Symbolic ceremonies are not legally binding in themselves but they are a way of expressing, your feelings and commitment in a truly personalised way, in any setting you may wish to choose. You may choose to write your vows to each other, or have a favourite poem read. The ceremonies tend to be simple and short and are also at times considered as blessing ceremonies. You might want to include traditions of promise from your own cultural heritage and back ground. Some examples are:

Hand fasting ceremony; particularly known in Pagan wedding ceremonies, hand fasting is the joining of the bride and groom’s hands and wrists using vines, cord, rope or ribbon tied into a knot.

Sand ceremony; the sand ceremony is a wonderful ceremony alternative. Its’ meaning is simple and beautiful: two becoming one. The couple mix two different colours of sand into one container, thus symbolising their lives and hearts entwined. Once combined, it would be extremely difficult to separate the sand out again, just as the couple are so joined together

Unity candle ceremony; this ceremony can include your family and friends present, where a main candle is lit by the celebrant and the couple together with whoever you decide to choose, light a candle from the main source. The atmosphere in a dimly lit room is absolutely magical

and my overall favourite, the wine ceremony

The wine ceremony; is a symbol of a life shared, the wine is poured into  a container of choice, I  would chose, a beautiful goblet. The sharing of a cup is symbolic of togetherness.

I wonder if there is a chocolate ceremony!!!!.  In actual fact you may choose to create your own ceremony using symbols that are important to the two of you, your beliefs and shared dreams. I particularly love the ‘time capsule’ where a box is filled with your favourite wine (or your beverage of choice) two beautiful glasses and notes to each other, to be opened on your first anniversary. Personally I would include the time capsule in any ceremony as it is a beautiful memento and a gift for the both of you to share together.

Symbolic ceremonies usually have a celebrant present, who will lead the ceremony and guide you through it. Your wedding planner will be able to help you choose the right celebrant for you. These ceremonies are about your love for each other and a promise for a life shared together. Malta has plenty of indoor and outdoor venues and locations for you to view and peruse, have a look through our past blogs for excerpts about a few of them.

You might choose to have a quiet registry ceremony at home and then fly over to Malta for a symbolic ceremony with your family and friends. Or you might choose to do so while you are on holiday. Whatever you choose your wedding planner will be able to organise it for you. It is a simple elegant, personal way of promising each other that ‘you are the person I want to be with’.