The civil wedding ceremony represents one of the most significant acts in the life of a couple who decide to marry in an official ceremony. Unlike a religious wedding, the civil ceremony is a secular act, conducted before an authorized public official, without any involvement of religious elements. In this text, we will explore in detail how a typical civil wedding ceremony unfolds, from the beginning to the end.
Civil wedding: The bureaucratic aspects
Before the wedding ceremony, the couple wishing to marry must complete the necessary documentation at the civil registry office of the municipality where they intend to celebrate the marriage. These documents usually include the marriage publication request, birth certificates, identity documents, and any other documents required by local law. Once all the documents have been submitted and verified, the date of the ceremony is set.
Where can the civil wedding ceremony be celebrated?
On the day of the ceremony, the bride and groom, along with their witnesses, go and report to the civil registry office, usually located inside the town hall or a designated venue. The wedding ceremony can take place in a specially prepared room or in a symbolic location within the municipal building.
The arrival of the bride and groom
The wedding ceremony begins with the arrival of the bride and groom and their guests in the designated room. Often, an official from the civil registry office welcomes the guests and invites them to take their seats. The bride and groom may choose to enter together or separately, depending on their preferences and local tradition.
The main steps of the civil wedding ceremony
Once everyone is seated and ready, the public official responsible for officiating the marriage takes the floor. They usually start with an introductory speech, welcoming the bride and groom and their guests and explaining the meaning and importance of the marital commitment.
Next, the official asks the couple to confirm their intention to marry and to declare their consent to enter into marriage. The couple expresses their love and mutual commitment in front of their loved ones and the guests present. After the declaration of consent, the bride and groom exchange marriage vows. These vows are formal and dictated by the civil ritual.
The exchange of rings and the proclamation
Once the marriage vows are completed, the bride and groom exchange rings. Wedding rings are traditional symbols of commitment and unity, and the exchange of rings marks the moment when the couple officially joins in marriage. After the ring exchange, the public official pronounces the bride and groom husband and wife. This announcement officially marks the conclusion of the ceremony and the moment when the couple is legally married in the eyes of the law.
The ceremony may conclude with additional speeches, readings, or personalized rituals chosen by the couple. These additional elements can add a personal and meaningful touch to the ceremony, reflecting the personality and values of the couple.
The conclusion of the civil wedding ceremony
Once the wedding ceremony is over, the bride and groom and their guests can celebrate with a wedding banquet: guests can congratulate the newlyweds, take photographs, and enjoy food and drinks. In conclusion, the civil wedding ceremony is a special and significant moment in the life of a couple. Through the declaration of consent, the exchange of vows and rings, and the official proclamation of marriage, the bride and groom legally unite and celebrate their love in front of their loved ones and the community.
Would you like to personalize every detail of your ceremony ?
The civil wedding ceremony is the legal passage that seals the marriage between two people: usually it has an essential ritual and a limited duration (about ten minutes). If you want to make your wedding ceremony more personal and emotional by also telling your love story and having the opportunity to involve the people dear to you in a ritual moment designed just for you, for you both, write to me.
Write to me and book your free video call!
As a humanist celebrant, I can obtain the delegation from civil authorities and officiate your wedding ceremony myself, giving it legal validity, and making the entire ceremony fully personalized down to every detail.
Together, we can think about personalizing every moment and every detail of your wedding ceremony. Send me a message and book your free video call, and let’s start thinking together about how to make your special day even more beautiful, a truly unforgettable moment!
