9 Essential Things to Know Before Planning a Destination Vow Renewal

A destination vow renewal can transform your celebration into an unforgettable adventure. Whether it’s on a beach, in the mountains, or in a foreign country, the excitement of renewing your vows in a special location adds a magical touch. However, planning a destination vow renewal comes with unique challenges that are important to consider. Here are the 9 essential things you need to know before saying “I Do Still” far from home.

1. Choose the Location that Reflects You as a Couple

When selecting your destination, choose a location that represents your personalities, interests, and shared experiences. Whether you love tropical getaways, snowy mountaintops, or vibrant cities, pick a spot that feels meaningful to both of you.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Location:

• • If you love beach vacations, consider a seaside resort.
  • If you’re passionate about history, cities like Rome or Paris might fit.
  • For nature lovers, destinations like the Swiss Alps or the Grand Canyon could be perfect.

Pro Tip: Don’t worry about what others think. It’s your day, so plan the kind of vow renewal that resonates with your unique relationship.

2. A Passport May Be Required—Plan Early

If you’re considering a vow renewal outside of your home country, passports are non-negotiable for both you and your guests. Make sure to notify your guests early enough so they have time to apply for or renew their passports.

Steps to Avoid Passport Delays:

• • Send out save-the-dates at least 9-12 months in advance, especially for international destinations.
  • Share resources on how to apply for or renew passports.
  • Encourage guests to check visa requirements if your destination has additional entry restrictions.

Pro Tip: Some destinations have expedited passport control for event guests—check with your venue or travel agent for VIP services.

3. It Can Get Expensive—Set a Budget Early

Destination vow renewals can get pricey, particularly when considering travel, accommodations, and special services. Costs can increase even further when you include guest expenses, destination events, and destination-specific vendors.

Ways to Keep Costs Down:

• • Consider hosting your vow renewal during the off-season for better rates.
  • Look for all-inclusive resorts or packages that bundle accommodations, meals, and venue space.
  • Keep your guest list small to save on catering and accommodation costs.

Pro Tip: Use travel rewards points to offset the cost of flights, hotel stays, or excursions for your destination.

4. Finding Reliable Vendors May Be Challenging

Planning a destination vow renewal means relying on local vendors for catering, photography, flowers, and more. Finding trusted vendors in a foreign location can be challenging, especially if you don’t have local connections.

How to Find Vendors:

• • Ask your venue if they offer a vetted vendor list to ensure you’re working with experienced professionals.
  • Consider hiring a local wedding planner who knows the area well and can help manage all vendor relationships.
  • Search for reviews on vendor services through platforms like Yelp or Google.

Pro Tip: Join destination-specific Facebook groups where past couples share their experiences with local vendors.

5. It Can Be Stressful—Consider Delegating

Planning a destination event remotely can be overwhelming, especially for couples who like to oversee every detail. Unlike local vow renewals, you can’t simply visit the venue or meet vendors in person.

Ways to Reduce Stress:

• • Hire an experienced destination event planner to handle the on-site details.
  • Schedule regular calls or video meetings with vendors to stay updated on progress.
  • Make a site visit ahead of time to finalize key details and meet with local vendors.

Pro Tip: If you’re detail-oriented and don’t want to relinquish control, choose a destination that offers full-service packages to minimize the decision-making.

6. A Pre-Trip Visit May Be Necessary

While some couples are comfortable planning their destination vow renewal without seeing the location in person, others may find this nerve-wracking. Visiting the venue ahead of time gives you the chance to tour the site, meet vendors, and finalize details.

When to Visit:

• • Ideally, plan your visit 6-9 months before the vow renewal.
  • Use the visit to scope out accommodations, restaurants, and local attractions for guests.

Pro Tip: If multiple trips to the destination aren’t feasible, request virtual tours of the venue and meet your vendors via video calls.

7. Expect a Smaller Guest List

Not everyone will be able to attend your destination vow renewal due to travel costs, scheduling conflicts, or personal preferences. It’s important to be comfortable with a more intimate gathering.

Tips for Managing Expectations:

• • Let your guests know early so they can plan accordingly.
  • Be prepared for a smaller turnout—focus on quality over quantity.

Pro Tip: Include important people in unique ways, such as sending personalized invitations or souvenirs for those who can’t attend.

8. You’ll Need to Pack More than a Carry-On

Destination vow renewals require more packing than your usual vacation. From attire and accessories to decorations and sentimental items, you’ll need to budget for extra luggage and possibly shipping.

Packing Tips:

• • Use a luggage service to ship larger items like decorations, gifts, or attire.
  • Create a detailed packing checklist to ensure nothing gets left behind.
  • Consider renting or sourcing décor and attire at your destination to minimize luggage.

Pro Tip: If traveling by plane, carry your vow renewal attire on board to avoid any risk of it getting lost in transit.

9. Use Technology to Include Those Who Can’t Attend

If certain loved ones can’t travel to your destination, technology offers a great way to include them in your special day. You can livestream your vow renewal, post highlights online, or host a post-vow party at home for those who couldn’t attend.

Technology Solutions:

• • Use Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype to livestream the ceremony.
  • Share a video or photo gallery online for guests who missed out.
  • Plan a second celebration at home so more friends and family can take part.

Pro Tip: Hire a professional videographer who can capture the entire day, including personal messages for those who couldn’t attend.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Destination Vow Renewal

Planning a destination vow renewal is an exciting way to combine a celebration of love with an adventurous getaway. By keeping these essential rules in mind—such as budgeting wisely, planning for guests, and managing the logistics—you can create a beautiful, stress-free event that everyone will remember for years to come.