How to Plan a Vow Renewal in Estes Park, Colorado

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So you’re thinking about a vow renewal in Estes Park? Love it!

Whether you got married here years ago, or you’re just looking for a stunning and mountainous location to recommit you’re love, this guide has everything you need to plan a meaningful ceremony.

Let’s dive in!

What is a Vow Renewal?

A vow renewal is a way to reaffirm your wedding vows to one another and is often done at a milestone anniversary like 5, 10, 20, 25 years.

It’s a celebration of YOU and how far you’ve come.

It’s also a way for couples to have a “wedding” day that they’ve always dreamed of, especially if they didn’t get that the first time around.

Some couples choose to exchange vows just the two of them, while others include children, family, and friends and make an entire celebration out of it.

The beautiful thing about them is they can look however you want them to look. There are no rules.

Bride, groom, and kids walking down a dirt road in Crested Butte

How to Renew Your Vows

Again, there are no hard rules for how you renew your vows. I can’t reiterate that enough.

And truly? My best advice is to ask yourself this:
If we could plan the most meaningful, fun, and exciting day for ourselves, what would that look like?

This is your permission to dream big.

And then reach out to me and I’ll help you make it happen. 😉

Now let’s dive into a few quick and fast FAQs around vow renewals…

Champagne toast during elopement ceremony

Do you need an officiant?

100% up to you! Since this isn’t a legal wedding ceremony, there is no officiant required, but you may opt to hire one if you want to give your ceremony some “structure”. You could also have someone you know lead your vow renewal ceremony. Or even hire the person who married you the first time around to really bring the moment full circle.

You might find this article helpful: No Officiant? Here’s What to do During Your Elopement Ceremony

Elopement ceremony in the Colorado mountains

Choosing guests (or no guests)

Ask yourselves if you imagine this being a private ceremony for just the two of you, or if you would like to have loved ones by your side!

If you have children at this point, it might be really special for them to witness their parents reaffirm their love to one another.

Do you re-read wedding vows or writing new vows?

Most couples take this opportunity to rewrite their vows! But again, there are no rules.

Consider this using portions of your original vows, rereading your original vows and then adding additional promises, simply speaking from the heart without anything written out, or writing letters to each other instead.

Celebrating with an activity afterwards

Who says you can’t celebrate afterwards (or before) with some activities?! Use this opportunity to go on an adventure, treat yourselves to a private chef, or simply do one of your favorite things together. I’ll be there to capture all the candid, storytelling moments.

You can find more ideas + inspiration on this here: Elopement Activities: Including Adventure in Your Day

Outdoor summer reception styled by elopement planner

Choosing Your Estes Park Vow Renewal Location

Many couples are drawn to Estes Park because of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)! This is a popular spot for a vow renewal ceremony, surrounded by nature. But heads up! You do need a permit to have any sort of ceremony here (more on that just below).

If you’re anticipating 30+ guests or having any sort of reception, consider a local Estes Park venue! Bird’s Nest, Venue on the Rocks, Romantic RiverSong Inn, The Landing at Estes Park, Bristlecone Inn, or YMCA of the Rockies would be perfect for something like this.

But there are many more options!

Here’s a list of more small wedding venues in Estes Park: Best Estes Park Venues for Small Weddings

Wedding ceremony site at Bristlecone Inn

Rocky Mountain National Park Vow Renewal Permits

There is a $300 special use permit required for any type of wedding ceremony, vow reading, or vow renewal within the park. You can apply for the permit here up to one year in advance of your preferred vow renewal month.

Learn more about my favorite wedding or vow renewal ceremony sites in the park here!

Rocky Mountain National Park vow renewal

What to Wear for Your Colorado Vow Renewal

First and foremost, wear something you feel amazing in! Why? Because your confidence is going to brighten the whole experience and shine through in the photos too.

Some couples choose to wear their original wedding attire. Other couples choose a completely new outfit for the occasion.

For Estes Park vow renewals in particular, I recommend thinking about both style and practicality. Bring layers and consider comfortable footwear (even hiking boots!) to make it easy to get around in the mountains.