Your
Choices
For
Your
Ceremony
At Gloucestershire Registration Service we regard it as a privilege to be involved in your special day. The following notes have been prepared for you to select the ceremony to suit your occasion and give you a day to remember.
The Civil Partnership Ceremony
Welcome and Introduction by the Registration Staff
You may select one of the following introductions:-
W 1. Partner 1 and Partner 2 wish to thank you for being here. They are delighted that you are able to share in their joy during this wonderful moment in their lives. By your presence, you celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other and you support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.
W 2. Partner 1 and Partner 2 have asked you here today because each one of you has touched their lives in some special way. They hold you, their family and friends, as a valued part of what they are as individuals, and what they will become when they are joined in this partnership commitment. Your presence is a gift of support and caring and they appreciate your sharing in this very special moment.
W 3. Partner 1 and Partner 2, we are privileged to share today’s happy occasion with you. We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you every happiness in your future life together. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty, Civil Partnership enables the establishment of a home, where through trust, patience and respect, the love and affection which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship.
Giving Away of one or both partners
You may include the option below of giving away with any of the introductions
GA. Who supports Partner 2 and Partner 1 in their partnership?
That/those person(s) step(s) forward and say(s) “I/We do”.
Promises
You may select one of the following:-
P 1. I promise to love and care for you and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I will always be honest with you, kind, patient and forgiving, but most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you.
P 2. I will be understanding and trust in you completely. Together we will face all of life’s experiences and share one another’s dreams and goals. I promise I will be your equal partner in a loving and honest relationship for the rest of our lives.
P 3. I promise to love you, to be your best friend, to respect and support you, to be patient with you, to accept you unconditionally, and to share life with you throughout the years.
The Giving and Receiving of Rings
You may select one of the following expressions to be used:-
R 1. I give you this ring as a symbol of the vows we have made. I pledge you my love and respect through the good times and the bad times, today and always.
R 2. I offer you this ring as a sign of our unity. I commit here and now to
share all that I am and all that I may become.
R 3. Please accept this ring as a symbol of our partnership, for today,
tomorrow and forever. Wear it as a sign of all we have promised and done this day.
Conclusion of the Ceremony and Signing of the Schedule
This is the finale to the proceedings when you will sign the schedule. You may choose one of the following to conclude your ceremony:
C 1. May the love that has brought you here together continue to grow and enrich your lives. Meet with courage any problems, which challenge you. May your relationship always be one of love and trust. Let the happiness you share today be with you forever and everything you have said and done here today become a living truth in your lives.
C 2. As you affirm your commitment to one another always remember that you should cherish each other as special and unique individuals, and to respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges and live each day that you may share it together. From this day you shall be each other’s home, comfort and refuge, your partnership strengthened by your love and respect.
C3. Today does not mark the start of a relationship, but recognises the bond that already exists. This ceremony is an affirmation of that bond. You have declared the commitment you have made to each other and combined your two separate lives into one. Although sharing one life, never forget that you are two separate people. Cherish and affirm your differences. Keep your commitment foremost in your minds and hearts.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO MEMORISE YOUR WORDS
CHOICES FORM
Please complete all sections of this form to indicate the choices for your ceremony
Civil Partnership of
Partner 1……….…………………………..……….…… and Partner 2..……………...………………...……………………..…
informal names (ie. Thomas = Tom)………………………………………………………………………...…………………..….....
at (venue) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…
ceremony room…………………………………………………………………………………….number of guests……………...…
on (day and date) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…...
Ceremony Options – please circle your choice
Choice of Welcome: W 1 W 2 W 3
Giving Away: yes / no One partner or both: 1 / 2
Choice of Promises: P 1 P 2 P 3
Choice of words when exchanging rings: R 1 R 2 R 3 No rings
Choice of conclusion of ceremony: C 1 C 2 C 3
Choice of a short reading or poem
None ÿ One ÿ Two ÿ
First reading Title ……………….…………….………….………….…author…………..…………………….
to be read by …………………………….………………………………………..……………….
Second reading Title ……………………………..…..………………...…author…………………………………
to be read by ………………………………………………….…………………………..……….
(Please ensure a copy of each reading is attached to this form showing the title, the author, and the name of the book from which the reading or poem is taken. These are not to be of a religious nature)
Choices of Music
For all ceremonies in the register office music will be provided, however if you would like to choose your own music, please provide it recorded in the correct order on one CD, returned with this form. For ceremonies at approved premises please show your selection below.
Music as the guests assemble (we suggest 3 pieces)..………………………………………………………….……………
……………………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Entrance of the Couple ………....….…………………..………………………………………………………………
During the Signing of the Schedule (we suggest 2 pieces)…………………………………...……………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………………………
Exit of the Civil Partners……………....………………………………………………………………..……………………………….
Please ensure you give the title for each individual piece of music, the name of the composer/writer, and what the music is from (for example; Autumn, by Vivaldi, from the Four Seasons)
Other Important Information
Arrival and Entrance of the Couple
Each partner will enter the ceremony room alone , or ÿ
The couple will enter the room together, or ÿ
Partner 1 will be escorted into the ceremony room by ……………………………………………………..…………….
Partner 1 will be given away by (optional) ………………………………………………….………………………………
Partner 2 will be escorted into the ceremony room by ……………………………………………………..…………….
Partner 2 will be given away by (optional) ………………………………………………….………………………………
Official Video and Photography
It must be remembered that the formation of a civil partnership is a solemn and binding contract and it is essential that your attention is not distracted in any way from the meaning and purport of the occasion. It is for this reason that photography is not permitted throughout the ceremony. There will be an opportunity for photographs after the signing of the schedule. One static video camera may be used.
The ceremony will be video recorded by …………………….………………………...……………………………………
The photographer will be ……………………………………………………………………………………
Please note that the actual signing of the schedule may not be photographed or video-ed.
Details of the Party
Witnesses to sign the Schedule
First Witness ………………..……………………………………………………….....………………………….
Second Witness ...………………………………………………………………………...….……………………….
Please state the full names of the witnesses who should be aged 18 or over.
Names of attendants (please include ages if under 16)
…………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………….…………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………….
Ring Bearer …………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………….
Name of Best Person……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………
Please ensure you have completed all sections on both sides of this form.
This form should be returned as soon as possible and at least one month prior to the day of the ceremony, to:
Gloucestershire Register Office, St George’s Road, Cheltenham GL50 3EW
Tel: 01452 425060 Fax: 01242 254600 Email:
If you wish to discuss this form with one of our staff please make an appointment and ensure that this form is fully completed before you arrive at the Register Office. Thank you.
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