Commitment Ceremony

Thank you so much for being here and joining this couple as they celebrate a commitment ceremony. Although this will not be a legally binding ceremony, it is still a very important and meaningful pledge that they are making to one another.

Word of welcome

My name is ___ and I have the privilege of performing this ceremony today. 

On behalf of [Partner 1] and [Partner 2], welcome and thank you for being here. They are delighted that you are here today to share in their joy during this wonderful moment as today is a promise of commitment that will begin a new chapter in their lives.

Address to the assembly

We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite [Partner 1] and [Partner 2].

There are many things to say about relationships. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls has come our way.

With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two who stand before us, we hope to leave them with the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time.

Address to the couple            

A lifelong commitment is more than two people standing here making promises. Commitment means finding room for the things of the spirit.

So to you two I say continue in your search for the good and the beautiful in this life.

Commitment means being flexible. So in your relationship cultivate flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour.

Most important, develop the capacity to forgive and heal your differences day by day.

Always remember, your love will prevail, it has so far. Your love will be the miracle inviting you to learn, to blossom and to expand your horizons together.

Reading

We have a great body of literature written about human love. One writer says that it is not the extraordinary things that make life worthwhile but the love we share with those around us. Another describes love with these words:

To find love, we must first take the chance of risking our heart to another.

For it is only then, in the very act of offering ourselves, that true love is discovered.

The path of love is never easy. Yet it's in the ups and downs, the times of trouble and need that together you forge a bond strong enough to withstand whatever the road ahead may bring.

Love is about knowing when it's time to lead and when it's time to follow.

But mostly, it’s about two people walking through life side by side.

Expression of Intent

I now have a question for each of you. First for you, [Partner 1]:

You have chosen [Partner 2] to be your life partner/one and only/one true love. Will you love and respect him/her/them? Will you be honest with him/her/them always and will you stand by him/her/them through whatever may come? (Answer 'I will')

[Partner 2], you have chosen [Partner 1] to be your life partner/one and only/one true love. Will you love and respect him/her/them? Will you be honest with him/her/them always and will you stand by him/her/them through whatever may come?  (Answer 'I Will')

And do you both promise to make the necessary adjustments in your personal lives in order that you may continue to live in this harmonious relationship together? (Both answer 'We do')

Affirmation of family and friends

Now, in the spirit of joy and affirmation, I want to ask your families and friends a question:

Do you, the families and friends of [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] give them your blessing and support, wishing them a wonderful life together?  (All answer: ‘We do’)

Commitment Pledge

We now come to your words of commitment and nothing is more challenging than living these words day by day. What you pledge here today must be renewed tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you.

Will you now please turn and face each other and hold hands.

[Partner 1], please repeat after me:

[Partner 2], I take you to be my friend, my lover, my confidant, my partner. To join with you and to share all that is to come. To give and to receive, to speak and to listen, to inspire and to respond; a commitment made in love and kept in faith, now and for eternity. 

Now, [Partner 2], please repeat after me:

[Partner 1], I take you to be my friend, my lover, my confidant, my partner. To join with you and to share all that is to come. To give and to receive, to speak and to listen, to inspire and to respond; a commitment made in love and kept in faith, now and for eternity.

The Giving of Rings

May I have the rings please?

[Partner 1], please repeat after me:

[Partner 2], take this ring as a symbol of my love for you. I promise to accept you for who you are, my best friend, the one I live for, the one I care for, and the one I love with all my heart, this day & forever.

[Partner 2], please repeat after me:

[Partner 1], take this ring as a symbol of my love for you. I promise to accept you for who you are, my best friend, the one I live for, the one I care for, and the one I love with all my heart, this day & forever.

Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days.

Affirmation of commitment

Now may the love which has brought you together continue to grow and enrich your lives. 

May you meet with courage the problems which arise to challenge you. May your relationship always be one of love and trust. 

May the happiness you share today be with you always and may every word you have pledged here be a living truth in your lives.

Confirmation of commitment

[Partner 1] and [Partner 2], we have heard your promise to share your lives together. We recognize and respect the pledge you have made here this day before each of us as witnesses.

Therefore, in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done, may these words be binding and serve as an inspiration to all who have witnessed this union today.

You may seal your promise with a kiss.