Summer Vow Renewal in Mt. Hood, Oregon | Aida & Stewart
5-Year Anniversary Celebration in Mt. Hood Forest
A + S recently celebrated their 5-year anniversary as a married couple. They had decided years ago that they’d do a bigger celebration with the closest family members this time around.
But they really wanted it to feel like a wedding…so that’s exactly what they did.
Back in 2019, A + S traveled to Las Vegas (from lovely San Francisco) to get married at a chapel. But the fun didn’t end there, after their ceremony they chose to take a helicopter ride to visit some of the most stunning landscapes in LV.
They prepared in advance to make sure they could take their own photos too. They certainly made good use of a tripod and self-timer.
But despite the amazing day they had, they shared that they couldn’t invite their families (who resided all through California and Scotland)which is something they would have wanted to do.
So that’s why they chose to go all out for their vow renewal in the forest.
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What is a Vow Renewal?
Vow renewals are love letters you share with your partner in which you reaffirm your commitment to one another.
They can be done after the first year of marriage but typically they’re planned for 5-year anniversaries as well as 10-year and 25-year anniversaries.
It’s not always about re-doing your wedding day though (although if that’s what you want, there’s nothing wrong with that!) but about taking a moment to pause and reflect on the life you’ve built since then.
And the best part is that there is no rulebook for how to celebrate this:
You can wear your favorite outfits or wear your wedding attire (whether you’ve kept it or purchase used/new)
You can invite guests or keep it fully intimate
You can read your original vows or write new ones that reflect who you are now
Vow renewals are about celebrating the chapter you started together and the adventures you’ve created.
For example, A+S chose to celebrate their vow renewal as a wedding, coupled with decorations at their cabin and their own set of wedding bands they made themselves, and it was the perfect choice for them.
It was undoubtedly an honor to have been welcomed into their lives and to meet their amazing family who traveled miles to be with them on this special day.
How to Plan a Mt. Hood Vow Renewal
If you’re not a local to Mt. Hood, planning a vow renewal here might feel a little overwhelming. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be!
To make it easy, let’s break things down into five main steps:
Securing permits or entrance passes to national parks and forests
Finding lodging for you (and guests, if applicable)
Reserving transportation
Planning and booking activities
Securing your vendors
Permits
A vow renewal is a different type of celebration than an elopement so you might need a permit if you are looking to do it in public land (national park, forest, state beach, etc).
Every place is different so I always recommend you check with the jurisdiction about any requirements you need to meet.
Lodging
Mt. Hood offers a variety of options, so if you hoping to book a cozy cabin in the woods or spending the night at a lodge with mountain views, you’ll find it!
One thing I recommend is to always stay close to where you want to have your vow renewal. It will make the day less stressful.
You can even consider having your ceremony AT your lodging location if it’s permitted!
For something more private, check out vacation rentals through Airbnb or Vrbo—some even come with hot tubs to unwind after your big day.
And if you're inviting a few friends or family, consider renting a larger cabin so everyone can stay together. This is what A+S did for their loved ones!
Transportation
To have your Mt Hood vow renewal, you’ll need to fly into the Portland airport. It’s easy to navigate and they have car rental agencies inside!
As always, it’s highly recommended that you book your rentals in advance so don’t leave it for last!
As far as driving to Mt. Hood, it’s an approximately 1.5-hour drive from the airport but the road is pretty smooth and wide once you’re out of the city areas.
If you’re not familiar with the area though, and depending on where your lodging is, renting an all-wheels drive vehicle is recommended so you can safely get around no matter the time of year. Even in the summer it’s possible to encounter snow in the mountainous areas!
Pro-tip: Cell reception will be tricky in the forest so always make it a priority to download maps to use while offline.
Activities
One of the best things about Mt. Hood, and the surrounding area, is how many activities it offers year-round. Whether you’re into extreme sports or just want to relax, there’s something for everyone (including your guests!).
Here are a few ideas:
Take a hike along Old Salmon Lake or Trillium Lake. These are also stunning locations for photos!
Go skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in winter, or try mountain biking in the warmer months
Visit a local spa, go wine tasting, or cozy up by the fire at your lodge
Make a roadtrip to check out one of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S. along the River Gorge!
Don’t forget to plan both for your vow renewal day and for the additional days you’ll be around the area.
If you decide to get lodging for all your guests to stay in one place, look for rentals that offer game rooms or nearby nature scenery for a short walk!
Vendors
Your vow renewal wouldn’t be complete without the right team to bring your vow renewal celebration to life. Here are some key vendors to consider:
Photographer: The most important vendor to capture memories and the scenery of your day! Choose someone who knows the area and can recommend the best locations for your photos.
Officiant: An officiant is not needed as a vow renewal can be self-led. But if you’d like someone else to guide you through it, hire an officiant familiar with intimate vow renewals or ask a loved one to help out.
