You don't need a marriage certificate to celebrate your commitment to each other.
A commitment ceremony is a lovely way for two people to celebrate their relationship and make personal promises to one another, without the legal formalities of marriage.
There are lots of reasons why couples choose a commitment ceremony. Perhaps marriage isn't something you're interested in, maybe you've already completed the legal paperwork elsewhere, or perhaps you'd simply love to celebrate your relationship with the people closest to you.
Whatever your reasons, your ceremony can be every bit as personal, romantic and meaningful as a wedding ceremony.
You can exchange vows and rings, include readings or music, involve family and friends, or add a symbolic ritual such as handfasting or a unity candle.
There's no set format to follow, and you don't have to explain or justify your reasons for choosing a commitment ceremony.
I'll work with you to create something that reflects your relationship, your personalities and what this occasion means to you both.
Commitment Ceremonies
Making Your Commitment Ceremony Personal
One of the lovely things about a commitment ceremony is the freedom to celebrate your relationship exactly as you'd like.
You might want a ceremony that feels very much like a wedding, complete with an entrance, personal vows, an exchange of rings and a few favourite readings.
Or perhaps you'd prefer something smaller and more relaxed, with just the two of you and a handful of people who mean the most to you.
We can include symbolic elements such as handfasting, a unity candle, sand blending or a ring warming ceremony. These can be lovely ways to involve family and friends or add something particularly personal to the occasion.
You can also choose music that means something to you, invite someone special to share a reading or include a few words about your relationship and how you came to be celebrating this day.
There's no right or wrong way to do it. What matters is creating a ceremony that feels comfortable, personal and right for you both.
What's Included
- An initial consultation to chat about your relationship and the ceremony you have in mind.
- A personalised questionnaire to help me get to know you both.
- A commitment ceremony script written especially for you.
- Two ceremony drafts for review and amendments.
- Guidance with writing personal vows, exchanging rings and choosing readings.
- Help choosing symbolic rituals or ceremony enhancements.
- The opportunity to involve family members, children or friends.
- Ongoing communication and support throughout the planning process.
- Conducting your commitment ceremony at your chosen location.
Every ceremony I create is personal to the couple. I don't use a standard script and simply change the names.
We'll work together to create something that reflects your relationship and the way you'd like to celebrate it.
A Few Things to Know
Is a commitment ceremony legally binding?
No. A commitment ceremony is a symbolic celebration and doesn't create a legal marriage or civil partnership.
If you'd like to be legally married, I can also explain the options available to you as a registered solemniser in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Can we exchange vows and rings?
Absolutely! You can exchange personal promises, rings or both. We can make this part of the ceremony as simple or as personal as you'd like.
Where can we hold a commitment ceremony?
Commitment ceremonies can take place in hotels, gardens, private homes, outdoor locations or somewhere that has particular meaning to you both.
Because there's no legal marriage taking place, you generally have more flexibility when choosing your ceremony location, subject to permission from the venue or landowner.
Can we include family and friends?
Of course. You might like someone to give a reading, involve your children in a symbolic ritual or invite family members to take part in another way.
Equally, if you'd prefer something private with just the two of you, that's absolutely fine too.
Is a commitment ceremony only for couples who don't want to get married?
Not at all.
Some couples choose a commitment ceremony because they don't want a legal marriage. Others have already completed their legal marriage separately and would like a personal celebration with family and friends.
Whatever your circumstances, we'll create a ceremony that suits you both.
Commitment Ceremonies - From €700
Every commitment ceremony is different, so I'll be happy to put together a personalised quotation once we've had a chat about your plans.
Whether you're organising an intimate ceremony for two or a larger celebration with family and friends, I'll work with you to create something personal, relaxed and meaningful.