Commitment Ceremonies are a wonderful opportunity and available to adult couples who wish to celebrate and honor their love with a formal commitment to each other without undergoing a legal marriage. It is for those who cannot marry for legal reasons, or those who simply do not wish to marry for personal reasons. It is a joyous arena for couples who want their commitment to each other to be recognized. There are no legal benefits and your decision to have a ceremony does not involve any government.
Commitment Ceremonies are warm, romantic and heartfelt celebrations of a couples' love for each other; a unique opportunity to create a meaningful, profound and life-changing bond between them .. establishing a sense of permanence and stability .. and it is a great opportunity to celebrate your love with a big party!
Commitment Ceremonies may be shared with many guests or the ceremony may be a private occasion with just the officiant and the couple present.
A Commitment Ceremony is a meaningful and dignified ceremony for couples of any background, religious, spiritual or civil affiliation, life style or gender preference. It is a public declaration of life-long commitment, love and dedication between two people.
All intimate relationships are sacred. I will be honored to officiate your same-sex marriage ceremony.
Although same-sex marriage is not yet legal in many states, it is my belief that a commitment ceremony serves the same important purpose as a traditional marriage. It is a clear decision and a perfect way for many same gender couples to make a public proclamation and declare their love for each other before family and friends in a formalized manner.
I also believe that the legalization of same sex marriages is just a matter of time, and when it is legalized, I invite the couples whose ceremonies I have performed to return with their state issued license and I will be truly honored to sign it.
How to Create a Commitment Ceremony
It is essential that a commitment ceremony illuminate the essence of your bond with each other. Your partnership can be reflected in every aspect of the ceremony - from the clothing you wear, the spoken words, and the location you choose to celebrate.
Professional celebrants officiate at commitment ceremonies. As your celebrant, I will help you create a ceremony that reflects any beliefs and traditions that you find important. I will invite you to sit with me, that I may learn your personal story, collaborate with you to create the ceremony, review, rehearse and officiate on the big day.
I've listed several suggestions to create a commitment ceremony (or any ceremony) that will be true to each of you and your relationship...one that you will cherish for the rest of your lives.
- Announce your ceremony: Do this any way that feels right for the two of you. Be happy and proud to print your invitation to say any of the following in describing your ceremony: Commitment Ceremony, Holy Union, Wedding Ceremony, Marriage Ceremony, Ceremony of Union, etc.
- Express yourselves: Have your ceremony express in words, poetry, music and symbolism how you feel about each other, your hopes and dreams for your future, your similarities and differences and the journey that brought you both together.
- Your presentation: You may choose to enter the room together or separately to the music or song you both love. You can have one or both of your parents or any special person in your life "present" you.
- Include your guests: "From the depths of your hearts, please offer your prayers, blessings and wishes for this couple and the new life they are creating together this day". Your ceremony is an inclusive experience. You may choose to have your guests pledge their support by expressing their love and happiness for your union together. "From the depths of your hearts, please offer your prayers, blessings and wishes for this couple and the new life they are creating together this day". (for civil ceremonies, guests may offer their hopes, dreams and wishes).
- Put it in writing: Include the signing of a Commitment Certificate in your ceremony. Your witnesses will be invited to sign a certificate that states in a formal way the solemnization of your union. A beautiful, personalized commemorative certificate signed by witnesses of your choice and myself, the officiant, will be my gift to you .. tangible evidence of this special event.
Candle lighting and Other Symbolic Rituals:Candles have been used throughout the ages. Consider them celebratory and symbolic. Surely you may light a Marriage Unity Candle. In fact, you may borrow any and all symbols and rituals and make them uniquely your own. You may wish to include: wine exchange, sand ceremony, honoring of parents, blending of families, offering of readings, vow and ring exchange, etc.
What to wear: Just like any bride or groom, on this festive occasion, wear anything that makes you feel fabulous, festive and special.
Testimonials
Dear Susan,
"Thank you" does not begin to express how grateful we are to have had you there to help us put into words what we have felt for so long. You helped us to cement our relationship and make it a stronger foundation for our family. Most of all, you helped us show our children that a family is something that comes in all different shapes and sizes, but that no one family is more valid than the other. The only important thing is the love and support that family shows each other. For the boys, thank you, for us, thank you.
Love,
Michelle and Dawn.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for all the hard work you did for our wedding. We could not have had such a special day without you. Years from now we will both look back on this day and remember you sharing it with us. We love you!
Love,
Kirk and Eric
Dear Susan,
What can we say? You more than married us, you created a beautiful communion of many hearts. Thanks so much for your guidance & Love. We met on line - how fitting we found you in cyberspace too. We were so pleased you joined us for the reception. We will live our lives by your beautiful words!
Love, Chuck & Charlie