Whether you’ve been married for three years or 30, the act of renewing your wedding vows with your partner is a ceremonial celebration that signifies a new beginning or a recommitment to the vows you took together. Beyond that, the vow renewal ceremony often gives couples the opportunity to create the dream wedding they wished they’d had the first time around but were unable to.
One of the best aspects of planning a vow renewal ceremony is that anything goes. If you don’t want to renew your vows in a church, you don’t have to. If you want a big reception, you’re welcome to plan one. While planning your vow renewal ceremony, here are a few do’s and don’ts to consider.
Do Take the Opportunity to Make Your Vow Renewal Ceremony Exactly How You Want It
Suppose you were very young when you and your spouse married and there wasn’t enough money to incorporate all of your wishes into your special day. Now, you’re older and more financially settled. Don’t pass up the chance to do things the way you want to for your vow renewal. Many couples choose to exchange a new set of rings during their ceremony, while others choose a destination vow renewal and combine the ceremony with a vacation among family and friends.
Whatever your vision is for your ceremony, let that vision guide you as you begin organizing the details for your ceremony. Many couples find that having an event planner is a great way to ensure that no detail is forgotten, especially when including friends and family in the celebration.
Don’t Have a Parent Walk You Down the Aisle (Unless You Want Them To)
Vow renewals don’t play by the same set of rules as weddings do. Weddings tend to be steeped in cultural traditions, such as the bride wearing white and her father walking her down the aisle. While some people include the father-daughter aisle walk as a feature of their ceremony, many couples who are renewing their vows choose to walk down the aisle together, or even approach each other from opposite sides of the room.
Another unique aspect of vow renewals is the option to wear or repurpose the original wedding dress, allowing brides to relive the excitement of their original wedding day while adding a modern twist.
Another wedding expectation that isn’t necessary for a vow renewal is to have a wedding party. However, couples with children often choose to have their kids stand alongside them through the ceremony. Additionally, inviting the original bridal party to the vow renewal ceremony can add a nostalgic touch, helping to reminisce and relight the flame. One of the special things about vow renewal ceremonies is the freedom from traditions and the ability for couples to make their own statement.
Do Ask a Friend or Family Member to Officiate the Ceremony
While some couples view the renewal of vows as something private between the two of them, many others regard the marriage vow renewal as a reason to bring all of their family and friends together to celebrate. Regardless of how large or small your guest list is for your vow renewal, you will need someone to officiate the ceremony. Again, since you don’t have to follow wedding traditions, your officiant doesn’t have to be a minister, priest, or judge. It is important to carefully plan and send out vow renewal invitations to reflect the seriousness of the event.
Couples often ask a trusted friend or beloved family member to officiate the ceremony. Others may even ask their adult children to be their officiants. It is important that you guide the person you ask to do this honor to understand exactly what their responsibilities are in order to give them the opportunity to prepare beforehand. Following vow renewal etiquette, such as guiding the officiant on their responsibilities, is crucial for a smooth ceremony.
Don’t Worry About Booking the Church or Getting a License
When people get married in the U.S., they must first obtain a marriage license from their vital records office. They must have witnesses and an officiant to sign the license indicating that the marriage did occur. A marriage license is only available for those who are of legal age (or have parental consent if under 18) and are not married to someone else.
Marriage vow renewals are not official marriages, as the couple is already married to each other. Therefore, there is no need to get a new marriage license in order to renew your vows, and there are no tax implications for doing so. The purpose of renewing vows is not to create a new union but to celebrate or recommit to the union you already enjoy.
Likewise, most couples find that they do not have a lot of religious or cultural expectations placed on their vow renewal. If you don’t want to renew your vows in a church, you don’t have to. It’s completely up to you and your spouse. The vow renewal can be just as significant as the original wedding day, allowing you to relive those cherished memories.
Why Do People Renew Wedding Vows?
Renewing wedding vows is a meaningful and deeply personal experience that many couples choose to celebrate at various points in their marriage. While the reasons vary from couple to couple, a vow renewal is often a reflection of love, commitment, and the journey two people have shared. Whether marking a significant milestone, overcoming a challenge, or simply wanting to celebrate their relationship in a unique way, couples find that renewing their vows allows them to reaffirm their love in a way that resonates with their current stage of life.
Celebrating a Marriage Milestone
One of the most common reasons couples renew their wedding vows is to commemorate a special anniversary. A 10-year, 25-year, or even 50-year wedding anniversary is an incredible achievement, and a vow renewal ceremony is a perfect way to celebrate that journey. It allows couples to look back on the years they’ve spent together, reflect on their growth, and recognize the love that has strengthened over time. Unlike the original wedding day, which may have been filled with stress and expectations, a vow renewal is often a more relaxed and joyful celebration centered purely on love and appreciation.
Making Up for a Simple or Rushed Wedding
Not all weddings go as planned, and some couples may have had a simple or courthouse wedding due to financial constraints, family circumstances, or military service. A vow renewal gives them the chance to experience the dream wedding they never had. Whether it’s a lavish lakeside celebration, a destination renewal, or an intimate backyard gathering, the ceremony becomes an opportunity to design a wedding-like event that reflects their style, vision, and personality.
