A commitment ceremony is an alternative non-legal wedding. It’s an equal partnership celebration ceremony without the trappings of a marriage. Opposite and same sex couples can hold a commitment ceremony, whereby there’s no administrative process.
What’s the pros & cons? Traditionally, wedlock focused on culture, social status, traditions, family customs and the institution of marriage. For some of us it feels outdated, so an alternative non-legal wedding reflects who we are as individuals and as a committed couple.
So, what’s the pros and cons of a commitment ceremony? Well, if you don’t support the idea of marriage. To help you decide on an alternative wedding, here’s a brief description of the FAQ about commitment ceremonies and equal partnership celebration ceremonies. Read on.
Commitment Ceremony an Alternative Wedding
Caroline & Nayan committing to one another during an alternative wedding – equal partnership celebration ceremony – shared promises of love!
Commitment ceremony – alternative wedding for modern couples
So, what happens during an equal partnership celebration? How do you create a commitment ceremony that honors your love & life story? And shows your style and personality as a modern couple? Start by personalising your own timeline of events. To make an impact at your ceremony it should last 30 < 60 minutes. Choose 10 key steps to represent your committed relationship. You’ve got the freedom to plan a commitment ceremony your way. So, add juicy bits, shuffle and mix-up the order of events and leave out parts you don’t want. See below…
| Commitment ceremony an alternative wedding for couples – outline & timeline | |
| 1. Housekeeping Announcements (optional) | 2 – 3 minutes |
| 2. Processional (with or without music) | 3 – 5 minutes |
| 3. Couples /partner’s entrance | 3 – 5 minutes |
| 4. Welcoming/introduction | 5 – 8 minutes |
| 5. Shout-out to special guests | 2 – 3 minutes |
| 6. Dedication to the life partners | 3 – 5 minutes |
| 7. Meaningful readings – guest speakers | 3 – 5 minutes |
| 8. Couples love and life story musical interlude (optional) | 5 – 10 minutes
|
| 9. Affirmation of life partnership | 3 – 5 minutes |
| 10. Personal vows, promises & words of commitment | 3 – 5 minutes
|
| 11. “We do love, respect and commit our lives to each other” OPTIONAL | 2 – 3 minutes |
| 12. Ring ceremony to celebrate love/ musical interlude OPTIONAL | 3 – 5 minutes |
| 13. Certificate of commitment signing (optional) A permanent reminder of the alternative wedding day. | 5 – 10 minutes (Depending on the number of witnesses) |
| 14. Expression of intent / lifelong dedication | |
| 15. The Kiss | 0.30 secs – 1 minute |
| 16. Congratulations | 2 – 3 minutes |
| 17. Conclusion | 2 – 3 minutes |
| 18. Closing song | 3 – 5 minutes |
| 19. Recessional | 2 – 3 minutes |
Everything to know about commitment ceremonies!
Commitment ceremonies: a public declaration to ones partner. An alternative wedding to honour a partnership and celebrate a cohabitation. closeupfoto.nl
• What is a commitment ceremony?
A commitment ceremony is an alternative wedding with no legal status. The celebratory ceremony contains no words of possession that refer to obedience, submission or inequality. It features trust, loyalty and respect.
• Who performs the ceremony?
Additionally, a celebrant / officiant conducts an alternative wedding; an equal partnership celebration for modern couples. Thus, no legal wording involved, it is morally binding. Couples dedicate their love and commitment to each other. A certificate of commitment can be issued.
Mark a marriage of equals with a ceremony. pexels-tamilles-esposito
• Is a commitment ceremony right for you?
Well, a commitment ceremony offers no legal protection or financial benefits. It’s a meaningful alternative wedding for couples who want to exchange rings and vows without legal or religious aspects of a traditional wedding.
• Does a commitment ceremony have legal recognition?
No! A commitment ceremony has no legal recognition of a union of marriage. Committed couples celebrate love and do not sign an official contract during the alternative wedding.
Ceremonies of commitment, no fuss, no frills and no rules! Pexels Jonathan Nenemann
• Can I host a ceremony of commitment without a reception?
Yes! The commitment ceremony can be delivered where, when, and how you like it without a reception party. The celebration of commitment shows true equality and marks a significant milestone.
• Do you tell guests that you’re not legally married?
No! Don’t let others expectations dictate your commitment ceremony plans. However, if your parents have patiently been waiting for your ‘official’ wedding. Then, you should let everyone know or everyone may feel offended.
Add an extra special touch to celebrating your commitment of love!
• What does a commitment ceremony cost?
In addition, a ceremony of commitment costs between €500 – €1200 with celebrant. There could be extra costs applied for a certificate and alternative wedding venue. Moreover, a booking deposit to reserve the alternative wedding date is required.
• Licensed or unlicensed venue?
The biggest advantage to an alternative wedding is the venue. Celebrate a commitment ceremony at home or abroad on a sunny beach, on a rocky mountain top, seaside resort or in a hot air balloon. Basically, the choice is yours, there are no restrictions.
Eric & Hans alternative wedding celebrated a commitment of love! Michielstock Photography
• Commitment ceremony vs civil marriage – pros & cons
- The disadvantages of commitment ceremonies (alternative non-legal weddings), they are without a valid marriage license (paperwork). However, the advantage of an alternative non-legal wedding couples can choose whoever they want to carry out the ceremony, where, when and how they like it! What’s more, it contains no patriarchal cliches, no fixed content, or no stiff sense of formality.
- The advantage of a civil marriage is that you have legal status, financial and tax benefits. A registrar at the municipality (town or city hall) legitimizes your marriage and issues a license/certificate as proof. But the disadvantage of a legal ceremony led by a registrar means the format is restricted by marriage law, official wording, and there is no religious content.
Marriage is deeply ingrained in many cultures with a name switch. Westerpark, Amsterdam
• Coping with family & friends who don’t support you?
As a couple choosing for a commitment ceremony, there maybe some family and friends who don’t support your wish. How do you cope? Well, it depends on you, it’s your day and you should do things your way. Invite those who support you and want to celebrate your love.
• Equal partners ceremony story
To sum up: planning an alternative non-legal wedding identical to a marriage is challenging. Whether you are a cohabiting same-sex couple, opposite-sex couple, engaged, LAT or long-term committed life partners, marriage is all about making decisions — so talk to one another about the many options to celebrate your union.
Forward-thinking alternative to patriarchal marriage law!
While you’re here…
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This whole legal marriage/domestic partnership thing is just a scam that the government came up with just so they can tax committed relationships. You don’t need some scrap of paper, or any kind of government or religious approval in order to live together, sleep together, make love, raise a family, and grow old together. When you are ready to commit yourself to your significant other, don’t get a license, and don’t change your name. Just gather your friends together, exchange your vows, then live happily ever after. In other words: Get married spiritually, not legally.
Thanks your observations about commitment ceremonies. I totally agree with you. Who needs a legal paper to get married and to express ones love for their significant other. A commitment Ceremony works just as good, and the ‘tax money’ can be used to plan a celebration of love with friends and family.