Facts of a Civil Wedding Ceremony
A civil wedding ceremony is a wedding service presided over by a local civil official, such as an elected or appointed judge, justice of the peace or the mayor of a city or county. Civil wedding ceremonies may use references to God, but generally no references to a particular religion or denomination are made within the ceremony. Depending on the bride and grooms desires, a civil wedding ceremony can be either elaborate or simple. Though they can take place elsewhere, many civil wedding ceremonies take place in local city halls or courthouses in judge's chambers. Civil wedding ceremonies performed by a judge or justice of the peace are most often presented with no religious reference or rituals at all.
However, spiritual rituals and scripture readings may still be referenced during a civil wedding ceremony, if the bride and groom desire. Several brides also wear a white or cream dress to their civil wedding ceremony, which is quite symbolic of a traditional
wedding ceremony. Photographs can still be taken in a civil wedding ceremony, and a reception may still be held if the couple wishes. Most judges will not allow any kind wedding decorations such as candles, flowers, or other decor to be brought into the judge’s chambers for the civil ceremony. However, if the civil wedding ceremony is being held outside of the courthouse, wedding decorations would be a fantastic way to embellish the wedding venue.
If you are considering a civil wedding ceremony, booking your judge or justice of the peace in advance for the nuptials is highly recommended. Once the bride and groom have chosen a date for their civil wedding ceremony, calling the courthouse to reserve a judge or justice of the peace will confirm the ceremony date. To find a judge or justice of peace for your civil wedding ceremony, search Wedding and Party Network’s judges and justices of the peace directory for a judge or justice of the peace in your area.
