Religious Ceremonies vs. Civil Ceremonies
The most important thing a couple needs to remember is that whatever type of ceremony they choose to have, it is their decision. You shouldn’t feel pressured to have religious ceremony in a church or a civil ceremony in their backyard just because it’s how they’ve always dreamed it. While you should talk to them about how they feel about it and get their advice, in the end it is your day and your decision. That being said, if you haven’t made your decision yet, here are a few things to consider and the differences between each.
Religious Ceremony
Religious ceremonies generally take place in a church, temple, or other house of worship pertaining to that religion. They are generally very strict and have specific procedures that are followed. Religious ceremonies are wonderful for couples that have a very strong faith or have strong ties to the church and the community within it. However, religious ceremonies do limit a couple’s options when making wedding plans.
The church may not for instance, allow you to get married on a beach or in a park, as the religion’s guidelines may state that you can only be married in the church. Other options such as how much decorating you can do and what kind of photography is allowed may also be limited. Generally there is no dress code for religious ceremonies although formal wear and gowns and tuxes are generally expected. In some religions, there is very specific wedding attire that must be worn so it’s important to look into this before deciding on a religious ceremony.
Even if you feel that you want a religious ceremony but want it to take place within your religion, this is something that you must discuss with your fiancé and make sure they feel comfortable with. A huge problem that couples run into with religious ceremonies is when they both come from different religions but this can often be solved with an inter-faith ceremony.
Civil Ceremonies
The biggest difference with civil ceremonies is that there is much more option for personal choice and the only guidelines that need to be followed are those set by the government, which are generally very few. Because of this civil ceremonies can take place in a park, garden, beach, or a banquet hall. Civil ceremonies are particularly suited for couples that want to have a very small and quiet wedding or get married very quickly. Often people who are getting married for a second time will often choose to have a civil ceremony, either because they want it to be intimate or because they want to hold the ceremony in a way that they weren’t able to, but wanted to, the first time.
There are many situations that differ from these very basic differences. Perhaps you have fallen in love with a small garden perfect for your wedding but you’ve always hoped to get married in your faith. It’s always important to speak to people regarding both religious and civil ceremonies such as the priest or the civil officiate so that you can get a better understanding of what they specifically will and will not allow.
