Civil Partnership Celebrations
You may choose to formalise your relationship with a civil partnership instead of a marriage. A civil partnership is conducted by a Registrar in a Register Office and has the same legal status as a marriage.
Some couples choose a civil partnership because they prefer to be “partners” rather than spouses in the traditional sense. Same sex couples have been able to enter civil partnerships since 2005. Interestingly, opposite sex civil partnerships only gained the right in 2019.
Many couples who enter a civil partnership celebrate their union after the legal ceremony. Such celebrations are popular because they have no formal requirements and so couples have the freedom to create a truly personalised celebration.
If you choose me as your celebrant, I will help you plan a joyful celebration. My services include exploring what you would like to include in your celebration, such as an exchange of vows, symbolic gestures, and readings. As this is yours to create, I will encourage you to be as imaginative and personal as you wish. With your chosen elements in mind, I will prepare a detailed script of the celebration for you to review.
I can recommend all kinds of readings, from poetry to prayers.
On the day (or night) itself, I will lead your celebration with care and professionalism, ensuring that it is a truly personal experience for you and those invited to share in your special event.
Here are some of the special features in celebrant-led Civil Partnership Ceremonies:
Some couples choose to conduct their ceremony much like a church wedding with traditional attire, bridesmaids, best men or women, and a grand entrance. Other couples choose a more informal or eclectic approach – it’s up to you!
Many couples choose a personally meaningful location for their ceremony such as a home, garden, hotel or village hall. Unlike the legal ceremony, celebrant-led celebrations can be held at any venue.
Celebrations can include an exchange of vows or promises through which a couple show their commitment to one another. I will write these for you, based on your personal sentiments and wishes. If you wish to write your own personal vows or promises, I will offer inspiration and guidance.
Celebrations often include symbolic acts such as exchanging rings, sharing a loving cup or handfasting, planting a tree or lighting a candle. You may even want to follow ancient tradition and ‘jump the broom’! I can offer ideas and help you choose the symbolic actions that will be most in tune with you and your celebration.
Many couples ask close friends or relatives to give readings, blessings or prayers or choose a meaningful poem to be read aloud during the celebration. If you wish, I can help you choose them.
Music is an important feature of celebrations, and we can choose the music as you enter and leave the ceremony, as well as any music played during the celebration itself.
Many couples sign – and invite their guests to sign - a Certificate of Celebration to mark the conclusion of the celebration. As part of my service, I can provide you with this Certificate.
It is my job to ensure that all music, readings and other contributions are carried off without a hitch!
Before the day, I visit the venue and will get the ‘lay of the land’. I liaise with the venue staff to check that the room is set up properly on the big day. I will work with people providing the music and those giving readings to make sure that all goes smoothly, and everyone knows their cues!
These are just some ideas. It’s your day and your choice. I will work with you to make it unique, meaningful and memorable.