Married Couples

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Other Services & Ceremonies:

Other Ceremonies that I can provide are;

A Ceremony ensures that the major events of our lives, whether they are happy or sad, are remembered and given the significance they deserve. I can create ceremonies for all occasions and for all tastes. Here are some of the other services I can provide for you;

Funerals

Families, who do not have an affiliation with a Church, often choose a Civil Celebrant to conduct the service. Of all Ceremonies, a funeral is the most sensitive, requiring a balance of understanding between the grief of the family and a celebration of the life of the deceased.

A Civil Celebrant consults with the family to develop a personalised structure for the service, which he or she leads on the day.

A civil service usually features a tribute/eulogy and/or a review of the deceased’s life and times, presented by the Celebrant or a family member/friend. It may also include a reflection period, often accompanied by music, and/or an audio visual presentation.

Readings, prayers, hymns or other appropriate music can also be included in a civil service.

I would also be more than happy sing a special song to honour the deceased. Please refer to the “MUSIC’ page on this site.

Commitment Ceremonies (including Same-Sex Commitments)

There can be many reasons why a couple may not be able to legally marry while at the same time wanting to make a public commitment to each other. This occurs with Same-Sex couples or a man and a woman. A married couple may wish to conduct a second ceremony if they were married overseas and were not able to include friends and family at the time. While a Commitment Ceremony has no legal standing, the format is similar to that of a wedding – vows and rings are exchanged as well as gifts and the all-important public kiss.

Renewal of Vows

A Renewal of Vows is a wonderful way of again confirming your love for a partner, not only to them but to friends and family. Why not make it part of a special surprise celebration, in particular on your Wedding Anniversary? Can you think of a more unique gift? As there are no legal requirements, the Ceremony can be as flexible as you wish, incorporating the experiences of a lifetime. It is a special experience for the couple, their children and their friends alike…no matter how old they may be!

This table might help in deciding the theme of your renewal ceremony;

Years Symbol
1st Cotton (or paper)
3rd Leather
5th Wooden
10th Tin
12th Linen & Silk
15th Crystal
20th China
25th Silver
30th Pearl
40th Ruby
45th Sapphire
50th Golden
55th Emerald
60th Diamond

Baby Naming Ceremonies

What’s in a name? Everything. Especially when it’s yours. Namegiving is one of the significant Rites of Passage in a person’s life, as much as birth or marriage. Namegiving ceremonies have become more and more common in the last few decades. It is not a baptism or a christening. This ceremony in no way prohibits the child from seeking their own truths during his or her life and any future religious commitments of belief. It celebrates a child’s welcome to the world. By framing this welcome in ceremony, it deepens and confirms family relationships. The parents make a public declaration of their joy and their responsibilities. So, of course, do the Godparents (or ‘mentors’ and ‘guardians’ if you prefer).

The basic format of this ceremony is as follows;

  • Introduction & welcome to guests.
  • Reading.
  • Godparent commitment.
  • Giving the name.
  • Reading.
  • Final Declaration.
  • Signing of Certificates.

There are no legal requirements for this ceremony but The Baby, the Parents,
The Godparents and the Grandparents will all be presented with beautiful certificate for framing as a reminder. You will need to supply me with details such as names and the birth date of the child and the relevant parties.

Certificates

Other Services & Ceremonies

Many milestones in our lives are worthy of note and a Ceremony is the best way of marking these events. They can range from the solemn to the silly. Anything from one’s ‘Coming of Age’ to the opening of a building, from celebrating one’s arrival at Middle Age to Divorce, There is a Ceremony for them all. Together, we can tailor them to your tastes. Think outside the circle!

Do you have your own ideas? I’d be very glad to help you co-ordinate a Ceremony for any part of your life. Who knows? You could be the first to create a special ceremony.

Please feel free to contact me for more details and discussion of any of the above Ceremonies.