Reaffirming Commitment After a Difficult Period
Marriages, like all relationships, face challenges. Some couples choose to renew their vows after overcoming obstacles such as serious illness, job loss, long-distance separation, or relationship struggles. A vow renewal can serve as a fresh start, a way of saying, “We’ve been through so much, and we’re still standing together.” It becomes a powerful statement of resilience, love, and dedication to one another.
Including Children and Family in the Celebration
For couples who have started a family after their wedding, a vow renewal provides a chance to involve their children in the ceremony. Children may take part by walking down the aisle, reading a meaningful passage, or even acting as officiants. It’s a beautiful way to show them what love and commitment look like, and it allows the whole family to be part of the love story. For couples whose original wedding was small or elopement-style, a vow renewal is also an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends who may not have been present the first time.
A Unique and Personal Expression of Love
A vow renewal doesn’t come with the same set of traditions and expectations as a wedding, allowing couples to personalize the experience however they choose. Some opt for a grand celebration with a full reception, while others prefer an intimate lakeside exchange of vows. There are no rules—just a heartfelt celebration of love. It can be a chance to write new vows that reflect who you are today, incorporate shared interests, or simply take a quiet moment together to say, “I’d choose you all over again.”
No matter the reason, renewing your wedding vows is a beautiful way to honor the love you share. It’s a celebration of the past, a commitment to the future, and a reminder of the promises that brought you together in the first place.
When Should You Renew Your Vows?
Deciding when to renew your wedding vows is a deeply personal choice, and there is no single “right” time to do so. Some couples plan their vow renewal around significant anniversaries, while others choose to reaffirm their commitment after overcoming challenges or embarking on a new chapter together. Whether you are celebrating a milestone, rekindling your love, or simply fulfilling a long-held dream of a beautiful ceremony, a vow renewal is a meaningful way to celebrate your journey as a couple.
Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary
Many couples choose to renew their vows on a major anniversary—whether it’s their 10th, 25th, or even 50th. Milestone anniversaries serve as a perfect occasion to reflect on the love, growth, and memories you have built together over the years. A vow renewal can be a heartfelt way to mark the years of commitment and the experiences you’ve shared while looking forward to the future. It also offers an opportunity to involve family and friends who have been part of your journey, making the celebration even more special.
After Overcoming a Challenge
Marriage isn’t always smooth sailing, and many couples face hardships together, such as illness, financial struggles, or difficult life transitions. A vow renewal after overcoming a significant challenge can symbolize strength, perseverance, and a fresh start. This type of renewal serves as a reaffirmation of love and commitment, demonstrating that despite life’s obstacles, your bond has remained strong. It can also be a moment of healing and renewal, allowing you both to move forward with a sense of unity and purpose.
A New Chapter in Life
Some couples decide to renew their vows when they enter a new phase of life. This could be after retirement, when children leave the nest, or even after relocating to a new place. A vow renewal during these transitions can signify a renewed focus on your relationship as you embark on a new journey together. It can also be an opportunity to reimagine your wedding celebration in a way that truly reflects who you are as a couple today.
Making Up for a Missed Dream Wedding
Not everyone had the wedding they originally envisioned. Perhaps financial limitations, military deployment, or unforeseen circumstances led to a smaller or less traditional wedding than you had hoped for. A vow renewal allows you to create the wedding experience you always wanted. Whether that means a grand lakeside ceremony, a destination event, or an intimate gathering with close loved ones, this celebration is your chance to bring your dream wedding to life.
When It Just Feels Right
There doesn’t need to be a milestone or a specific reason to renew your vows—sometimes, it simply feels like the right time. If you and your spouse feel an overwhelming sense of love and appreciation for one another and want to commemorate it with a special celebration, then there’s no better reason. Love is worth celebrating at any stage, and a vow renewal can be a beautiful way to express your gratitude for your partner and your marriage.
Plan Your Dream Vow Renewal at Windows on the Water
No matter when you choose to renew your vows, Windows on the Water in New Jersey provides a stunning lakeside setting for your special day. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a lavish celebration, our venue offers breathtaking views and exceptional service to make your vow renewal unforgettable. Let our team help you create the celebration you’ve always dreamed of.
Consider Windows on the Water in New Jersey for Your Destination Vow Renewal Venue
If you’re planning to renew your wedding vows and are looking for a unique and beautiful space to have your ceremony, consider Windows on the Water in New Jersey. Our 86-acre resort provides the perfect backdrop for a renewal ceremony by the lake. We have enough space for you to host all of your guests, and our event planners will work with you to bring your vision to life. You can even host a grand and elaborate vow renewal party, including children, family, and original wedding party members.
There are several wedding packages available to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. We also provide services, including a meal of your choice for your guests and a dedicated staff determined to make sure that your and your guests’ needs are met. Some vow renewal packages may even include a wedding cake. To tour Windows on the Water and learn more about the services we can provide for your vow renewal ceremony, call us at (609) 208-9475 or send us a message online.