Commitment ceremonies can be as creative as a couple may wish. They may be identical to a wedding ceremony, excluding the need for any legal wording.
Unfortunately at this time not all relationships are offered equal marriage rights by our government. Same sex couples may choose to publicly declare their love for each other by way of a commitment ceremony.
Other reasons a couple may choose a commitment ceremony include that they may have had a wedding interstate or overseas and would like another celebration to share with friends and family who could not attend, or it may be that they do not regard the formalities of a wedding as important.
Unfortunately at this time not all relationships are offered equal marriage rights by our government. Same sex couples may choose to publicly declare their love for each other by way of a commitment ceremony.
Other reasons a couple may choose a commitment ceremony include that they may have had a wedding interstate or overseas and would like another celebration to share with friends and family who could not attend, or it may be that they do not regard the formalities of a wedding as important.
There are many rituals and ceremonies that you may like to incorporate into your commitment ceremony and I am happy to discuss ideas or how they can be adapted to suit you. Below are a few examples.
Sand Ceremony
Vases each of a different coloured sand are poured together. It may demonstrate two individuals coming together or it may be a way of incorporating children or parents into the ceremony, as two families become one.
Sand Ceremony
Vases each of a different coloured sand are poured together. It may demonstrate two individuals coming together or it may be a way of incorporating children or parents into the ceremony, as two families become one.
Hand binding ceremony
Based on a traditional Celtic ceremony where a couple's hands were tied together as a trial agreement. Ribbons are used to tie the couple's hands during the ceremony to show that they are bound by their love and commitment. Different coloured ribbon can be used with each colour representing a different meaning, or the couple may make a promise to each other with each loop of the ribbon being wrapped.
Ring warming ceremony
The rings are passed through the guests and as they hold them they are invited to make a silent blessing or prayer for the couple, infusing this energy into the ring. If there is concern about the rings being dropped or the timeframe for this is too long then the rings could be held at the front and a silent wish made in unison.
Candle lighting ceremony
Two taper candles are lit usually by the parents or mothers of the couple. These candles represent their family or separate lives. The couple then use these candles to light a central candle, to represent them coming together as one and burning more brightly than individual flames. The taper candles are then either extinguished or allowed to continue burning to represent their individuality continuing even as they are together.
Based on a traditional Celtic ceremony where a couple's hands were tied together as a trial agreement. Ribbons are used to tie the couple's hands during the ceremony to show that they are bound by their love and commitment. Different coloured ribbon can be used with each colour representing a different meaning, or the couple may make a promise to each other with each loop of the ribbon being wrapped.
Ring warming ceremony
The rings are passed through the guests and as they hold them they are invited to make a silent blessing or prayer for the couple, infusing this energy into the ring. If there is concern about the rings being dropped or the timeframe for this is too long then the rings could be held at the front and a silent wish made in unison.
Candle lighting ceremony
Two taper candles are lit usually by the parents or mothers of the couple. These candles represent their family or separate lives. The couple then use these candles to light a central candle, to represent them coming together as one and burning more brightly than individual flames. The taper candles are then either extinguished or allowed to continue burning to represent their individuality continuing even as they are together.
Rose Ceremony
Roses may be exchanged between the couple as their first gift to each other to symbolise their love. They may also be given to their mothers as an expression of gratitude for all that they have done. A rose may also be laid on an empty seat to remember a parent who is no longer with them.
Roses may be exchanged between the couple as their first gift to each other to symbolise their love. They may also be given to their mothers as an expression of gratitude for all that they have done. A rose may also be laid on an empty seat to remember a parent who is no longer with them.
