One of the greatest things about a vow renewal is how relaxed couples are. We’ve seen it so many times.
When you got married, you had all kinds of stress, and you were at a completely different stage of your life.
Maybe you had a courthouse wedding, or maybe you had a huge traditional wedding, complete with all the stress that comes with it.
Vow renewals, however, come at a time after you’ve spent meaningful years together. The stress you experienced with your wedding is totally different from the excitement you’ll feel having a destination vow renewal.
One example we like to give is that we see grooms wearing sunglasses at vow renewal ceremonies. That’s not something you see the first time around, haha.
Sunglasses aside, there are many differences in vow renewals compared to weddings. These may depend on why you’re having the vow renewal. Maybe it’s a milestone anniversary, or maybe you never had the wedding you hoped for. Regardless, our nearly 50 years of experience in the wedding industry have prepared us to help you plan your vow renewal.
Whether you’re celebrating two years together or 50, we’re here to help you plan. You could have a small, intimate beach wedding, or a larger group of family and friends, and we have the perfect option for you.
Check out our Oahu Vow Renewal Packages and our Outer Island Vow Renewal Packages.
What’s a Destination Vow Renewal — And Why Hawaii?
A destination vow renewal is exactly what it sounds like: renewing your wedding vows in a location away from home, somewhere that feels special enough to mark the occasion. But that simple definition undersells what the experience actually is.
At Weddings of Hawaii, we describe it to couples this way: your wedding was a beginning. A destination vow renewal is a celebration of everything that came after, and it’s a promise of what’s yet to come. A perfect moment for reflecting on the life you’ve built with the one you love.
You are not recreating your wedding day, of course. You are celebrating where you’re at right now, at this point in life.
How a Destination Vow Renewal Differs From a Destination Wedding
There are so many differences in a vow renewal ceremony compared to your first wedding ceremony.
- There’s no legal paperwork for a vow renewal
- You do not need a licensed officiant
- There’s less stress and less planning
- There are usually fewer guests
- Vows can take on a different meaning with all that you’ve been through and all you have still to come
The focus of a vow renewal is the two of you and the family you have built. No guest lists. No feeling of “we’ve never done this before.”
Why More Couples Choose Hawaii Over the Caribbean and Mexico
Hawaii’s popularity for weddings and vow renewals has a long history, and it’s always been a little less “packaged” than the Caribbean and Mexico. It’s not the “resort wedding” vibe that most vow renewal couples are after.
It’s a special day, in a special place, with the most special people in your world. That’s what Hawaii offers: a special, unique destination, with some of the most diverse and breathtakingly beautiful sites in the world.
Hawaii does offer the resort-style vow renewals, but you can do better than that, all for cheaper than you probably think.
And then there’s the practical advantage. Hawaii is a U.S. state, so there are no international travel concerns, no currency exchanges, no passport complications for guests, and no language barriers.
No Legal Paperwork Means Your Hawaii Vow Renewal Ceremony Is Easy
While there’s no legal paperwork for a vow renewal in Hawaii, there is one minor thing to consider. You do need a permit to hold a ceremony on a beach in Hawaii.
We are proud that there are no private beaches in the state. All beaches are open to the public, and many allow ceremonies. We’ve been handling the permits for our couples and finding the best beach since 1978, so you can trust us to take care of that minor detail.
Who Is a Destination Vow Renewal Actually For?
You might not even be legally married, yet you’re reading this because it still could apply to you. People think of vow renewal ceremonies for milestone dates, but there are several more reasons to have one.
Here are the most common reasons couples choose to renew their vows:
- A milestone anniversary — Celebrate those special years. We’ve seen five-year anniversaries, sometimes with toddlers in attendance, and we’ve seen 50-year anniversaries, complete with an army of grandchildren.
- You had a small wedding or courthouse wedding — Many couples get married for one reason or another, and then decide to have the wedding they really wanted a few years down the road.
- You’re reaffirming your commitment after hardship — If you’re navigating illness, loss, or a rough period in the marriage, and want to mark coming through it together.
- You want a second honeymoon with meaning — If you’re planning a trip and want to add meaning and maybe a little spark, a vow renewal can be the trick.
- You want to include people who missed the wedding — A vow renewal with just some close family who couldn’t attend can be a meaningful memory.
- Your original wedding wasn’t what you wanted — Our favorite example of this is a couple who got married in India, then had two weddings on the mainland, and then came to Hawaii to have the elopement they really wanted to have.
