 A Celebration of Marriage ceremony is an opportunity for a couple, who were married overseas or in another state, to celebrate their marriage with family and friends.
As civil celebrants in Australia are not able to legally marry a couple for a second time, in the past the ceremony has been termed a 'Renewal of Vows' for the want of a better expression.
However, in recent times, celebrants have realised that the ceremony is primarily a celebration with family and friends of the couple's recently acquired married status.
A Celebration of Marriage ceremony may have all the elements of a traditional wedding ceremony, followed by a 'reception' except that
- the celebrant must ensure that the guests are clear that the ceremony is not a legal marriage ceremony.
- any vows / promise that relate specifically to 'taking the other as husband or wife" need to be in the past tense. eg I, XF, took you YH, to be my wife. This does not mean that other promises can not be in the present tense eg. I will continue to love and cherish you.
Example of Welcome for a Celebration of Marriage
On Saturday the Xth month 200X, William Citizen and Mary Surname sealed their love in a marriage ceremony on a beach in Zanzibar at sunset.
For Bill and Mary that ceremony was one part of their marriage process. Today is other. Mary and Bill are here today to seal their union with our blessings and to celebrate their marriage in the presence of the people they care about most
This candle, which Mary’s Godparents' Robert and Cecilia now bring forth, represents the connection between there and here and the love that burns brightly between these two hearts.
So family and friends, you are warmly welcomed here today to celebrate with them as they celebrate their marriage and their love for one another. Your presence signifies your love, friendship and support and they thank you all for joining them on this special day.
Celebration of Marriage Certificates
CCNA members are reminded that simple word file templates for Celebration of Marriage ceremonies are available free to download in the Celebrants: Stationery section on the CCNA website.
CCNA members need to be logged in to access.
|
