Commitment

A commitment ceremony is often very similar to many kinds of weddings. The difference is that rather than being a legally binding ceremony, it is simply a public affirmation of a couple’s commitment to one another. The couple commit to be joined as 'Partners for Life'

Often, the couple is a lesbian, gay, or transgender couple, and thus are unable to marry under the law. Marriage in Australia by law is defined as; the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

A commitment ceremony is also sometimes chosen by a heterosexual couple who are not able to legally marry or who do not wish to legally wed.

A commitment ceremony may be formal and traditional or casual and relaxed. The makeup of the ceremony will depend on the ideas of the Celebrant and the couple's own preferences. However, generally speaking, these are the key elements:

· Welcome
The Celebrant welcomes guests to a celebration of the love and commitment between the couple.

· Introduction

The celebrant may say a few words about their relationship, or about commitment in general.

· Declaration of Intention

The couple are asked to declare formally that they are willing to enter into the commitment.

· Vows/Promises
As in any kind of ceremony, they will make promises about what that commitment means. They may promise to love in sickness and in health, in richness and poverty, till death do they part. Alternatively they may write their own vows.

· Other rituals

Other rituals may be included in the ceremony such as a unity candle ceremony, sand ceremony, handfasting or similar rituals.

· Readings/Music
A ceremony will usually also include music and readings about love, including poems, favourite readings, personal writing, and classic wedding music. It may be gay/lesbian/transgender focused or very general, depending on the couple's personal preference. This often allows the inclusion of special friends or family in the ceremony.

· Exchange of Rings
The couple exchange rings, and say a few words about what these rings mean.

· Pronouncement
The Celebrant announces to the guests that the couple is now joined/united and invites the couple to kiss. Some couples may not be used to kissing in public and thus may only have a very small kiss, or forgo this part altogether.

Others will relish the moment to have the opportunity to kiss each other in front of their loved ones, proclaiming their love, and pride in having that love.

· Signing of a Register and Certificates

· Presentation

The couple are presented to their family and friends as “Partners for Life”

Standard Fees:
Deposit: $150 ( payable at time of booking to lock in date)

Balance payable: $230 (14 days prior to ceremony)

Total fee: $380

Additional travelling costs may be applicable depending on location.

Fee Inclusions:

Initial consultation to discuss ceremony details (allow 1 - 1 ½ hours)
Craft ceremony to client’s requirements.
Supply sample ceremonies, readings and other resources on loan for ceremony planning.
Unlimited contact by phone and email throughout the pre-ceremony period
A second meeting/final consultation to finalise ceremony details, vows, rehearsal, etc (if required)
Supply memento presentation ceremony.
Presentation of a beautiful Commitment Certificate.
All certificates laser printed.
Travel to Interview and Ceremony depending on location.