It's a dream couple Michael Downes and Clinton Turner will realise today as they celebrate their commitment in a ceremony in the botanic gardens.

"As far as we're concerned this is a wedding," Mr Downes said.

"When you've found the right person you want to hang on to them. This is not so much a statement about being gay, it's about two people making a public commitment to each other."

The couple met one night at the Hotel Warrnambool 16 months ago and have been planning their wedding since November last year, when Mr Turner proposed.

The couple said while their ceremony might not be traditional it was an important day to declare their love for each other in front of friends and family.

"Sometimes it might seem easier not to be yourself and hide, but at the end of the day you've got to live life for you," Mr Downes said.