There are situations where a legally binding marriage ceremony is either not possible or not necessary, for example:

• where a legal marriage has already occurred,
• where a legal marriage will occur at a later date, or
• where a couple does not wish to hold a formal marriage ceremony.

In these situations, the couple may still want to declare their love for each publicly and have their relationship officially recognised in front of family and friends, and this is where a Commitment Ceremony is ideal. You have a great deal of flexibility in the content of your ceremony, without the need to meet any legal requirements.

Registration of Your Relationship

In most States and Territories of Australia, adults who are in a relationship as a couple can apply for registration of their relationship. The relationships register provides legal recognition for a couple by registration of their relationship.

Visit the NSW Births Deaths and Marriages website for more information and application forms.

You may wish to renew your wedding vows for a number of reasons:

• a special anniversary;
• a turning point in your relationship;
• a new beginning; or
• just because you want to.

This is an occasion where you can be as formal or informal as you wish, with a ceremony based either on your previous ceremony or with a fresh perspective.

There are no legal requirements for a Renewal of Vows Ceremony.