The Adventure Bride’s Guide to Commitment Ceremonies
Hey Adventure Brides!
Today I’m going to discuss a new trend that is becoming more and more popular in 2024 in the adventure wedding/elopement community - commitment ceremonies.
For those of you who are not familiar with this concept, a commitment ceremony is simply an exchanging of vows between the couple, but without an officiant or marriage license. So, the couple is NOT legally married after a commitment ceremony, but for those who choose not to marry but still want epic adventure photos, this is the best of both worlds.
Let’s go over some popular reasons couples are choosing commitment ceremonies this year!
Preferences
Alabama couples session by Dye the Knot Adventure Weddings
More and more, couples are choosing merely to live together rather than legally tie the knot. Oftentimes past experiences or financial reasons drive this decision, but that doesn’t mean that the two are not committed to each other heart and soul! Having a ceremony in this way is such an intimate and personal expression of love to one another without the legal or religious components associated with a traditional wedding ceremony.
A wonderful option for couples who wish to publicly declare their relationship as exclusive and official, commitment ceremonies can be as private as an elopement or a lavish affair with guests at an expensive venue. The real reason for a ceremony (wedding, elopement, commitment, etc.) is love after all.
2. Inclusivity
Commitment ceremonies are especially popular amongst the LBGTQ+ community, as in many places same-sex marriage is not legal. This new trend has allowed many couples to declare their love in a non-discriminatory manner, even in places where legal restrictions apply.
3. Flexibility
Couples who place an emphasis on flexibility in their relationships may opt for an adventure commitment ceremony in order to celebrate their non-traditional relationship. Obviously, this type of ceremony is a blank canvas for couples, with absolutely no requirements for the day or expectations of any kind. It’s a true celebration of love through and through, and can be as colorful and loud or quiet and intimate as the couple prefers. For couples who are limited by budget constraints and finances, commitment ceremonies allow a bit more margin as vendors are not required and guests are completely optional.
4. Vow Renewals
For couples who are already married, there is no need to hire an officiant for a renewal unless specifically desired. Renewing vows can be as easy and informal as simply writing letters to read to one another.
Oftentimes this is done during an anniversary trip to a bucket list location with just a photographer to witness and record the event through their lens. For other couples this can be done at dinner as they recreate their first date and exchange short notes to one another. Again, this is completely up to the couple!
5. Cultural/Religious Reasons
Couples from different cultural backgrounds or the couples who have contradicting beliefs may choose a commitment ceremony in order to preserve relationships with non-supportive family members or church members.
For couples who do have support systems within their families and communities or religious groups, a commitment ceremony can be a fun educational experience for both sides’ guests. They have a unique opportunity to come together and learn about the other’s culture or traditions in a fun and relaxed way as they embrace their person’s chosen partner.
Because commitment ceremonies are inherently secular, this can serve as a neutral ground for interfaith couples and their families/communities, where the couple can be free from traditional cultural or religious expectations and bring the focus back to the original intent - their love.
That’s all I have for today, make sure you find me on Instagram and let me know what you think about this emerging trend! Or if you chose to hold a commitment ceremony, let me know where and why! I’d love to see pictures!
Till next time!
-Carlie
