Civil Wedding Ceremonies

Although civil ceremonies often seem like the sensible option - either because of faith, finances, time, or interests - couples often panic that this is the lesser option, almost that a wedding held outside of a religious building doesn't mean as much.

What civil ceremonies really offer is freedom. The venues and vows may not be as austere, traditional, and impressive as religious ones, but you can adapt everything about your wedding to suit you. Because of this, it can reflect your personalities better than anything else. The only restraint really is that you cannot have any religious reading during the service. Apart from that, it's all down to you. Have fun.

Where can a civil ceremony be held?

Practically anywhere. Ask your local council for a list of authorized venues as they are expanding all the time. Today, you can probably get married anywhere from the pitch of your favorite football team to your old university dining room. As long as an official registrar attends to sanction the marriage legally, the world is your oyster - or a potential venue at least. Think carefully before you decide - many venues are cottoning on to their popularity and charging outlandish prices for a few tables in a field. In other cases, what might seem like a wacky idea before your wedding, in reality might be a little too informal and disorganized.

Getting married in a registry office or hotel conference room can often be rather bland and uniform, so spice it up with a few inspired choices. Play your favorite song as you walk up the aisle - you won't have any constraints and can dance up to the latest pop record if you wish. You are not allowed religious readings, so ask your friends and family to write and/or read poems for you, or to read your favorite childhood nursery rhyme, or even to tell a few appropriate wedding jokes.

In a civil ceremony, you can add anything you like to the vows, and the official will say, "You may now kiss the bride" at the end of the ceremony. The congregation will also feel more inclined to laugh, cheer, and clap during a civil ceremony than at a more old-fashioned religious one.

If you are having a civil ceremony and wish to play a favored piece of music as you walk in, pick someone reliable to press play on the stereo system. There's nothing worse than walking in to silence.