Commitment
Ceremonies:

Commitment

A heartfelt way to celebrate your love, without legal formalities.

Has your relationship grown, evolved, or taken on new meaning over time?

Do you want to make a personal promise that reflects who you are now, rather than ticking legal boxes?

Perhaps you want to honour your bond in a way that feels authentic, flexible, and entirely your own — whether you’re marking a milestone, embracing a new chapter, or simply choosing love again.

A non-legal commitment ceremony gives you the freedom to express your devotion in a way that feels true to you, creating a deeply meaningful moment centred on connection, intention, and love.

What is a commitment ceremony?

A commitment ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate your love and dedication to one another, without the legal formalities of marriage. It’s about choice - creating a moment that reflects who you are and what your relationship truly means.

Whether you’ve been together for decades or are beginning a new chapter, a commitment ceremony allows you to honour your relationship in a way that feels right for you.

Choose a Venue:

You can hold your ceremony at a private venue or at a Registration Office, or choose a non-licenced venue like a Community Hall or our own back garden! A commitment ceremony can be as big or as intimate as you want it to be.

About the ceremony

As the ceremony is not legal we can be flexible with the ceremony running order and add to, or take out most elements below to suit you.

Welcome

The ceremony begins with a warm and inclusive welcome, setting the tone for the occasion. Your Ceremonies Officer greets your guests and sets the tone for everyone gathers to witness your commitment.

Biography of the Couple

Write Your love story and make it take centre stage! This can share how you met, what brought you together, and what your journey has meant so far, as well as hope for the future. It’s a joyful, authentic reflection that allows guests to truly understand who you are—both individually and as a couple. (up to 300 words)

Mention Those Who Cannot Be Present

A touching moment to honour loved ones who are unable to attend, whether due to distance, circumstance, or remembrance. This acknowledgement gently weaves their presence into the ceremony and recognises the important role they hold in your hearts.

First Reading

A chosen reading—poetry, prose, or spiritual words. This can be read by your Ceremonies Officer, or a guest, and often captures the tone of love, commitment, or partnership in a way that resonates personally with you.

Personal Vows

This is the emotional heart of the ceremony. Speaking your own words allows you to express your promises, hopes, and love in a way that is fully unique. Whether romantic, light-hearted, or deeply moving, your vows create a moment you’ll remember forever.

Non-Legal Supporting Witness Declarations (Optional)

Close friends or family members may be invited to share brief statements of support, affirming their love for you and your relationship. This moment reinforces the community gathered around you and celebrates the bonds that support your journey together.

Second Reading (Optional)

A further reading can provide balance, reflection, or celebration—offering either contrast or harmony with the first. This may bring a moment of pause, laughter, or inspiration before the final declaration.

Non-Legal Declaration of Commitment

This is your spoken commitment to one another—clear, intentional, and deeply meaningful. While not legally binding, it powerfully expresses your shared promise and marks the emotional turning point of the ceremony.

Exchange of Rings or Tokens

Symbols of your commitment are exchanged, whether rings, jewellery, or another meaningful token. This visual, intimate moment represents unity, continuity, and the promises you have just made.

The Signing of the Certificate

A commemorative certificate may be signed by you and your supporting witnesses. This symbolic act provides a lasting keepsake of the day and a tangible reminder of your commitment.

Photographs

A natural pause allows for photographs to be taken while emotions are still fresh. This ensures you capture genuine expressions of joy, connection, and celebration before moving into the closing moments.

Closing Words

Your Ceremonies Officer offers thoughtful closing words—reflecting on what has been shared and celebrating the commitment just made. This brings warmth, reassurance, and a sense of completion to the ceremony.

End of Ceremony

The ceremony concludes with a joyful announcement, inviting applause, congratulations, and celebration as you take your next steps together.

Our pricing

Celebratory ceremonies

Non-legal ceremonies including renewal of vows, naming ceremonies and commitment ceremonies. Fees vary by venue type and day of the week.

Ceremony venues – fee by day of week

Day Local authority venue Approved venue (e.g. hotel)
Monday - Thursday £181 £290
Friday £254 £311
Saturday £316 £409
Sunday/Bank holiday £435 £435

Local authority venues are located in Beverley, Bridlington, Cottingham and Goole. Approved venues are privately licensed premises such as hotels.

Private venue ceremonies

Service Fee from 1 April 2026
Private venue assessment fee (pre-visit and health/safety risk assessment; excludes ceremony fee) £207

How to book

Contact us to enquire about or book a commitment ceremony

Please book a minimum of 8 weeks in advance to give us time to plan your perfect ceremony.

Deposit, changes and cancellations
You can discuss your ceremony requirements with us before you commit to a formal booking. When you decide to book with us, we require a £100 deposit (£75 non-refundable) for a registration office booking or a £250 deposit (£200 non-refundable) for an authorised venue. This can be taken over the phone.

Please note
An additional fee applies for a ceremony in a private venue.

Special days deserve special

Venues

Search over 45 wedding venues in the East Riding, with pricing, availability and more.

Do you have the perfect place? Register your venue with us
East Riding ceremony venues