Commitment Ceremony

What is a Commitment Ceremony?
A commitment ceremony is a celebratory event, that allows couples of any gender to show their love and dedication to one another before family and friends, or in private without guests. They have no legal status, which means there are no legal implications, and it does NOT provide you with any legal rights or responsibilities.

This ceremony is appropriate for couples of any gender who cannot or choose not to marry legally or form a civil partnership.

However, there are two legal requirements which you MUST meet before a celebrant can conduct a commitment ceremony:

• • • Anyone under 18 must have written consent from parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
    • You may not enter a commitment ceremony if either of you are legally married to another partner.

Are Commitment ceremonies legal?
No, commitment ceremonies have no legal status and are not legally binding on those who participate in any way.

How long is the commitment ceremony?
It depends on the content you wish to have in your ceremony. Some couples feel uncomfortable being the centre of attention and wish to have a short ceremony, while others may want more content. Hence, the actual ceremony could be anything between 15 to 45 minutes long.

We would like an evening (twilight) ceremony, is that okay?
Yes, we are happy to conduct an evening (twilight) ceremony.

Where can commitment ceremonies be held?
Absolutely anywhere, the choice is yours. The venue does not have to be licensed in any way, nor does it have to be local to you. If you choose to hold your ceremony outside, we suggest you have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Have an alternative location prepared under cover readily available to move to.
Your options are endless; if you don’t know where to start, we can help guide you.

Will we meet our celebrant before the ceremony?
Yes, you will. The Celebrant will make a point of seeing you before your ceremony starts. We also like to meet couples for an initial free consultation, preferably via video phone (e.g., Google Duo, Facebook Messenger, Microsoft Teams or Zoom) with no obligation to continue, allowing couples to decide whether we are the ‘someone’ they wish to design and perform their ceremony.

Will our Celebrant help with the ceremony planning, sorting the venue or the food?
No, we are only there to ensure your ceremony is delivered per your wishes and ensure the content you have chosen to incorporate into your ceremony script is correct. We do not participate in any other planning or preparation for your ceremony day.

Will my Celebrant help plan what vows to include in our ceremony?
Yes, they will. Your Celebrant will talk you through all the options to personalise your service from start to finish through ongoing, regular communication. You can ask them to include important aspects to you or remove others from the ceremony script. You have total freedom with a Celebrant to ensure the words spoken on the day are what you wanted.

Will our Celebrant stay with us for the whole day?
From a booking point of view, our Celebrants are booked for one ceremony per day, and you will receive their full attention. They will stay for a while after your ceremony to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you wish the Celebrant to arrive sooner and/or stay longer, this must be agreed with them before your ceremony day. The only exception would be if a Celebrant has been asked to cover for a fellow Celebrant who has been taken ill or for unforeseen circumstances beyond their control and is no longer able to officiate at a ceremony on the same day.

Can we have whatever we like in the commitment ceremony?
Yes, you can. We will help and guide you to ensure the commitment ceremony is created as you wish.

Do you allow religious content in your ceremonies?
Yes, we are happy to include religious content in your ceremony.

Do we have to write our own vows?
No, you do not have to. We can help you by supplying some suggestions for you to select from. If you have a change of heart and decide you do wish to try and write your own vows, we can provide some guidance on how to go about writing your own vows.

What does a Commitment Ceremony typically include?
It depends on the type of ceremony you select. We offer two options:

A prewritten ceremony which only includes –

• • • Announcement of arrival of the couple (individually or together)
    • Celebrant welcome and introduction
    • Celebrant statement
    • What commitment is… (read by celebrant)
    • One reading. For example, a poem, a popular reading, or a religious extract.
    • Declaration of Freedom
    • Contracting words
    • Additional promises (optional choice)
    • Exchange of rings or gifts and vows
    • Pronouncement of your commitment to one another
    • The signing of a commemorative certificate (if ordered)
    • Closing words

A Bespoke ceremony which includes –

• • • Announcement of arrival of the couple (individually or together)
    • Celebrant welcome and introduction
    • Welcome and acknowledgement of any children (optional choice)
    • Celebrant statement
    • What commitment is… (read by celebrant)
    • First reading. For example, a poem, a popular reading, or a religious extract.
    • Declaration of Freedom
    • Contracting words
    • Additional promises (optional choice)
    • Second reading
    • Exchange of rings/gifts and vows
    • Meaningful symbolic ritual (optional choice)
    • Pronouncement of your commitment to one another
    • The signing of a commemorative certificate (if ordered)
    • Closing words

For Bespoke ceremonies, the following is also included:

• • • Working closely with you to create a unique and meaningful ceremony which has special meaning for you.
    • Preparation and writing of ceremony script.
    • Guidance on promises, readings, exchange of ring/gift words and vows.
    • First draft review of ceremony script via email or video phone (if desired)
    • Amend ceremony script based on first draft review feedback.
    • Final proofread of ceremony script via email or video phone (if desired)
    • A commemorative certificate (if desired)
    • Pre-ceremony checks on the day – 10 minutes with each partner.
    • Conducting your ceremony on the day

Optional extras –

• • • A commemorative certificate is available as an optional extra for prewritten ceremonies (if desired)
    • For an additional commemorative certificate – £5 each
    • Pre-ceremony rehearsal in your own home or at your chosen venue – £50 plus travel and accommodation (if applicable)