The Ultimate Guide to Vow Renewals

A vow renewal is a great way to display your commitment to your spouse and a great excuse to have a party with your loved ones! Whether you’ve been married for 50 years or are still a newlywed, you may be considering a ceremony to celebrate your love and devotion. We are here to help answer the questions you may have about the process and give you a few vows renewal ideas.

Why do couples renew their vows?

Vow renewals are a celebration of love, first and foremost. Many couples have a vow renewal ceremony for a major anniversary milestone, while others may use it as a way to signify a fresh start after a difficult phase of marriage or other life changes. Others, especially given the number of weddings that had to be drastically downsized in 2020 due to restrictions, may use a vow renewal ceremony as a way to celebrate their marriage with family and friends who may not have been able to attend the wedding.  

Do you need an officiant or a license for a vow renewal?

In short– NO. The original wedding ceremony is legally binding, which is why certain regulations must be followed. However, a vow renewal ceremony does not change the fact that you are already married to your spouse. Because it is not a legal ceremony, you can choose anybody you want to be the master of the ceremony. Some couples opt for the traditional pastor to speak, but many have a mentor, friend, or family member do the honors!

What happens at a vow renewal ceremony?

Much like at a wedding, a vow renewal usually has a speaker to lead the ceremony. The couple will exchange vows, music will likely be played, and people close to the couple may give a speech about their relationship. Oftentimes, a reception will follow for the husband and wife to celebrate their revitalized promises to each other with their loved ones. Having a photographer there to capture the moment is important. Here is a list of some well-loved photographers in the Birmingham, Alabama, area that would be sure to get photos of the memories that will last a lifetime.

How to plan a vow renewal ceremony

The first step to planning a vow renewal ceremony is to decide who you want to celebrate the occasion with, because your guest list may determine the best location for the event. Finding the perfect venue and booking any vendors that you need is next. Deciding on a caterer for food, cake, and alcohol, booking a band or DJ, finding a florist, and locating a photographer are all options for you to consider when planning your vow renewal. Choosing a date for the celebration is also an important step. While a Saturday ceremony may seem like the traditional choice, there are many reasons to consider branching out and choosing a Sunday brunch or Friday evening event, including the cost and availability of your preferred vendors. Of course, choosing an outfit to wear on the big day is also of utmost importance!

Ideas on simple vows

A vow renewal ceremony is a chance for the couple to look back on memories they’ve made together, acknowledge the growth they have made, and look forward to what the future holds. You may choose to reword the vows you made on your wedding day, promising to continue to love and cherish each other through the good times and the bad. Vow renewals do not have to be poetic or perfectly worded, they are just about speaking from the heart and showing how much you are looking forward to spending the rest of your life alongside your partner.