What’s Involved in a Commitment Ceremony?
Not every couple wants (or needs) the legal side of marriage, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to celebrate their love. A commitment ceremony is a beautiful way to do just that. It looks and feels a lot like a wedding, but it isn’t legally binding—it’s purely about celebrating your relationship in front of the people who matter most.
So what’s actually involved in a commitment ceremony? Let’s take a closer look.
1. The Ceremony Structure
A commitment ceremony often mirrors a wedding in structure:
Welcome & Introduction — The celebrant sets the scene and welcomes everyone.
Your Story — Sharing how you met, what you love about each other, and your journey so far.
Vows & Promises — Personal words to each other, written by you or guided by your celebrant.
Exchange of Rings or Symbols — Many couples still exchange rings, or you might choose another meaningful gesture.
Readings or Music — Poems, songs, or family contributions can all be included.
Declaration of Commitment — A moment where your celebrant acknowledges your promises.
The Kiss & Celebration — Because some traditions are just too good to leave out.
2. The Personal Touch
The beauty of a commitment ceremony is flexibility. With no legal wording required, you can tailor the ceremony completely to your relationship. Want humour woven into your vows? Done. Want to blend cultural traditions? Absolutely. Want your dog as ring bearer? Why not!
3. Symbolic Rituals
Couples often include rituals to give their ceremony extra meaning, such as:
Handfasting (tying hands together with ribbon).
Lighting a unity candle.
Sand blending (different colours poured together).
Tree planting or wine box rituals for a lasting memory.
4. The Role of a Celebrant
A commitment ceremony celebrant helps you design the ceremony so it flows, feels natural, and reflects your love story. My role is to guide you with structure, wording, and ideas—while keeping the day joyful, inclusive, and stress-free.
So, Is It Really Like a Wedding?
Yes and no. A commitment ceremony feels very much like a wedding in spirit, but there’s no legal paperwork. That means more freedom, fewer rules, and a ceremony that’s completely about you.
At the end of the day, a commitment ceremony is a chance to celebrate love without limits. Whether it’s big or small, formal or casual, it’s all about creating a moment that feels genuine, heartfelt, and completely yours.
Celebrate Your Love Without the Paperwork
Not every couple wants—or needs—the legal side of a wedding. A commitment ceremony is a way to celebrate your love, make promises to each other, and bring your favourite people together, without the forms and filing. As your celebrant, I’ll help you craft a ceremony that feels personal, warm, and true to your story. Think of it as all the joy of a wedding, minus the trip to the registry office.