Example of ceremonies
Ceremony of Commitment
Introduction
Family and friends, I call upon everyone here today to join me in witnessing this Ceremony of Commitment between Name and Name. We are here, not only to witness their commitment to each other but also to wish them well, and every happiness in their life together. I am sure that you are all aware that this is not a legal ceremony, and I must mention that there will be no signing of a marriage register, or certificate of marriage issued. These are only signed and authorised when a marriage has been solemnised according to the laws of this nation. However, Name and Name wish to make this life-time commitment to each other, knowing that it will bind them just as close as any legal ceremony could.
Name and Name have chosen a reading to commemorate this special day, about love and friendship, and I would like to read it for them now. It is called simply ATogether. With your presence and love on this day, we hope it will be an occasion you will always remember. May all the people present at this Vows of Commitment Ceremony consider themselves to be true and trusting friends.
Together
Name and Name, today you will honour your partner.
The one you have chosen to support, and encourage.
Today you will honour the one you love.
Together you will bring out the best in each
other.
You will learn from each other and grow from differences.
You will be two individuals, living your own lives, with each as
one.
Together you will be stronger, more sensitive,
more aware, more knowing,
and more at peace than you have been individually.
Together your love will give understanding to
all that you do,
because you will share your ideals, goals and frustrations,
and you will always have someone to support you.
Together you will be able to achieve all that
you want in life.
The Ceremony
Name and Name, there is no greater happiness than that of sharing life with all its joys, and all its cares, as a loving couple, for love gives life new meaning and has a special way of growing stronger and deeper, with every passing day. This ceremony today symbolises a binding relationship between you. The promises to be taken shortly, show your undertaking in caring for each other; trusting each other; understanding each other; cherishing each other, and always showing patience and tolerance. The total commitment of love, is a combination of all these emotions.
Promise
| Celebrant: |
Please face each other, and hold hands. Please repeat after me:
|
| Name: |
I, Name, take you, Name, to be my partner. I want to be with you always just as you are. I choose you above all others to share my life. I love you for yourself, and I want you to become all that you can be. I promise to honour this pledge as long as I live.
|
| Name: |
I, Name, take you, Name, to be my partner. I want to be with you always just as you are. I choose you above all others to share my life. I love you for yourself, and I want you to become all that you can be. I promise to honour this pledge as long as I live.
|
Exchange Of Rings
| Name: |
Name, with this ring, I make you a promise that from this day forward you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter and my arms will be your home. Please accept this ring as a symbol of my love, honour and respect for you.
|
| Name: |
Name, with this ring, I make you a promise that from this day forward you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter and my arms will be your home. Please accept this ring as a symbol of my love, honour and respect for you.
|
Presentation
Name and Name, go together into your new world, and delight in it. Give to one and other new experience in joy, and enjoy the strength and passion of your commitment. Be free to journey together, having this freedom and togetherness by mutual choice. Always be free to show your own innermost feelings, for they are an integral part of you.
Help each other to further your own emotional and intellectual horizons, and encourage your hopes and fulfill your dreams, for this way lies your own mutual development. Embrace each others thoughts and respect each others feelings, and give praise and encouragement. And remember to always laugh at yourselves, but with each other - and the love you share, if you nourish it, will be as lasting, as eternal as you would wish.
Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes the formal part of todays ceremony. Please join me in congratulating Name and Name, for the special promises made here today. We will now take a minute to sign the Certificate of Commitment.
Thank you all.