Florist: Whether you’re hosting a large or small reception or dinner, flowers can elevate the space. You can choose to pick your own flowers at a farm like Hope Ranch Lavender or hire a local florist for bouquets or arrangements that complement the natural beauty of your ceremony and reception location.
If you’re looking to bring florals to public lands, make sure you check and follow requirements for hardy bouquets and leave no trace!
Hair and Makeup Artist: This is a special moment just like the day you got married so treat yourself! Having someone come to your lodging to help you feel your best is a huge stress reliever too.
Private Chef or Baker: Whether it’s a small cake or a private dinner, treat yourselves to something special. For their vow renewal, A+S used The Tasting Spoon (Yelp page) and this bakery located near Portland!
Mt Hood Vow Renewal Timeline Ideas
Now that you’re ready to get planning your vow renewal in Mt. Hood, it is time to get a timeline in place.
This is an example you can follow and adjust to your preferences and any activities you’ve booked.
Keep in mind the season and traffic patterns before finalizing the schedule!
8 AM , wake up and do a light stretch
Ease into the day with a gentle stretch to shake off any travel aches and soak in the peaceful vibes of Mt. Hood. It’s the perfect way to start feeling grounded and ready for everything ahead.
9 AM, homemade breakfast at the cabin
Gather around the table with your closest people and enjoy a cozy breakfast. Whether it’s pancakes or pastries, this is your moment to relax, laugh, and savor the morning together.
11 AM, get ready (including all guests) + hair and make up
It’s time to transform! Let your glam team work their magic while your loved ones get dressed up, filling the cabin with excited chatter and anticipation.
2:30 PM, start ceremony and do vow exchange at the cabin
This is the moment. In the heart of the Mt. Hood scenery, exchange vows that reflect everything you’ve been through and where you’re headed. It’s intimate, heartfelt, and all about the two of you.
3:30 PM, take family portraits at a nearby location (if applicable)
Take a short walk or drive to a scenic spot nearby and capture beautiful group photos with your loved ones. These are the memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
4:30 PM, head over to the location(s) for your couple’s photos before sunset
Golden hour is around the corner! Explore breathtaking backdrops with your photographer and let the natural beauty of Mt. Hood make your couple’s portraits unforgettable.
6:30 PM, head back to the cabin to rest and refresh
Take a breather and soak in the day so far. This is your chance to relax before the evening festivities begin.
7:30 PM, private chef serves dinner for you (+ loved ones)
Sit down to an intimate, delicious dinner prepared by a private chef. Good food, great company, and a toast or two make this meal extra special.
9:30 PM, cut a cake or share a pastry and do a first dance (or new tradition)
Clear some space for your first dance under the stars or twinkly lights, then cut into your cake while everyone cheers. It’s the sweetest way to celebrate.
10 PM, get a bonfire going on the firepit and stargaze at the cabin
End the day around the bonfire, sharing stories, laughter, and maybe some s’mores. With the stars shining above, it’s the perfect way to wrap up this incredible day.
Planning Tips for Your Vow Renewal
Before finalizing all your details for your vow renewal plans, here are a few tips on how to make it memorable and how to personalize it:
1. Choose a location that feels personal
A+S LOVE visiting Oregon. They had spent countless summers hiking together in the area and that’s why they chose Mt Hood as their vow renewal destination.
What would be a place just as special for you and your partner? Whether it’s the mountains, a beach, or even your backyard, pick a place that resonates with your story.
Maybe it’s somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit or a spot that holds special memories.
It may sound silly but when the location feels right, everything else falls right into place.
2. Keep the guest list simple
You do NOT have to have guests for a vow renewal.
However, if you think it will add to your day and your experience, having a handful of loved ones can be special.
For example, A+S chose to invite their family because they couldn’t be present for their original wedding date. Plus A+S really wanted to show their love and gratefulness to their family so they treated them to a full week in the forest.
In your case, think about whether you want to share the day with a few close friends or keep it just between the two of you.
By keeping the guest list simple, you benefit from a much more intimate and relaxed day.
3. Look for new wedding bands and personalize your vows
This is your chance to speak from the heart and reflect on the life you’ve built together.
Your vows don’t have to be perfect or poetic—just honest. Share what you admire about each other, the little things you’re grateful for, and what you’re excited for in the future.
A+S went a step further. They also chose to dedicate a short and sweet speech to each of their guests. YES, to each one!
In addition, they exchanged new wedding bands which they crafted themselves at a workshop. I mean, what a unique way to remember this special milestone!
4. Plan something fun to do after the ceremony
Before and after your vow renewal and your vows, celebrate every hour of the day. Leave room for rest, of course, but make sure to plan to do things you enjoy.
Go out for a hike, have a picnic, take a scenic drive, or enjoy a cozy meal together.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just something that brings you both joy and maybe it’ll become a new tradition!
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Hey, I’m Sara!
I’m a California elopement photographer based in the Central Valley.
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