After a fun-filled and fun-fueled holiday season, the start of the new year is a perfect time to think about renewal, whether renewing healthy eating habits, boundaries, or ways in which to be active. It’s also a wonderful time to think about reigniting your love and renewing your vows.
“Vow renewal ceremonies should be unique and meaningful while wholly re-committing yourselves to each other,” Natasha Anakotta of American Marriage Ministries told Brides in an interview.
A vow renewal ceremony is a time for a couple to celebrate each other when, where and how they’d like. Here, we take a look at a handful of ways to save time and money with the help of the ALHI Weddings team — along with some top destinations — so the couple can focus on what’s most important: each other.
Highs and Lows
We’re not talking about the highs and lows of relationships here, but rather high and low seasons, and how they impact travel. Two destinations that spring to mind are the Caribbean and Florida, both of which are warm spots to jet off to during cold winter months (high season), and heat up in the summertime, which may keep some travelers away (low season).
That said, one caveat about Florida is that its high and low seasons vary by areas of the Sunshine State. For example, while winter is high season in Central and South Florida, it’s low season in North Florida and along the Panhandle. Conversely, summertime is high season in North Florida and the Panhandle, while it’s low season in Central and South Florida.
One thing to keep in mind about the seasons in Florida: Frommers reports tourism executives are saying that Central and South Florida’s high season “is now creeping further into spring and even, in some parts, summer.”
Where to Renew
Let the experts help plan your vow renewal at any of ALHI's member properties in the Caribbean and Florida, like Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, or The Lodge & Club Ponte Vedra Beach outside of Jacksonville, Florida.
Holiday — Celebrate!
The holidays can provide opportunities for people to travel, and they can be advantageous when planning a vow renewal, too. Take Valentine’s Day for example: properties may tie in some terrific promotions and incentives around heart day, especially for vow renewals. Don’t be shy: once you decide where to go, ask the onsite ceremony planner if there are any special offers.
Where to Renew
One spot to consider for a vow renewal in approachable luxury is Town and Country Resort in San Diego. The onsite team will customize your ceremony to create the perfect celebration just for the two of you.
Shift To the Shoulder Season
In addition to taking a look at high and low seasons of the destination in which you’d like to renew your vows, consider the shoulder season — the time of year between high and low seasons when there are likely fewer visitors and crowds, and better prices.
For example, Bermuda is still a gorgeous place to be in September, which is when you’ll likely find better rates and airfare than if you planned your renewal ceremony during peak summer months.
Where to Renew
Join your beloved and exchange your vows all over again while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at The Reefs Resort and Club. And what’s a ceremony without a honeymoon? Extend your celebration at The Reefs with the four-night Honeymoon Package that includes an oceanview room, 60-minute massages for both of you, three gourmet dinners, one of which can be on the beach (May through October), Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, and much more.
Credit Cards To the Rescue
When planning your vow renewal ceremony, don’t forget to check in with your credit cards to see if there are any travel incentives that you may have overlooked and can take advantage of. From airline miles to hotel points to discounts on rental cars and more, savings can be at your fingertips, if you know where to look.
Go All-Inclusive
All-inclusive resorts have long been a terrific way to get the most bang for your buck, and that can go for vow renewal ceremonies, too. When you’ve decided where you want to go — Mexico and the Dominican Republic have some terrific all-inclusive options — check in with the onsite wedding planner to learn what they can do to make your renewal memorable for years to come.
Where to Renew
The team at Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos All Inclusive is at the ready to make your vow renewal ceremony dreams come true. Choose from myriad locations within the resort grounds, including on the beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or on the terrace of the Imperial Suite.
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