Commitment Ceremony

A Commitment ceremony is very similar to a Wedding ceremony in its structure and can be offered where a couple wish to acknowledge their love and commitment to each other without undertaking any legal contract.  There are lots of reasons why you might do this and it is a great way of having family and friends witness your promises for a future together. 

In the past, in some cultures,  couples had a commitment ceremony or handfasting as a prelude to a marriage.   

Today some couples choose to have a Commitment ceremony as a sign of their commitment to marry at some point in the future whilst others are happy simply to celebrate their commitment and have others witness their choice to live as a couple.


 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Renewal of vows

Ceremonies can take place where, when and how you wish.

Where a legal marriage has taken place a couple might choose to have a Renewal of vows ceremony to celebrate a significant wedding anniversary or simply to acknowledge the strength of their relationship 

A Renewal of vows generally takes place up to twelve months after a couple were legally married.
 
 
 
 
 

Naming Ceremonies and Welcoming ceremonies


A naming ceremony is suitable for children of all ages.  It is an ideal way of bringing family and friends together to formally welcome the newest member or members to the family.  It is also an appropriate way to welcome an adopted child or children from a previous partnership.

During a Naming ceremony parents make promises to their child or children and share their hopes and dreams for their futures.  Other adults too can pledge their support some as Supporting Adults who will play a significant part in the child or children’s lives or Grandparents.

A naming ceremony is a wonderful family occasion and can include elements such as tree planting, lighting a candle, a circle of support or gifts.

A Welcoming ceremony is very similar to a Naming ceremony and such ceremonies are often used to welcome an older child whose has been adopted. The aim of the ceremony is to acknowledge the new relationship and for the child  or children to be welcomed into their new family and community.
 
Naming or welcoming ceremonies are not just for children.  Similar ceremonies can be created for adults who wish to reveal a change of name too.
 
 

 
 
 
 

The most common types of Celebrant led ceremonies are Weddings, Namings, Commitment and Renewal of vows.
 
Weddings

A wedding celebration is conducted after a couple legally marry.  Registering your marriage should be done at a Registry Office in the presence of two witnesses. 

There are a number of reasons why you might choose to marry and then have a wedding celebrtion including the freedom to celebrate where, when and how you wish. 

Every ceremony I conduct is tailor-made to each couples requirements.   The wedding ceremony can be held in a location of your choice, at a time to suit you and there are no limits to the number of people who can be present.

Your choice of music, poetry and readings can be woven into the ceremony.

Enhancements such as exchanging rings, lighting candles, a sand ceremony, releasing doves, exchanging love letters  or creating unique items to cherish are just a few of the things that can be included.

If you engage  an Independent Celebrant then you can also include some religious elements of your choice.