Commitment Ceremonies
Couples who do not want or need a legal arrangement can find a Commitment Ceremony the perfect way to celebrate their love in the company of family and friends.
If you choose me as your celebrant, I will help you plan a joyful ceremony to celebrate your commitment. We can explore what you would like to include in your ceremony, such as an exchange of promises, symbolic gestures, poems or prayers. As this is truly yours to create, I will encourage you to be as imaginative and personal as you wish. With your chosen elements in mind, I will then prepare a detailed script of the ceremony for you to review.
On the day (or night) itself, I will lead your ceremony 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 special features found in celebrant-led ceremonies:
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.
Some couples choose to conduct their celebration much like a church wedding with traditional attire, bridesmaids, best men or women, and a grand entrance. Other couples choose a more informal or inventive approach – it’s up to you!
Many couples choose a personally meaningful location for their celebration such as a home, garden, hotel or village hall. Unlike the legal ceremony, celebrant-led celebrations can be held anywhere.
Celebrations can include an exchange of vows or promises through which a couple express 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.
Music is an important feature, and we can choose the music as you enter and leave the celebration, as well as any music played during the ceremony itself.
Many couples sign – and invite their guests to sign - a Certificate of Celebration to mark the conclusion of the ceremony. As part of my service, I can provide you with this Certificate.
These are just some ideas. It’s your day and your choice! I will work with you to make it unique, meaningful and memorable.