{"id":278,"date":"2017-05-26T11:02:51","date_gmt":"2017-05-26T10:02:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bowmusique.com\/?p=278"},"modified":"2017-05-26T11:26:33","modified_gmt":"2017-05-26T10:26:33","slug":"civil-ceremonies-v-church-weddings-choose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bowmusique.com\/civil-ceremonies-v-church-weddings-choose\/","title":{"rendered":"Civil Ceremonies v Church Weddings – How to Choose"},"content":{"rendered":"

These days, there is more than one way to get married. Aside from the traditional marriage in a Catholic church, you could also opt for a civil ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n

While both of these options serve the same purpose, there are some striking differences between the two. Choosing to have a civil wedding ceremony or getting married in a church is completely up to you and your partner. We\u2019re not writing this piece to try and persuade you to pick one or the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"civil-or-church-wedding\"<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Instead, we\u2019re writing this to try and tell you more about each option. We\u2019ll explain how they differ, what choices you have when arranging them, and why you might be inclined to choose one over the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

To find all of this information out, carry on reading down below:<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is A Civil Ceremony?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The simplest definition of a civil ceremony is that it\u2019s a non-religious marriage between two people. This is the biggest thing that sets it apart from a church wedding; the lack of religion. While church weddings are usually set in churches with priests, a civil ceremony is set in a non-religious setting with a non-religious person running the ceremony. This doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not a proper marriage, it\u2019s still completely legal and you have a marriage certificate and everything else. There\u2019s just no religious involvement at all. <\/span><\/p>\n

What Is A Church Wedding?<\/span><\/h2>\n

This is the traditional wedding ceremony that you\u2019ve likely seen in movies many times and probably been part of multiple times too. It\u2019s hosted in a church, and the ceremony is run by the priest. It involves readings from the Bible as well as the singing of some hymns. People from both families go up and read passages from the Bible as part of the ceremony too. <\/span><\/p>\n

The priest pronounces the couple man and wife, and it\u2019s all a very religious affair. There is another big difference in that a church wedding isn\u2019t technically legally binding. You\u2019ll have to obtain your wedding certificate before or after the ceremony to make it legal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"church-wedding\"<\/p>\n

Why Choose A Civil Ceremony\/Church Wedding? <\/span><\/h2>\n

There are multiple reasons why someone might choose one of these options over the other. Naturally, if you\u2019re religious and have a religious background, then you\u2019ll want a proper Catholic ceremony in a church. It\u2019s the right thing to do, to honour your religion and get married under the watchful eye of God.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, if you\u2019re not religious you may feel uncomfortable getting married in a church and going through the whole religious ceremony. In which case, a civil ceremony may be more to your taste. This doesn\u2019t mean everyone that\u2019s not religious shouldn\u2019t get married in a church. Some people want a church wedding because it\u2019s traditional and they like the idea of a traditional wedding day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another reason you might choose a civil ceremony over a church wedding is because you don\u2019t have a lot of money and can\u2019t afford a traditional wedding. Church weddings can cost a lot of money as you have to book the church, book transport to the church, and pay for lots of other things too. Civil ceremonies are a lot cheaper as you don\u2019t really have to pay for any extras.<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, civil ceremonies are much quicker too. You can book a date and get married within a few weeks without having to worry about planning anything. It\u2019s fast, and this suits some people that are so desperate to get married they can\u2019t bear to wait any longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"civil-ceremony-on-beach\"<\/p>\n

Furthermore, if you do want to plan a massive wedding, you have more control over a civil ceremony. You aren\u2019t bound by what the priest deems is acceptable or not. Likewise, some priests don\u2019t preside over outdoor weddings, while a civil official will. So, you can create an ideal ceremony without worrying so much about restrictions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Church weddings are really for religious people and those that want a traditional ceremony – which still happens to be a very large percentage of married couples. Civil ceremonies offer you something that’s potentially quicker, more to your personal tastes, and free from religion. Both options are great, it just depends on which one you prefer. <\/span><\/p>\n

How To Arrange A Civil Ceremony\/Church Wedding<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve ever read a guide on how to arrange a wedding, then it\u2019s likely you\u2019ve read about arranging the classic church wedding. To do this, you need to book the location for your wedding ceremony. If you attend a local church, this is probably your ideal choice. You should speak to the priest and see if they\u2019re free on your chosen day. If not, you may have to work around their schedule and move your desired wedding day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then, it\u2019s a case of choosing bridesmaids, flower girls, groomsmen, and the various Bible readings throughout the ceremony. You also have to organise the decorations in the church and the car you\u2019ll ride to the wedding in, as well as what clothes you and the main people involved will wear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, there\u2019s the reception to arrange too, which requires you to find somewhere to host everyone after the wedding for food and party time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Arranging a civil ceremony can follow a similar pattern if you want it too. You can find any location for your wedding that you so wish. You can dress any way that you want and set the \u2018ceremony\u2019 to be as long as you want and include anything you like – some people read poems instead of bible readings.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, if you want a quick marriage, then it can be as simple as heading to your local civic offices and stating that you want to get married. A representative will talk things through with the two of you and conduct checks to ensure the marriage is genuine and not fake. Then, you book a date and go back to the civic offices on that date and get legally married.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is a big difference between both wedding options. A church wedding is very religious and more traditional and formal. A civil ceremony is far more relaxed and not religious in any way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand each option and figure out which one is right for your special day.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

These days, there is more than one way to get married. Aside from the traditional marriage in a Catholic church, you could also opt for a civil ceremony. While both of these options serve the same purpose, there are some striking differences between the two. 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