Commitment ceremonies are celebrations for couples, whether they are of the same gender couples or heterosexual couples to publicly express their love and commitment for each other – without taking it to the level of a legally bound marriage.

In Australia, this type of ceremony is not legally binding but it is a way for them to receive public confirmation of their relationship from their family and friends.  Such a ceremony can also be known as ‘Same Sex Ceremony’.

The meaning of this ceremony is that it is an important right of passage marking the transition from one social state to another in front of your family and friends.