{"id":51067,"date":"2018-04-28T17:32:19","date_gmt":"2018-04-28T17:32:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.topweddingquestions.com\/blog\/?p=12201"},"modified":"2018-04-28T17:32:19","modified_gmt":"2018-04-28T17:32:19","slug":"whats-the-difference-between-a-traditional-and-civil-wedding-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.topweddingsites.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-traditions\/whats-the-difference-between-a-traditional-and-civil-wedding-ceremony","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the difference between a traditional and civil wedding ceremony?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We hear both terms all of the time but what do they mean? Are you having a traditional wedding ceremony or are you going the civil route? Check out the quick breakdown to help you decide.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the difference between a traditional and civil wedding ceremony?\u201d<\/h2>\n

The difference here is incredibly easy to distinguish between. A civil ceremony doesn\u2019t utilize religious testaments whereas a traditional ceremony does.<\/b><\/p>\n

Basically, if it\u2019s important to be wed within the eyes of God, then you\u2019ll want to partake in a traditional venture. And if that doesn\u2019t suit your needs and you want to go the strictly lawful route, stick with a civil ceremony instead.<\/p>\n

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Other Expert Answers<\/h2>\n

Our Everyday Life<\/h3>\n

\u201cCivil Marriage and Freedom<\/b><\/p>\n

A civil ceremony recognizes that the union between the married couple is simply a contractual agreement. The bond between husband and wife meets the state’s necessary legal requirements so that the two can exchange property and share marital assets. While the wedding ceremony itself can be as romantic as the couple chooses, the law now recognizes the bride and groom as one.<\/p>\n

Religious Weddings and Tradition<\/b><\/p>\n

While civil ceremonies allow the marrying couple to decide on the type of ceremony of their dreams, a religious wedding follows a certain protocol. Many couples choose religious weddings based on tradition. Families across America have stories of past nuptials that include the dress, the borrowed, the blue and also the church where the couple exchanged their “I do’s.” Couples may also choose a religious wedding because they want to be married in the house of worship where they grew up.\u201d – Our Everyday Life<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Easy Weddings<\/h3>\n

\u201cThe main difference between marrying in a religious or civil ceremony is that a religious ceremony is about being wed in the eyes of God (or whichever deity you believe in), while a civil ceremony is about being wed in the eyes of the law.<\/p>\n

Of course, your celebrant, be they civil or religious, must meet all the legal requirements for marrying a couple as set out by the federal government, but if you\u2019re marrying in a church or another place of worship, there are likely a number of rules or conventions (such as either the bride or groom being a member of the faith in question) that must be adhered to, whereas civil ceremonies have fewer restrictions.<\/p>\n

Naturally, this is understandable, since it shouldn\u2019t be forgotten that, as beautiful and atmospheric as many churches etc are, the fact is, they are, first and foremost, places of worship. So, the actual marriage ceremony is seen as a sacred, holy ceremony, to which the faith\u2019s customs must apply.<\/p>\n

Civil ceremonies, on the other hand, can be just as wonderful and atmospheric but they are not constrained by the rules of any faith, just the law, so there is a lot more scope to move outside rules pertaining to, for example, music or dress.\u201d – Easy Weddings<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Events<\/h3>\n

\u201cTraditional Weddings follow a religious or cultural tradition.<\/p>\n

Traditional Weddings generally take place in a church or the place of worship suited to your beliefs, and led by a religious head. This ceremony includes readings from the Bible or religious text, and traditional marriage vows.<\/p>\n

With modern or contemporary weddings, you don\u2019t have any real restrictions or limitations. You and your partner can choose every detail including the Wedding ceremony venue, theme, vows etc.<\/p>\n

As modern Weddings are typically non-religious in nature, they can take place in any location such as a garden, park, hotel, beach, art gallery \u2013 basically anywhere that you wish or can afford.<\/p>\n

A modern Wedding ceremony can be an event with lots of family and friends, or a couple may choose a simple and intimate civil ceremony. Either of these can be performed by someone who is licensed to conduct a marriage ceremony, such as a Wedding celebrant.\u201d – Black Events<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Other Helpful Resources<\/h2>\n