7 Creative Ways to Renew Your Vows

Michael Hirshon Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Renewing wedding vows is a beautiful way to say, “Yes, I choose my spouse again and again, every single day,” says Debra Schildhouse, who has renewed vows with her husband, Howard

Schildhouse, twice already.

Debra and Howard, both 71, commemorated their 25th anniversary by renewing their vows in the Caribbean — and it was quite the party. “We celebrated by taking our children, Jill and David,

on a Caribbean cruise,” says Debra. “Other couples were celebrating their vow renewals too, so we all celebrated with our loved ones together in a large room with champagne and cake.”

To mark their 50th, they road-tripped to Draper, Utah (outside Salt Lake City), and exchanged vows under the shade of a park gazebo on the same date as their original wedding — with their

kids watching on Zoom.

Next up: their 75th, which they’ll celebrate June 16, 2049 — and they’re already talking about what to do. “Every 25 years ... perfect way to celebrate our continuing love with honor and

gratitude!” says Debra.

If you’re considering renewing your vows, here are some expert-recommended, fun and creative ways to say “I do” all over again.

You can re-propose, set a date and spend months planning the ultimate vow renewal. Or you can also do it on a whim. While on a trip with her husband and three teenage sons to hike in Moab

and Zion national parks, Kate Burke, 46, had plans to end the vacation poolside in Las Vegas. What she didn’t plan for was a vow renewal ceremony. But Vegas’ spirit of spontaneity moved her

husband, Ryan Burke, 48, to make a romantic gesture. “When discussing ideas for what to do and which shows to see, my husband suggested we renew our vows,” says Burke. The cost was around

$550, but that can vary depending on where you go and what you get.

“With its iconic charm, Vegas sets the stage for vow renewals that are effortless, unforgettable and completely unique,” says Elmer Turcios, media coordinator and photographer at The Little

Vegas Chapel.

Elvis performed the ceremony, including a serenade and some dancing. “The kids were definitely cringing, but they were laughing too and posed for the photos,” says Burke. The couple was

“married all over again” in the morning and back at their hotel pool by lunchtime.

It was Elvis for the Burkes. But for Shane Kramer, 47, and her husband Larry Kramer, 50, their vow renewal ceremony was officiated by a KISS frontman/singer Paul Stanley impersonator,

makeup and all. “We chose Paul Stanley because my husband has been a huge KISS fan for years,” says Shane, who reveals that they said “I do” again as “Forever” by KISS was played.

for a rockin' good vow renewal? Shane and Larry Kramer said "I do" all over again in Las Vegas with an impersonator of KISS co-frontman Paul Stanley as the officiant and “Forever” by the

band playing in the background. Courtesy The Kramers

Want everyone in on the fun? You and your guests get dressed up too, says Melody Willis-Williams, president of Wed Famously Chapels in Las Vegas.

“Whether it’s a fun play from the time period in which you were married, or if you have bonded over a favorite TV show, movie, music or book, then you could bring those characters into your

ceremony itself and have everyone dress up so it’s a fun, lighthearted and memorable experience.”