“I Still Do” — Saying Yes to Love Twice

By Susie Reese

Whether your marriage has withstood a week or a decade, vow renewals are popular ceremonies for couples wanting to reaffirm their love without the need for a license. Performed regularly in chapels in Las Vegas, on beaches in Hawaii and the Caribbean, and on the high seas, renewals don’t rekindle the romance in a relationship; they reveal the love still aflame.

At Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, vow renewals equal about 50% of ceremonies.

Graceland Wedding Chapel Elvis

Credit: Graceland Wedding Chapel

Explains the chapel’s general manager, Brandon Reed, “A lot of people come on their honeymoon here, either four days from New York or two weeks from Australia. They wanted a big Elvis wedding, but with all the family back home, it’s too much to have everyone come. So they first get married in a church, have all the family there, and then come to Vegas for their honeymoon and have Elvis renew their vows a few days later.”

The chapel has been celebrating weddings for more 60 years, and some couples have returned 30 and sometimes 40 years later to renew their vows. The chapel has even welcomed a couple celebrating their golden anniversary.

“They bring their kids and grandkids here,” says Reed. “It’s a really cool and special experience for all of us to see that. We consider those the success stories.”

Hawaii is another favorite destination for honeymoons and vow renewals, and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts offers complimentary non-denominational ceremonies with a spectacular view of the Diamond Head; a pi kai, or salt water, blessing; a vow exchange in Hawaiian; and a romantic performance of the Hawaiian Wedding Song by a ukulele player and a hula dancer.

“Remember the first time,” says Kumu Kawena, who has been part of the ceremonies for more than a decade, first as a hula dancer and now as an officiant. “The first time you saw his face. The first time you kissed her. The first moment you were sure, and the first moment you knew your partner was sure, too. Think of your wedding day. And, now, today.”

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Vow Renewal

Photo Credit: Sarah John Afana)

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort celebrate 20-minute ceremonies four days a week on the famous and stunning Waikiki Beach.
Epic Manhattan Room Couple NCLBesides Vegas and Hawaii, many couples seek romance on cruise ships and the Caribbean region. Norwegian Cruise Line ships double as love boats with wedding and private vow renewals on the high seas. In Jamaica, the “I Do at 700 Feet” brings couples to the top of via Sky Explorer swings for a memorable wedding or vow renewal, complete with bouquet, boutonniere, marriage officer, champagne, and more. For an unparalleled romantic experience, choose the ultra-intimate The Caves for cottages, villas, and other private amenities to give your love the pampering it deserves.

 

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About the Author

Susie_ReeseSusie Reese is a copywriter for FC USA Artworks. She loves to travel (you know it!) and has ventured extensively across North America. She enjoys short walks on the beach and comic cons. She writes On the Go: A Magazine for Travelers and on her free-time, comics and short stories.