Where romantic destinations are concerned, several come to mind, but not many locations rival the feeling of being somewhere tropical, such as Mexico and the Caribbean. These warm-weather places are filled with beautiful venues that cater to people of all ages. Planning a family event is just as effortless as having an intimate elopement-style vow renewal. So. whether you want a big bash or just a handful of loved ones at your vow renewal, here's what you need to know to plan a celebration so that you can say, "I do," again.

Why renew your vows?

It doesn't matter if you've been married five years or 50. Renewing your vows is a lovely way to show that they are still the one for you. Also, if you had a COVID elopement or micro-wedding, it makes sense to renew your vows in front of family and friends. Gathering loved ones together again after a long time apart while celebrating your commitment is a beautiful way to showcase your lasting love. And after the past couple of years, everyone deserves a reason to celebrate. 

Why plan a tropical vow renewal?

Vow renewals tend to be more relaxed than weddings. If you’ve been married a while, chances are that your families have already established relationships. So, head to a destination where everyone can get together and plan their vacation around your renewal. Of course, it's perfectly ok for just the two of you to head to Mexico or the Caribbean so that you can renew your vows and then spend a few days in paradise. You might just even want to bring the kids and grandparents together. 

Either way, you'll have gorgeous photos — yes, hire a photographer! — of you and your partner with a stunning backdrop. Also, most resorts have specific vow renewal packages that come with their own onsite wedding coordinator to assist you in pulling all the details together. 

They can help you plan from afar so that you have someone on the ground who can make your event come to life. The ease of selecting an experienced, established team can relieve your mind when having a vow renewal. 

FAQ About Planning a Vow Renewal at an All-Inclusive in Mexico or the Caribbean

Where should I plan a tropical vow renewal?

That's where we come in. When you talk to our team, we can help you choose which Caribbean island or area of Mexico will work best for your needs. Having someone to guide you through the process of choosing a destination will take a huge burden off of your plate. Once we help you narrow down a location, we can then recommend the perfect resort for you to plan a gorgeous renewal. We also make sure that all your guests have a seamless travel experience in the process so you can focus on just the two of you. 

What do I wear when renewing my vows?

The level of formality will dictate what you wear. An informal, daytime event on the beach may look a little different than an evening event on the pier of a luxe hotel. A good rule of thumb is to be dressier than your guests, but the rest is up to you. It's perfectly appropriate for ladies to wear white, although skip out on getting an actual wedding gown. Women can also simply wear a nice cocktail dress. Guys can wear anything from a casual suit  for an early event to full tux for a formal vow renewal in the evening. Take the opportunity to dress up. 

How do I plan my vow renewal?

A destination vow renewal in Mexico or the Caribbean is similar to planning a destination wedding. Start by thinking about the time of year you want to renew your vows and select a date or a timeframe. Most couples plan around their actual wedding date but you do not always have to be so traditional. You will also need to know the approximate number of guests you'd like to invite. Lastly, think about the style of your event, are you looking for a laid back brunch affair or a formal black tie event in a hotel ballroom. Most couples opt for bare feet in the sand or a gazebo or sky terrace over looking the water.

Choosing a resort that has a wedding team  will prove helpful, especially if you are inviting guests. Resorts have onsite wedding teams that make planning a lot easier. You may also work with your travel advisor and a local wedding planner to help you secure additional vendors not provided by the resort team. They usually have lists of preferred vendors they work with so you aren’t having to scroll Instagram looking for that DJ.  

There are a few ways that a vow renewal differs from a traditional wedding ceremony and reception when it comes to etiquette. A vow renewal tends to be a more intimate time, lending itself to a destination event because of the smaller guest list. Also, there's no need to have a bridal party, but you still have the freedom to exchange vows. Either recite your original vows or write new ones based on the time of life you're in currently.

How do I word my renewal invitations?

A vow renewal is a chance to be playful, so feel free to have fun with your invitations while still maintaining the level of formality your event requires. Here are a few fun samples of wording to use for renewing your vows. 

• After ten years, we still do

• Celeste and Ramon have decided that 20 years isn't enough.

• Still happily ever after

• Your presence is requested at the affirmation of the wedding vows of Katie and Sam.

• On June 16, 2023, we will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Come celebrate with us!

• Eight years and still going strong! We would love for you to celebrate with us at our vow renewal.

• We re-Do!

It's also essential to put who is hosting the event on the invitation. Quite often, the couple hosts, but sometimes the couple's children want to honor their parents and choose to be the host. 

Vow renewals aren't the time to expect gifts, so you can choose to indicate "no gifts, please" on the invitation. Some folks may still bring something, but let everyone know that gifts aren't the event's purpose — which is to celebrate your time together and commit to making the years to come the best ever.

 What is the Cost of a Vow Renewal?

Several all-inclusive resorts offer specific packages to fit what you are looking for and prices differ however for example: AMResorts Collections ( Dreams, Breathless, Secrets, Zoetry Resorts)  feature romantic dining, sparkling wine toast and breakfast in bed for $499. With that said, the package is complimentary when booking a minimum of 5 nights in a Club Category room or higher. It also includes a wedding coordinator, vow renewal ceremony, corsages and boutonniere for the wedding couple, sparkling wine toast, certificate, and full anniversary package that includes special spa discounts. This package is similar to what other all-inclusive resorts will include in their packages along with the price. For those wanting to have additional guests, you would pay an extra fee per person to add them to a package like this one.

Ready to book your vow renewal without a hitch, then get in touch with one of our team and schedule your consultation.

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.