This blog post was inspired by the vow renewal that I photographed last year for my best friend, Tida, and her husband, Collin! They’ve been married for 5 years and although we hadn’t met yet at the time they got married, Tida always tells me that she loved her wedding day, that it truly was the best day ever, and that she wouldn’t change a thing — and I think that’s exactly how everyone should feel about their wedding day!

One thing that we talked about though, was the idea of doing more photos in their traditional Cambodian outfits, somewhere more outdoorsy because at the time they got married that’s something that wasn’t super common to see — but if it was, they would have totally done that too!

So that’s how the idea of doing a vow renewal came up. Tida and Collin got back into one of their favorite outfits from their wedding day (one that Tida designed herself!) and they re-read their vows to each other and took photos in a beautiful location right by the ocean. It was so special to photograph my best friend, incorporating a special part of her culture, and of course being able to give them photos that represent this stage of their relationship!

Even though I’ve been photographing couples for years now and vow renewals are so similar to elopements (which is what I specialize in), this was the first vow renewal I’ve done and I really just want to inspire more couples to do them! I feel like engagement and wedding photos get a lot of hype, because obviously those represent really significant milestones in a relationship, but celebrating each other and documenting your life even after you’re married is just as important! A vow renewal is a great way to do this — read through the sections below to learn more.

Destination Vow Renewal at Coastal Location | A guide to vow renewals from an elopement photographer

What is a vow renewal?

A vow renewal is a ceremony where a married couple reaffirms their commitment to each other by reading their original vows again or sharing new ones.

Why have a vow renewal?

After you get married, you and your partner will continue to grow as a couple, strengthen your relationship, and maybe even experience hardships together. A vow renewal is an opportunity to honor everything you’ve been through, reflect on the commitments you made when you got married, and make new promises to each other based on what you’ve learned over the years and the people you’ve grown to become.

Vow renewals can also be an opportunity to celebrate your marriage with a completely different type of experience than you had on your wedding day. As an elopement photographer, I hear from a lot of couples who had larger, traditional weddings that they wish they would have done something more intimate, adventurous, or chosen a different destination. If that’s you, then a vow renewal is a chance to do that now! I’ve also heard stories about couples who didn’t really love their wedding photos or maybe didn’t even get professional photos taken at all — doing a vow renewal is a way to get those photos that you’ve always dreamed of!

When do you have a vow renewal?

A lot of people choose to do their vow renewals on (or around) “big” anniversaries like 5, 10, 15 years, etc. but you can do one whenever you want! One couple may go all out for a big wedding and not feel ready for a vow renewal for 10+ years and another couple may only wait a year or two. It really just depends on what feels right to you.

Do you need an officiant for a vow renewal?

You can if you want, but since you’re already married, you don’t legally need an officiant. I personally recommend keeping your ceremony intimate and going without one.

Do you invite guests to a vow renewal?

Again, you can if you want, depending on the type of experience you’re looking for. As an elopement photographer, I recommend taking this opportunity to spend quality time as a couple and focus the day on the two of you! If you choose to invite guests, it’s likely going to feel like planning a whole wedding all over again.

What does a vow renewal ceremony involve?

You can keep it simple and just read your vows or you can exchange rings again — either your original bands or new ones. Or you can choose to exchange something else, like a different kind of jewelry or another type of gift. And of course, a kiss! Although not technically required, I think it feels natural for most couples to kiss or embrace to conclude the ceremony. After that, it’s up to you!

What do you wear for a vow renewal?

Whatever you want! You can put your original wedding outfits back on if you still love them and they still fit, or you can pick out something new that reflects your current style. You can still go with a wedding look and do a white dress or a suit or do something more unique and fun. There are no rules here!

How do you plan a vow renewal?

Planning a vow renewal is a lot like planning an elopement, but without the legal paperwork. I recommend working closely with a photographer to create a fun and unique experience in an amazing destination — and of course, have it documented!

How can we honor our original wedding at our vow renewal?

Your vow renewal can be a completely new experience if you want, but honoring your original wedding in some way could be really meaningful. Here are some ideas on how to do this:

re-read your original vows
wear your original outfits or incorporate other original details from your attire, like your earrings, shoes, or things as simple as your perfume or nail color.
set aside time in the morning or evening to re-watch your wedding video or flip through your wedding album
listen to your first dance song again
recreate your favorite wedding photos
have your wedding dessert again or a favorite dish from your wedding meal

Why hire me for your vow renewal?

As an elopement photographer, helping couples celebrate their relationship with a meaningful experience is at the heart of what I do! Vow renewals are no different! You just happen to have a few years of marriage under your belt already this time around. Working with me means getting a personalized experience, lots of assistance and resources throughout the planning process, and a photographer who feels like a friend hanging out with you on the day of.