A couple may choose to celebrate their Commitment in a public ceremony.
They exchange vows and rings in a private Commitment Ceremony of their own.
A couples commitment to each other is so strong, the same way couples today, who are not quite ready to marry, or for some reason are unable to marry, exchange vows – and perhaps rings – to underscore their commitment to each other.
In particular, where either one or both partners have children, and have decided to set up a home together, they may arrange a Commitment Ceremony in front of their family and friends, to reassure the children of the seriousness of their intentions.
The Commitment Ceremony has no legal requirements or consequences. It is a ceremony in which partners express their feelings for each other, their hopes for the future, their gratitude for the past they may already have shared. They may like to involve family and friends in the ceremony itself or invite them as guests.
Some couples, who have decided to get married overseas, like to celebrate their Commitment in front of all those people who will not be able to join them for the wedding itself.
Same sex couples can make a commitment to each other, it’s not a marriage in law, but only a promise between the couple to be together and stay true to each other. The law in Australia now only recognises a union in marriage between a man and a woman.
Gay couples, same sex unions through committment to one another can be performed as love is not based on gender specifically. Such unions are not legally recognised but are in spirit and intention.