Post Elopement

10 Vow Renewal Ideas That’ll Inspire You

Elopements have become an increasingly popular way to get married. What happens, however, for couples who are already married? Vow renewals are also popular here at Wandering Weddings, and this inspiration will give you a first-hand experience of how simple vow renewal ideas you can easily recreate.

Renewing your vows is a beautiful way to celebrate your love and commitment. Whether you’re honoring a milestone anniversary or simply want to relive the magic of your wedding day, a vow renewal can be as unique as your love story.

Here are some inspiring ideas to help you plan an unforgettable adventure vow renewal.

1. Renew Your Vows at Sunrise or Sunset

Choose a scenic location, like a mountaintop, beach, or desert, and exchange vows during golden hour. The soft light and quiet atmosphere create an intimate and romantic moment you’ll never forget.

2. Take a Hike to a Hidden Gem

For couples who love the outdoors, plan a hike to a secluded waterfall, alpine lake, or scenic overlook. Keep your vow renewal simple with just the two of you or bring a small group of loved ones to share the moment.

3. Plan a Destination Vow Renewal

Pick a dream destination to revisit or explore together. Whether it’s the cliffs of Ireland, the rolling hills of Tuscany, or the fjords of Norway, renewing your vows in a stunning location adds a sense of adventure to your day.

4. Celebrate on the Water

Say your vows on a boat, canoe, or kayak. Whether it’s a serene mountain lake, a quiet river, or the open ocean, being on the water adds a peaceful and unique element to your celebration.

5. Host a Cozy Campfire Ceremony

Keep things simple and relaxed with a vow renewal by the fire. This is a perfect idea for nature lovers who want to keep the vibe intimate and casual. Toast marshmallows, share stories, and reflect on your journey together.

6. Embrace the Season

Incorporate the beauty of the season into your renewal. Exchange vows in a snow-covered forest, a field of wildflowers, or surrounded by autumn leaves. The natural elements will enhance the magic of the moment.

7. Include Your Favorite Activities

Plan your day around activities you love as a couple. Go paddleboarding, horseback riding, or rock climbing, and exchange vows at the perfect moment during your adventure.

8. Capture the Moment with a Photographer

Hire a professional photographer who specializes in adventure weddings and vow renewals. They’ll capture all the candid moments and stunning scenery, ensuring you have memories to treasure forever.

9. Keep it Personal

Incorporate details that reflect your journey together. Write your own heartfelt vows, bring a meaningful keepsake from your wedding day, or wear something that has sentimental value.

10. Celebrate with a Picnic or Intimate Dinner

After your ceremony, enjoy a picnic with your favorite snacks and drinks, or plan a private dinner under the stars. It’s a sweet way to savor the day and celebrate your love.

Your vow renewal is a chance to focus on what matters most to you as a couple. Whether you’re dreaming of a big adventure or an intimate celebration, make the day uniquely yours. This is your moment to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the love you’ve built together.

How to Prepare for a Vow Renewal Ceremony

If you want to plan an adventurous vow renewal, we have realized that the planning process isn’t too different from an elopement. Just like an elopement, Tiffany suggests keeping the weather in mind and packing accordingly. 

Our team thinks It’s also a good idea to have a plan B, but we also love it when couples embrace mother nature’s mood swings. There is always a solution, so our biggest advice is to never freak out. If it looks like it’s going to rain, maybe try embracing it or bringing an umbrella to share. The important thing is for the couple to have fun!

“I would make sure the crew they hire to document the day is fully prepared to embark on the adventure you plan to set out for. It was interesting carrying all our gear up a boulder, down narrows paths as we hiked and traveled through the mountain, but we knew this ahead of time. Thus, we really downsized our equipment and only brought what we thought was necessary.” [Tiffany]

When to Renew Vows

We get this question a lot, so we decided to ask Tiffany. When should I renew my wedding vows? Tiffany tells us she has realized that couples want to renew their vows after something significant has happened in their lives. There are also no set rules or guidelines as to when you should or shouldn’t renew your wedding vows.

