WEDDING HINTS & TIPS | A GUIDE TO WEDDING CEREMONIES IN THE UK
Exploring the Differences Between a Church Wedding, Humanist Wedding and Civil Wedding
Each of the three types of ceremonies (Church wedding, a Humanist ceremony or a civil wedding) has its own unique set of customs, traditions and legal requirements.
This guide will explore the differences between a church wedding, a Humanist wedding and a civil wedding in the UK.
We'll look at the different elements that make up each type of ceremony, including the legal requirements, the formality and the symbolism.
Overview Of UK Wedding Ceremonies
Wedding ceremonies can vary in formality, symbolism and legal standings, but there are some similarities between the different ceremonies that are worth noting.
For example, whether your ceremony takes place in a church, a hotel, or by the sea, you will want to make sure that you and your partner have enough time to say your vows without feeling rushed. This is why most wedding ceremonies last between 30 and 60 minutes.
There are also similarities between the different types of ceremonies in terms of the order in which things happen. For example, you will most likely begin with music, followed by the arrival of your guests, and then a welcome speech from the officiant.
The next part of the ceremony will be the wedding vows and ring exchange, after which the guests will be invited to applaud to show their support, and depending on the type of ceremony, the service will then conclude with either a blessing, a reading, a poem or signing of the wedding register.
Church Weddings In The UK
A church wedding is a traditional type of wedding ceremony that is often chosen by couples with a religious background. Most churches in the UK offer wedding services, with various ceremony types available.
A church wedding can be religious or non-religious, legal or non-legal, and have either a formal or informal feel. For example, a religious church wedding is a legally binding ceremony requiring a marriage license.
On the other hand, a non-religious ceremony/symbolic event is not legally binding.
Church Wedding Legal Requirements
The first thing to note when considering a church wedding is that certain legal requirements must be met. The first of these is the marriage age requirement.
In England and Wales, couples must be at least 18 years old and in Scotland, couples must be at least 16 years old to be wed and must have a valid marriage license. This document is issued by the relevant superintendent registrar and lasts for up to 12 months (most often 3 months).
Church Wedding Formality And Symbolism
The formality and symbolism associated with church weddings mean that they are often the most traditional of the three types of ceremonies.
For example, the church building is an imposing structure, and the priest or minister who conducts the service will wear formal robes. Other aspects of a church ceremony will also be highly formal, including the order in which things happen and the language used during the service.
The symbolism of church weddings also adds to their traditional nature. For example, a church is a place of worship, so getting married there can be seen as a symbolic gesture of two people coming together in the presence of God to declare their love for one another.
Humanist Weddings In The UK
Humanist weddings are non-religious ceremonies that are conducted by a Humanist celebrant who is accredited by Humanists UK.
These ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. In fact, they are the most requested non-religious ceremony type in Scotland.
Humanist ceremonies can be as formal or informal as you want them to be. Couples can choose whether to have a more informal ceremony or a more formal one. Some couples even choose to have a hybrid of the two.
When selecting a Humanist celebrant, it is important to look for one who Humanists UK accredits. This organization is the official governing body for Humanists in the country, so only celebrants who are accredited by them are legally allowed to conduct Humanist ceremonies.
Humanist wedding ceremonies in England are currently not legally binding (Jan 2023), and a second 'legal' ceremony will needed; this is often done a few days before the humanist wedding ceremony, typically at a local registry office.
Civil Weddings In The UK
Civil weddings are non-religious ceremonies conducted by a registrar. They are often chosen by couples with no religious affiliation or by couples who want a more informal ceremony.
Just like a religious ceremony, a civil wedding is legally binding, and a wedding registry must be signed by both the couple and witnesses.
There are several ways in which you can add a bit more formality to a civil wedding ceremony if you wish. For example, you can exchange symbolic gifts, or add a reading or two to the ceremony.
Comparing The Three Types Of UK Weddings
All three types of ceremonies have their own unique set of customs and traditions, but there are some key differences between a church wedding, a Humanist ceremony, and a civil wedding.
For example, a church wedding is religious, whereas a Humanist wedding is not, and a civil ceremony can (depending on your location) be either religious or non-religious. Another difference is that a church wedding requires a marriage license, whereas a Humanist ceremony does not. Finally, a church wedding tends to be more formal and have more symbolism than either a Humanist or a civil wedding.
The type of ceremony people choose will largely be a personal decision based on their beliefs and values. It is also worth remembering that you can mix and match elements from different ceremonies if you want to create something that is both meaningful and unique.
Deciding On The Type Of Wedding Ceremony That Suits You And Your Wedding Plans
When deciding on the wedding ceremony that suits you and your partner, it is important to consider your beliefs and values to create a ceremony that reflects both of your personalities. Remember, there is no right or wrong type of ceremony.
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