Commitment Ceremonies
Commitment ceremonies are available to couples who wish to make a special commitment to each other, and wish to publicly declare their promise in front of family and friends, without taking the step into legal marriage - for whatever reason.
I also offer commitment ceremonies to same sex couples, providing them with an opportunity to have a meaningful ceremony, surrounded by family and friends.
A commitment ceremony is carefully planned and written, and includes readings, a statement of commitment, the exchange of rings and music if couples wish or can be individually written to suit each couple.
A commitment ceremony like a marriage can take place in a garden, a home or any venue that is special to the couple.
Some suitable poems are:
One mind, one heart, one thought...
by Timothous Mack-Jones and Edward Jones-Mack
Together alike. Yet always the self, the self rules...
two minds, two hearts, two thoughts...
the self...two selves...in tandem, linked
merged...understanding alike, different,
together, apart.
We are individuals with separate feelings
and separate personalities, whose unqualified
love for each other makes us join as one.
As we work to make each other become a stronger
individual, we can only become stronger together.
Our lives are enriched as we watch each other grow in God.
We come together to share our strengths, our weakness,
our hopes, and our knowledge.
We come together to share our love, our lives,
and our future.
We are always two, but we will always be one.
I love and respect all that you are.
I embrace all that is yours with all that I am.
Permanent partners
by Betty Berzon
On this day of your union
You stand somewhat apart from all other human beings
You stand within the charmed circle of your love,
And this is as it should be.
But love is not meant to be the possession
Of two people alone
Rather, it should serve as a source of common energy,
As a form in which you find the strength
To live your lives with courage.
From this day forward
You must come closer together than ever before
You must love one another in sickness and in health;
For better for worse
But at the same time your love should give you
The strength to stand apart to seek out your unique destinies
To make your special contribution to the world
Which is always part of us, and more than us.
