Civil Ceremony

What is a Civil Ceremony?

A civil ceremony is a marriage performed with no religious affiliation, officiated by a Judge, Mayor, Justice of the Peace or non-denominational minister. Civil ceremonies can be performed just about anywhere. In a judges chambers, at the wedding location, the City Clerk’s office, or even on the beach. In most cases, couples can choose the ceremony’s wording and offer their own vows as they see fit. Religious readings can also be added, if this is what the couple desires.

Why a Civil Cermemony?

There are many reasons for a civil ceremony, including:

• You and your fiancé are of different religions.
• You and/or your fiancé are of no religious affiliation.
• You want to recite your own vows.
• You wish to allow others to speak at your wedding.
• You don’t want a cookie cutter, assembly line wedding.
• You want the wedding to be as brief as possible.
• You won’t be getting married in a house of worship.
• Your religion won’t recognize your marriage due to divorce or other issues.
• You don’t want an elaborate wedding or wish to be married at City Hall.

Civil Ceremony Laws

Check with the City Clerk’s office to find the marriage laws for your city and state. Each state is different, so be sure you’re looking at the correct state’s website when looking for information Online.

Choosing an Officiant

If you won’t be having a City Hall wedding, you’ll need to choose an officiant to perform your civil ceremony.

You don’t want to choose just anyone to officiate over your wedding. The person you choose should be open to your ideas and get to know you as a couple. In other words, you need to choose the person with whom you feel most comfortable, the one who will best represent you in front of all of your witnesses.

There are several different ways to find an officiant for your civil ceremony. The Yellow Pages, the Internet and word of mouth are just a few. If you’ve already chosen a venue for the wedding, your banquet manager is sure to know more than a few people. If you’re hiring a wedding planner, she too will be able to assist you in finding the best officiant to suit your needs.

You’ll probably want to meet with several different people to see who you like best. Don’t be afraid to take the time to choose the one that’s best for you. This is, after all, your wedding.

Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with your choice. How many weddings has the officiant performed? Will he respect your views and beliefs regarding religion? Will he allow you to write your own vows and allow others to speak or do readings? Can he travel?

You’ll also want to find out the costs involved in hiring your officiant. Cheaper is not always better, however. Go with what feels right.

What is Required?

Again, the laws regarding civil ceremonies differ from state to state. You’ll need to register at the City Clerk’s office and fill out the necessary forms to obtain your marriage license. You’ll also need to provide identification such as a driver’s license and birth certificate. If you’ll be married at City Hall, you’ll want to make an appointment at the same time to have the ceremony performed.