The Commitment Ceremony may not be a wedding in a legal sense, but it is still a promise made between two people to share their lives together, and deserves celebrating. The Commitment Ceremony is an expression of love for each other and your hopes for the future.
The rules for a commitment ceremony are simple: There are no rules. The content and style is tailored to the wishes and needs of each individual couple. I would be delighted to work with you to create a ceremony that reflects your love, your relationship, and your hopes for the future.
City of Sydney’s Relationship Declaration Program
Although Commitment Ceremonies currently have no legal implications, it can be registered as part of the City of Sydney’s Relationship Declaration Program. This register recognises the partnership status of both same-sex and mixed-sex couples. Registration does not confer legal rights in the way a marriage does but it does allow couples to make a written declaration that they are mutually committed to sharing their lives together.
Registration may also be used to demonstrate the existence of a de-facto relationship within the meaning of the NSW Property (Relationships) Act 1984, and other legislation. You can also use the Relationships Declaration at banks and other financial institutions to prove your identity. It is worth 25 points, the same amount of points as an Australian Marriage Certificate.
Under the program, two people may declare that they are partners, and have this declaration recorded in the City of Sydney Relationships Register. There’s even an option for making your declaration in the Lady Mayoress’ Room at Sydney Town Hall. Thank you, Clover!
