Commitment Ceremonies

commitment ceremony

Although same sex marriages are currently illegal in Australia, many gay and lesbian couples still wish to make a public affirmation of their commitment to each other.

Some heterosexual couples may have personal reasons for not having a legal marriage ceremony. One or both may not be free to legally marry or perhaps they simply do not believe in the institution itself, while still being firmly committed to their relationship.

A commitment ceremony is the perfect way for these people to declare their love for and commitment to each other. I am delighted when I can help these couples to create a meaningful ceremony, making it a truly special occasion.

Commitment ceremonies generally follow the same basic structure as a marriage ceremony, without there being a legal declaration or legal document to commemorate it. A Civil Celebrant must make it clear to everyone present that it is not a legal marriage. However, these ceremonies can be just as meaningful as any wedding.

The service I provide for a commitment ceremony includes:

One obligation-free interview at my home office.
Written schedule of my fees.
Tax invoices/receipts for all payments.
Service agreement setting out your rights and your responsibilities in relation to my services as your Celebrant.
Loan of resource material to assist you in creating your own ceremony.
As much hands-on help from me as you need by phone, email or face-to-face consultations.
An on-site rehearsal at your ceremony venue.
Two hours total travel time for me during the entire process.
Performance of the ceremony.
A souvenir copy of your ceremony on quality paper.
A commemorative certificate.
Provision of a wireless PA system with CD/MP3 facility.
An evaluation form for your written feedback

Ceremonies that include extra travel, accommodation or other services not listed above, will incur an additional fee. All extra charges are outlined clearly in the schedule of fees.

Please contact me to talk about your commitment ceremony.

“Our Commitment Ceremony was more than we could have wished for. We wanted to commit ourselves to each other as if we were getting married and we said our vows to each other and then exchanged rings. Jane supplied a commemorative certificate that we display with pride on the wall.

Jane was so LOVELY to us and provided everything we could have hoped for. One day when we can legally marry we will most certainly be calling upon her to officiate; there is no doubt that we chose the best celebrant.

For anyone who... is looking for a celebrant, we strongly suggest that you employ Jane’s professional and caring skills to see you through to a perfect ending. Thank You Jane, you will never be forgotten by us and as we said, we will be calling you again in the future to help us TIE-THE-KNOT for real! xx” ~ Sharon and Emosi

Jane Gillespie
“The perfect celebrant for your perfect ceremony”