Commitment ceremonies

Is a commitment ceremony right for you?

The ceremony is available to all adults. You do not need to live in Oxfordshire to be able to hold your ceremony in the county. It is a lovely opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate your relationship with family and friends.

Where and when can commitment ceremonies be held?

Oxfordshire is a beautiful, historic county that offers a wide range of venues for your commitment ceremony.

We offer commitment ceremonies at all of our registration offices and approved premises across the county. If you would like to use a different venue, for example, a village hall or a marquee in the grounds of a hotel or your garden, please discuss this with us beforehand by completing our enquiry form. Ceremonies cannot be held in a church or a religious building.

You can have a commitment ceremony on any day of the year except Christmas Day. Ceremonies on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Boxing Day or New Year's Day will be subject to staffing availability.

Can we personalise our own ceremony?

Each ceremony is unique to you and your partner. You will work closely with your ceremony officer to select from the options available to tailor a ceremony that is special and meaningful for you both. 

What happens in the ceremony?

The ceremony can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. You don't need to include every section in your ceremony.

We suggest the following framework, which can be adapted according to your wishes and gives you the chance to create something unique and personal 

• introduction and welcome
• your story
• readings/poems  
• music  
• address from a special guest
• pledges to each other
• exchange of rings/gifts and personal promises
• signing of a commemorative certificate
• presentation of a commemorative certificate
• concluding words.

How long does a ceremony last?

It depends on the type of ceremony and the different options you choose. We suggest you allow 30 minutes for your ceremony.

How much will the ceremony cost?

The ceremony fee will vary depending on the day, time and venue that you choose. If you choose an approved venue, you will need to contact them to confirm their availability and their venue room hire charges.

Once you have decided to proceed with your ceremony, contact the Registration Service with details of your venue and preferred date.  We will check our diary and book the ceremony for you.  A ceremony officer will contact you about a month before your ceremony. They will discuss your ceremony wishes with you and devise a ceremony that's unique and special to you both.

Please note that commitment ceremonies are non-statutory and therefore the ceremony itself and the issue of any certificates carry no legal status.