What is a commitment ceremony?
As a celebrant, I’m often wanging on about weddings. And yes, a celebrant-led wedding can be fully personalised, heartfelt and non-traditional. But here’s the thing. A wedding ceremony (even when led by a celebrant) usually has the intention to be tied to legal marriage at some point, even if the paperwork happens separately.
A commitment ceremony, on the other hand, is completely symbolic. There’s no marriage license, no legal recognition and no state obligations. It’s a ceremony created purely for you, your relationship, and your loved ones, designed entirely around your values, personalities and connection.
This distinction is what makes commitment ceremonies such a meaningful choice for people who want to celebrate their love without engaging in legal marriage, whether for personal, philosophical or practical reasons.
So why choose a commitment ceremony?
1. Freedom to go wild
No rules. No registry restrictions. You can let your imagination run riot. Dance barefoot in the sand, write your vows on the back of a Wetherspoon’s menu, invite the local fox as your witness — whatever floats your (love) boat. This is your space to play, explore and express what love looks like for you.
2. Love for everyone
Commitment ceremonies are gloriously inclusive. They welcome love in all its beautiful forms. It’s for anyone who wants to stand up and say, “This is my person (or people), and I choose them.”
3. More heart, less hassle
Without the paperwork and protocol, all the focus lands on your connection, as it should. You can have all the feels, all the laughter all the meaning with a lot less of the faff (although some faff is always welcome - it a party, after all).
4. Staying true to your values
For some, it’s a spiritual choice. For others, philosophical. For others still, it’s simply not wanting the system anywhere near their love story. A commitment ceremony lets you honour your relationship without compromise but still full of intention and heart, just in your own way.
5. Reaffirming love at any stage
Already married? Together forever but never fancied the legal bit? Been through the admin once and can’t face it again? Commitment ceremonies are perfect for re-affirming your love, wherever you are on your journey. It’s not about status. It’s about celebrating what you’ve built together.
A nifty way to celebrate love!
At its heart, a commitment ceremony is about celebrating love in all its forms. It’s a moment to step into joy, connection and authenticity. Whether you’re a duo, trio, or an entire circle of loved ones, a commitment ceremony allows you to create a celebration that’s uniquely yours without the constraints of legal marriage.
Because love doesn’t fit into a single box. Your celebration doesn’t have to either!
If you think a commitment ceremony could be for you, drop me a note and we can have a chat!