- You’re going through major life changes — You have a vow renewal because of a shift like becoming parents, surviving a health crisis, or relocating, which makes the original vows feel incomplete
- Just to celebrate — You don’t need a reason besides having a wonderful memory!
- Religious reasons — Maybe you had a religious ceremony, but always wanted that Hawaiian elopement feel.
- You want to spice up a family photo shoot — If you’re coming to Hawaii with the family and want some great photos, why not add a vow renewal ceremony to recommit your love story (and get great ceremony photos)
What’s the Right Hawaiian Island for Your Vow Renewal?
Hawaii is made up of four main islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and The Big Island. We think you should consider them in that order, but they’re all beautiful and have their own pros and cons.
Oahu — The Most Popular Island with Options Galore
Oahu is the most accessible and versatile, and it has the most to offer, making it the right choice for more vow-renewal couples than any other island. We are based on Oahu, and we know from our experience the wonderful options the island provides.
Oahu has the best infrastructure. It has the largest airport, the most flights, and the most accommodation options.
Most couples stay in the iconic Waikiki Beach area. The area is full of restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and activities. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, and the water is a clear, stunning blue.
However, most couples prefer a quieter beach or private venue for their vow renewal ceremony. We can definitely help with that.
If you plan on staying on Oahu’s famous North Shore, you’ll have fewer accommodation options, but you’ll find a quieter pace of life. We can help with North Shore vow renewals as well, so we’ve got you.
Oahu is always our first recommendation for your vow renewal celebrations. The island offers it all.
View Oahu Vow Renewal Packages
Maui, Kauai, and The Big Island
Also known as the “Outer Islands,” these three islands are listed in the order of their popularity. Maui is known for its beautiful beaches and resort-style vacation vibe. Kauai is known for its lush beauty and slower pace, and The Big Island is famous for its natural beauty and active volcanoes.
- Maui – perfect if you want a laid-back resort-style vacation. Slower pace than Oahu, but also fewer options for everything.
- Kauai – a smaller island, even quieter than Maui. Fewer beaches to choose from, but Kauai has a special country feel that’ll remind you of Oahu’s North Shore.
- The Big Island – Much bigger and spread out than any of the other Hawaiian Islands. Most couples here spend a lot of time at their hotel, and mix in some adventure trips.
View Outer Island Vow Renewal Packages
How to Choose Based on Vibe, Budget, and Guest Size
If you are still deciding, here’s a slightly different summary of the islands:
For large groups, maximum accessibility, the most to see and do, and best value, choose Oahu. For relaxing scenery and luxury, Maui. For a country vibe and true seclusion, Kauai. For geological wonder and volcano lovers, the Big Island.
If budget is a factor, definitely choose Oahu. All wedding industry costs are lower on Oahu as compared to the outer islands. You’ll find better savings with hotels, food, and activities as well.
Just remember this: there is no wrong answer. Every island is spectacular. And you can even do what many of our couples do: come to Oahu for your vow renewal ceremony, and then take a 30-minute flight to another island.
What to Expect From a Hawaii Destination Vow Renewal Package
Most couples who have a vow renewal prefer the convenience and stress-free experience of getting a vow renewal package.
The benefits of getting a vow renewal package:
- There are many companies with great reputations that make it easy for you (we’ve been around for almost 50 years!)
- Your package will include everything you need and want.
- You can customize your package to add all the little things that make your day truly special.
- You’ll have one contact to help you plan, rather than dealing with all the vendors.
Choosing a vow renewal package is definitely the way to go for convenience.
What’s Typically Included in Vow Renewal Packages (Ceremony, Florals, Officiant, Photography)
You’ll want the two core components for your vow renewal package: an officiant and photographer. While you could forgo the photographer, it’s rare that our couples don’t have a professional photographer there to capture the memories.
Some of the main components of your package could be:
Packages usually start with the officiant and increase to include more options. Our packages are meant to be inclusive of most of what you could want, and we offer add-ons for more. For example, you could choose any of our packages and add a bouquet to it. Or you could add hair and makeup. Our experience has taught us how to offer everything you could need.
How Much Does a Destination Vow Renewal in Hawaii Really Cost?
A Hawaii vow renewal can cost as little as $395 and go as high as you want. Our vow renewal packages range from $395 to $8995. A simple beach elopement can be quite affordable. Adding more bells and wistles to your day and choosing a private venue will increase the cost, but it is overall very affordable to have a vow renewal in Hawaii.
Travel costs can vary as well. Some couples get a modest hotel and stick with all the free activities Hawaii provides. Other couples splurge on an oceanfront suite and fine dining most nights. The choice is yours.
