Why (and How) you Ought to Renew Your Vows
An overview of the purpose of vow renewals, and how and why your ought to do one (or many)!
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What is a Vow Renewal and What is its Purpose?
A vow renewal is exactly what it sounds like– a celebratory ceremony in which couples renew their love, commitment, and dedication to one another. Oftentimes, people choose to renew their vows on major milestone anniversaries like a 5th, 10th, or 25th wedding anniversary or after surmounting an obstacle together, but in truth, you can reaffirm your bond in this fashion any time you feel called to do so. It is, in essence, a re-anchoring of your earlier promises to one another and a vision of hope and joyous anticipation for the future.
Renewing your vows is also a beautiful way to bridge the past and the present, especially if your original wedding photos didn’t capture the magic of your day or you didn’t have the experience you hoped for. This is your chance to rewrite that chapter and create a collection of meaningful, joy-filled images that reflect the love and journey you’ve shared since then—a do-over that truly feels like you.
A Guide to Renewing Your Vows
There are no rules!
One of the joys of renewing your vows is that there are no rules. You can do it alone, with no guests in attendance, or gather in front of a large group of those near and dear. You can include an officiant, but you certainly don’t need to. You can keep it solemn and serene, or you can make it a grand celebration. You are free to do whatever you please; you are not bound whatsoever by the traditions or expectations of a wedding.
Let it be a Reflection of Your Life Together
Many couples choose to recommit to one another after overcoming a hardship, reaching a milestone (anniversary or otherwise), or other major life events. Let your ceremony (and the vows you recite to one another) reflect the journey you have shared together during your marriage. Include what you have learned from one another, how you have changed, what dreams you hold for the future…
Include Children, Pets, and Friends and Family
If you have created a family that includes pets and children, including them in your vow renewal is incredibly meaningful and endearing. Likewise, this ceremony is an opportunity to include family and friends who were not in attendance at your nuptials. Perhaps you eloped? Or couldn’t afford the big party you wanted when you first got married? Now is the time to gather those friends and celebrate! And without all the added pressure of a wedding.
Embrace Spontaneity
Maybe you already had the big, customary wedding and it wasn’t really what you desired in your heart of hearts. Perhaps you secretly had wanted to elope, or feast and fete at some far-flung locale. Now is your chance! Reaffirm your love in a big way and plan a trip or adventure that’s been on your bucket list. Check out these 101 unique elopement ideas to find the perfect adventure for your vow renewal.
When you are ready to plan your vow renewal, reach out to me. I can help you plan one tailored to your exact vision for the day, and of course, be there to document each sweet second.
Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?
Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Realm Studios)
Find out how I can help make that happen!
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer, that’s great!
You can do that by filling out the form below, by emailing me directly at andrea@andreaengerphotography.com, or by calling/texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!