Commitment Ceremonies
There can be any number of reasons why couples choose to have a commitment ceremony rather than a legal marriage 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.
Fee:
Commitment Ceremonies cost $440. You can hold your ceremony any time between 9:30am and 8:00pm anywhere that does not involve more than a total of two hours’ travel for me from Neutral Bay. Once you have secured your booking, travel time includes to and from all meetings outside my home office, the rehearsal and performance of your ceremony on the day.
A non-refundable deposit ($220) secures your booking in my diary and the balance is due ten business days before your ceremony date. Note: A discount of $40 applies if you pay the full fee up-front.
Included in commitment ceremonies are:
- One obligation-free meeting at my home office to discuss your ceremony and for you to get a ‘feel’ for whether I am the right celebrant for you
- Written contract outlining everyone’s rights and responsibilities from booking to after the ceremony
- After booking deposit paid, two more meetings to discuss how your ceremony is progressing and a rehearsal one week before your ceremony date
- Unlimited phone and email contact
- Resource material to help get you started
- Loan of a folder of suggested readings and personal vows to help you create your unique ceremony
- As much or as little help from me as you wish in writing your ceremony
- A commemorative certificate
- Souvenir copy of your ceremony
- Provision of PA system
- An evaluation form for your feedback
I can bring a small signing table and one chair if you can provide someone to assist me to carry everything from and back to my car on the day.
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 or to arrange an obligation-free meeting.
"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"