FH & I want to do a commitment ceremony instead of a wedding for personal reasons, is there anyone who performs these? If no, who can? What is the difference between the 2? One is legally married? One is not?
Church of Ancient Ways
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Re: Commitment Ceremony
Strictly speaking it is a misdemeanor to perform a Marriage Ceremony in the state of NY with out a valid Marriage License.
A Commitment Ceremony is a ceremony that does not include the words 'Husband' 'Wife' and 'Marriage' and has no paperwork making the couple legally married.
Vows tend to be more romantic in nature:
'Sam, you are my life, my love and my best friend. I will love you with the very breath of my soul, and support you in all the real tangible ways it takes to make a relationship grow stronger every day. I will trust you and honor you, laugh with you and cry with you. You will be my first priority from this day forward, and for all the days of my life.'
There is no 'I pronounce you husband and wife' but rather a 'You may seal your promises with a kiss.'
Since there is no license to sign you really can have anyone you would like do this kind of ceremony. With that said I also recommend having a professional officiant.
Hopefully this has been helpful. Please feel free to call me any time if you have any questions. Wishing you happy planning followed by many healthy years of love and marriage, wisdom and wonder.
L&L, Pastor April http://www.churchofancientways.org 516-785-4191
