How to Plan a Wedding Vow Renewal

Short answer: Start planning 3 to 6 months before your date, send invites 4 to 6 weeks out, and keep the day-of timeline relaxed. Vow renewals work best when you focus on what matters: your story, your people, and capturing the moment.

• Pick a milestone that feels meaningful (5, 10, 25, 50 years, or any time that makes sense for you)
• Invite whoever feels like part of your story now
• Dress code is flexible, so match your outfit to the vibe
• Keep the ceremony short and the celebration long

When to Renew Your Vows

You can renew vows whenever it feels right, but certain milestones hit differently:

5 years: You have survived the “newlywed adjustment period” and have real history together. A casual backyard renewal with close friends works perfectly here.

10 years: You have probably been through career changes, maybe kids, maybe a move or two. This is a great moment to write deeper, more reflective vows.

15 years: Less common, which makes it feel personal and unique. Think cozy dinner party with a short ceremony beforehand.

20 years: Two decades is a big deal. Many couples use this as an excuse for a destination weekend or a larger party.

25 years (Silver): This is the classic renewal milestone. Families often expect a celebration, and many couples go for a “mini wedding” vibe with a ceremony and reception.

50 years (Golden): Often hosted by children or grandchildren as a tribute. The focus shifts toward gratitude, legacy, and family.

You can also renew after a tough year, an illness, or any challenge you have overcome together. These are often the most meaningful celebrations of all.

Your Planning Timeline

Good news: you do not need a year of stress. Vow renewals are simpler than weddings.

For a small gathering (under 30 guests): Start planning 3 to 4 months out. Book your officiant (or ask a friend), a photographer, any rentals, and sort out a backup weather plan.

For a medium event (30 to 75 guests): Give yourself 6 to 9 months. You will need to book a venue, caterer, photographer, and any entertainment.

For a destination or large celebration: Plan 9 to 12 months ahead so guests can arrange travel.

When to Send Invitations

Keep it simpler than your original wedding:

• Local, small event: Send invites 4 to 6 weeks before
• Larger local event: Send a save-the-date 2 to 3 months out, then formal invites 6 to 8 weeks before
• Destination event: Save-the-dates 6 to 9 months out, detailed invites 3 to 4 months before

Make it clear on the invitation that this is a vow renewal. It helps guests understand the vibe and that gifts are not expected.

Day-of Timeline

Here is a relaxed schedule for a late afternoon renewal. Feel free to use our Wedding Day Timeline Builder to customize yours:

• 3:00 pm: Final setup, first-look photos while everything is fresh
• 4:00 pm: Guests arrive and mingle with light drinks
• 4:30 pm: Ceremony (15 to 20 minutes)
• 5:00 pm: Group photos and a few more couple portraits
• 5:30 pm: Dinner, buffet, or food trucks
• 6:30 pm: Toasts and stories from friends and family
• 7:00 pm: Dancing, lawn games, or just a chill hang

The point is a relaxed flow, not a production schedule.

Who to Invite

There are no strict rules here. Invite whoever feels like part of your story now.

Intimate celebration ideas:

• Just the two of you plus an officiant and photographer
• Immediate family only
• Your kids and one or two close friends

Larger celebration ideas:

• Close family and your current tight circle of friends
• People who have supported your relationship over the years
• For milestone years, include more extended family

You do not have to invite everyone who came to your original wedding. Focus on the people who matter to your life right now.

What to Wear

The couple gets to call the shots. There are no rules here.

For the couple:

• White, a wedding dress, or a suit if that feels joyful
• A chic cocktail dress or jumpsuit for something more modern
• Something colorful if that feels more “you” now than your wedding look did

For guests:

• Casual renewal: Dressy casual, garden party chic, or beach festive
• Elevated event: Cocktail attire or semi-formal

Be explicit on the invite so guests know what to expect: “We are keeping it relaxed, so no tuxes or gowns needed.”

Where to Host

Pick a place that feels like your love story:

• Backyard or family home: Cozy, personal, budget-friendly
• Beach or lakeside: Perfect for barefoot ceremonies and sunset photos
• Restaurant or private dining room: Minimal setup, great food, straight into celebration mode
• Vacation rental or cabin: Turn it into a weekend with a small group
• A meaningful location: Where you met, got engaged, or had your first date

Whatever you choose, think about where guests can gather, hear your vows, and easily share photos from the day.

Quick Etiquette Notes

A few things that are different from a wedding:

Gifts: Guests are not expected to bring gifts. If people ask, say “Your presence is the gift.” Put “No gifts, please” on your invite if you want to be clear.

Officiant: Since you are already legally married, your officiant can be a friend, family member, or even one of your kids.

Walking in: Many couples walk in together as a symbol of their partnership. Or skip the processional entirely and gather everyone in a circle.

Photos: Let guests know you would love them to capture the fun. A shared photo collection makes it easy to gather everyone’s perspectives in one place.

Make It Your Own

The best part of a vow renewal is that there are no rules. You already did the “official” thing. This time, it is just about celebrating how far you have come, with the people who matter most, in whatever way feels right.