Step-by-Step on How to Plan Your Destination Vow Renewal in Hawaii
Our couples find the planning process for their vow renewal simpler than they expected. Our motto has long been “Just get dressed, and we’ll do the rest.” However, you do have to make some decisions with the planning.
Step 1: Choose Your Wedding Package and Ceremony Location
Once you’ve chosen Hawaii as the perfect destination for your vow renewal, you’ll want to pick a package and location for your special day.
For example, a couple coming to Oahu would start here:
- Oahu locations – choose a public or private venue
- Oahu vow renewal packages – choose a package that you feel is right for you, and remember, you can always upgrade or downgrade your package. We can also help you customize the package so it’s perfect for you.
Step 2: Plan Your Travel
With an endless number of hotels and activities, the hard part will be deciding which hotel to choose and what activities you’ll want to enjoy while in Hawaii. Most importantly, you’ll want to get that flight and hotel booked. You can always get last-minute accommodations, so you don’t have to worry about not finding a hotel, but it’s best to narrow it down early.
Step 3: Create Your To-Do List
A few ideas to consider when making your list:
- Package add-ons (flowers, videography, etc.)
- Dinner reservations for your vow renewal celebrations
- Vow renewal attire – what will you wear?
- Guest list, if you plan to invite guests
- Vows – will you write personal vows to each other?
Having lists is one way to stay organized and know what you have to take care of before your trip. Once you arrive in Hawaii, you’ll be ready to go!
Step 4: Plan Your Activities Around Your Renewal
There’s a lot to see and do in Hawaii, and you’ll want to make the most of your time here. One thing to consider, though, is the sun. You’ll want to avoid a sunburn at all costs, especially on your face and shoulders.
Plan your activities accordingly, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen and cover up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Vow Renewals in Hawaii
Nope. Wedding vow renewal ceremonies have no legal requirements in Hawaii or anywhere else. Since you’re already married, there is no license to apply for and no paperwork to file.
Our vow renewal packages range from $395 to $8995. You would need to add the cost of your celebration dinner, which most couples do at a restaurant. Travel and accommodations are also separate. At Weddings of Hawaii, we offer tiered destination vow renewal packages and always walk couples through a clear, complete cost picture upfront.
Oahu is our top choice. It has the most options for vow renewals, hotels, activities, and it’s the easiest logistically. Maui suits couples who want a resort vibe. Kauai is ideal for that country feel and natural beauty. The Big Island works well for couples wanting a resort vacation.
We’ve done a ton of last-minute vow renewals, but planning four to six months in advance is a good idea. If you’re inviting guests, the earlier the better, so they have time to save and plan.
Yes, of course, and many couples prefer it. Sometimes you want to celebrate with a group, but many couples just want the special moment between the two of them. At Weddings of Hawaii, some of the most memorable renewals we have been part of had no guests at all.
A vow renewal is a ceremony for a married couple to reaffirm their commitment. It requires no license and has no formal requirements. A wedding requires a marriage license and is a legal moment.
Legally, no. Anyone can lead a vow renewal. We’ve seen them officiated by the couple’s children, friends, or other family members. Most couples still choose an experienced officiant because it adds structure, and a good officiant knows how to lead the couple through better.
There are no rules, especially in Hawaii. The bride can wear the dress of her choice. Light and airy is perfect for Hawaii, but suits and tuxes look great for the guys. The choice is yours, and it should reflect the vibe you’re going for. Read more about what to wear to a Hawaii wedding.
Most renewal ceremonies last between 15 and 20 minutes. Couples who include personal vows, readings, or live music will have longer ceremonies. If you’re having a family member or friend perform the ceremony, those are usually shorter.
Yes. Hawaii’s beaches are public, but there are some beaches that do not allow commercial activity, including vow renewals. Beaches that allow ceremonies charge a small State of Hawaii permit fee, which we help you obtain.
Ready to Renew Your Vows in Hawaii?
Planning a destination vow renewal is such a meaningful and important moment for so many couples.
At Weddings of Hawaii, we have been coordinating vow renewals since 1978. That’s nearly five decades of sunrise ceremonies, private beach renewals, multi-generational celebrations, and quiet moments between two people recommitting to each other with the Pacific as their witness. We are here to help you create your special moment.
When you’re ready to start planning your destination vow renewal in Hawaii, we would love to hear about what you have in mind. From intimate ceremonies to large parties, we can help you have an extraordinary day!
Reach out to us to begin planning your ceremony. We have been doing this since before most of our competitors existed, and there is no place on earth we would rather do it.
