Many people understand our road to becoming more civilised has many twists and turns. Much gets lost in the mists of time.

For example, in western Christian tradition, it was not until about one thousand years ago that commoners were married, and a century later before priests were present at those ceremonies. Previously marriage was primarily reserved for those with wealth. This common law history is reflected in Australian Law.

So whilst I am required by my Commonwealth appointment to ensure that we all understand that the ceremony is not a marriage as defined by Australian law, I would like to also ensure that more people understand that ministers, priests and civil celebrants do not marry couples.

Couples are married by the vows or promises they make to live in a life long relationship, and their commitment to honour those promises as best they are able.

That life-long commitment between men and women, called marriage, is witnessed then recorded on the behalf of the federal government.

To me this arrangement also reflects psychological or spiritual truths.

• That love bonds us to one another, not law.

• That we need to be willing to submit to the call of love in our lives and to the power of our inner truths and needs, provided they do not harm or wound the life force we have all received as a gift

• That our inner and outer worlds are powerfully inter-related, so that making a public declaration of an inner intent serves to strengthen and empower our spirits to live that more completely on every level.

To me, that is why the commitment Partner 1 and Partner 2 have made and affirm today, being witnessed by your love and support for them, is so very important. This public declaration grants them wholeness and freedom to live their truth.

We traditionally symbolise wholeness with a circle or a square. We symbolise eternity as an unending loop. Precious metals that last unchanged not only also symbolise infinity, they symbolise the pricelessness or worth of that wholeness.

Rings exchanged symbolise all those aspects. Today Partner 1 and Partner 2 also wish their rings to symbolise their love for their family and friends, and the love and care you have for them which upholds them both as individuals and as a couple.

I am going to ask that we circulate their rings, so that may all be held by each of us – to grant them our warmth and our best wishes for them now and for their future.

(Attendant to hand rings to each side of the room and make sure everyone, row by row gets to hold the ring to make their wish)
                                                               
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The actual wording of your vows and ring ceremony can be fully personalised to your own style and choice. There are many resources available, or you may prefer to make up your own words, which would truly reflect your inner feelings.

I will assist you with the overall ceremony layout, introduction and final presentation.