A commitment ceremony is performed when a couple do not want or cannot formalise their union legally. This ceremony is very significant to the couple and can have just as much meaning and commitment to each other as any other union. It allows the couple a pledge to each other to stay for a lifetime together, and the recognition of their union by their family and friends present at this ceremony. The format of the ceremony can follow a wedding ceremony but it cannot have the formal legal words incorporated in the service.
“The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved.”
Victor Hugo
A reaffirmation of vows ceremony is a special way to restate the pledge you made when you first married. It may be that at the time of your wedding, some members of your family or friends were unable to attend on that day. This ceremony includes them in the rituals that they have missed.
Or you have been married for some time now and you wish to renew your vows to celebrate a special anniversary in your life together.
Some couples are married in a religious ceremony but wish to have a reaffirmation of vows ceremony as well to celebrate their wedding day. A reaffirmation of vows is not a legal ceremony. Only one legal ceremony can be performed either religious or civil.
“Two human loves make one divine.”
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