“Whether that be one year, five years, or even a month after they’ve originally gotten married. Something in their life has changed or happened, and they want to celebrate the fact they are still heavily in love, and that they made it through together. What better way to document the times then to profess their love to one another in a vow renewal?” [Tiffany]

Despite what traditions may dictate, you can renew your vows whenever and however, you both want to. 

How to Renew Vows

vow renewal ceremony

If you are thinking about having an adventure together and renewing your vows, then just go for it! When a couple decides to renew their vows, they both want to remind each other of the promises they once made and set new goals and promises to accomplish. Some couples also want to renew their vows to celebrate their relationships, no matter how long they have been married. 

Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Decide what you both want to do and where you are going to renew your vows. Our best places to elope list provides some pretty epic locations to choose from.
  2. Pick out a vow renewal dress. We love these nontraditional and colored wedding dresses, or you can wear your original wedding dress.
  3. Pick your vendors and style your special day. We love how simple these two kept their vow renewal incorporating a beautiful bouquet and hiking boots. 
  4. Write Your Vow Renewals!

“When writing your story, and adding new chapters, don’t worry about the small things. Don’t put too much thought on being correct, or making sure everything’s perfect. When you love deeply, when you allow yourself to be present for both the small moments and the big ones, and when you give without expecting anything in return, everything else just falls in place. Your story is unique and doesn’t look like anyone else’s, so don’t compare it to anything.” [Tiffany]

How to Write Vow Renewals

vow renewal on scrolls

We have previously talked about how to write wedding vows, so it’s not surprising if you are wondering how to write vow renewals. From our experience, both are similar, but vow renewals touch more upon how far you both have come from your wedding day. 

The couple in this simple vow renewal adventure had their vows written on scrolls. 

“They never heard or read each other’s vows until the actual vow renewal. As they read them to each other, you can just see the emotion between the two. It was like they were just there alone on the shore of a lake with no one else.” [Tiffany]

Wedding Renewal Vow Examples

To get a better idea of where you should start in your vow renewals, check out excerpts from the couple during this romantic vow renewal: 

 Sarah’s Vow Renewal Example:

“Three years ago I met you, and a year and a half ago I married you. I still can’t believe somebody so perfect for me exists in this world. Me, the ultimate planner, who wants to have everything figured out, had all her plans rocked the moment I met you. Because I knew you were worth changing my plans over. I knew it when I first met you and I know it even stronger now, that I want to share my whole life with you, and I’m thankful for a husband that desires to squeeze the most out of life, who is down to evolve his dreams, no matter how wild, into reality.

I am proud of the way you have dove into running your own business. I’m thankful for a husband who sees the beauty in others – who advocates for and is a friend to the outcasts. I’m thankful for a husband who chooses God as his cornerstone and strength, who has a steadfast faith and a soft heart along with his grit. And I’m Thankful for a husband who chooses to love me even when I’m unlovable and don’t deserve it. True love is sacrificial, and my heart has grown softer to you every time I’ve experienced sacrificial love, and I promise to always love you till my last day on this earth. I promise to never ever give up on you, no matter how hard life gets. I look forward to growing old and sharing my whole life with you Damon.”

Damon’s Vow Renewal Example: 

 “The best years of my life started when we said, ‘I do’. I’ve grown so fond of your laughter and smile. We were so in love, so quickly, and that hasn’t changed a bit. I’m so happy to call you my wife.

Our life together continues to evolve and change as we grow together. As I continue to learn more about you I fall even deeper in love with you.What an incredible woman of God you are. I’m marveled by your faith in Jesus. I’m continuously amazed by your beauty. How witty and silly you can be. Unmatched strength and courage.

I vow to make you better meals… I vow to be there for you in the tough and good times… I vow to listen to you when have a lot on your mind… I vow to be a source of reason… I vow to continue learning about you…

I vow to have your back… I vow to encourage you… I vow to support your dreams and aspirations… I vow to be your forever adventure partner… I vow to be the best husband I can be… I vow to love you all of my days… I love you so much.” 

All Vendors in This Vow Renewal Inspiration

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