.

The officiant can deliver a welcome that outlines some of your married life experiences. You may have readings and well wishes from guests before you say your vows. Ideally, read your vows aloud to each other. Follow up with a blessing by the officiant, a big kiss, and walk out to “your song” to greet each guest personally.   

Sample Renewal Vows

You've built a life together, so there are no style guides—it’s your story. Consider affirming your original promises and include experiences or lessons learned during your marriage. You might speak to the hurdles you’ve overcome together, the joys in your lives, and how you’ll continue to support your beloved as you move through life side by side. To get you started, here are some examples:

“For much of my life, I dreamed about my wedding day. I thought about the person that would be standing beside me and what things would be like after that magical day had come and gone. I wondered if there was such a thing as a perfect, lasting union. Now, __ year(s) later, I know that we have a healthy and loving marriage. True love like this is rare and difficult to find, but I know that I have found it in you. In the time that we have been married, my life has changed because of you.”

“You have challenged me to do things that I didn't think possible. You have a passion for life that inspires me to be the best person I can be. Because of this, I find myself continuing to fall in love with you more deeply each day. You are my best friend, my confidant, and my one true love. Today, I want to thank you for loving me, unconditionally. I'll keep loving and supporting you and stand by your side no matter what challenges we face together. I still look forward to spending the rest of my life with you, and vow to continue loving you now, always, and forever.”

“__ year(s) ago, I took you as my husband/wife—knowing in my heart that you would be my faithful companion, my lifelong partner, and my one true love. As we stand before our loved ones [and God], I pledge to stay by your side as your wife/husband/partner, in sickness, in health, in joy and sorrow, through the good times and the bad. I vow, once more, to love you without reservation, to honor and respect you. I will continue to support you, protect you from harm, and to comfort you in times of distress.”

“With my whole heart, I promise to remain devoted to you, to continue to grow with you in mind and spirit, and to practice patience, kindness, and understanding. Once more, I vow to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”