With the growing number of mixed marriages, many couples nowadays prefer a civil wedding ceremony instead of a religious wedding ceremony. This choice allows them the inclusion of wedding themes, special readings, symbols and vows that would have to be probably excluded in a religious wedding ceremony or location.
Depending on the area where you wish to marry, a civil wedding ceremony can be performed in a lawyer’s/registrar’s office or a judge’s chambers or a venue of your choice. However, different laws may apply to different states and countries and you need to find out the relevant information in the place where you intend to marry.
It might be a good idea to meet with at least 2 or 3 officials who perform the civil wedding ceremony before finalizing on one. It is very essential for you to feel comfortable with the official who will be performing the ceremony.
Here is a checklist that would make sense for you to discuss with the official whom you propose to engage for your civil wedding ceremony:
1.Is the official available for performing the ceremony on the date of your wedding and is he willing to travel to the location?
2.How long has he been conducting civil wedding ceremonies and what is his fee?
3.Is he available for a rehearsal whenever you are ready to have one?
4.Is there any standard ceremony he uses and can he provide you with any sample ceremony sheets? Is he agreeable for you adding any of your own vows, readings etc… to the ceremony?
5.Can he advise you on the procedures that need to be followed for obtaining a marriage license?
Obtaining a marriage licence involves a few aspects that are mostly standard in most parts of the world. The couples should individually have the following documents at the very least:
1.Any name change deeds if you’ve had your name legally changed in the past.
2.A birth certificate and/or passport for identification (along with a picture).
3.A utility bill or some other type of document as evidence of your current residential address.
4.A copy of your Marriage Certificate and the Certificate of Divorce if either of you were previously married and legally separated.
5.Most places would require a signed permission from a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
The registration fee, the official’s fee and the marriage license fee vary from place to place and keep in mind to provide a budget for these aspects.
And, as with any marriage ceremony, you will need two witnesses to sign the legal documents after the ceremony is completed.
To summarize, a civil wedding ceremony is much more flexible and cheaper in today’s world allowing both of you to incorporate aspects of each of your religions if you wish, write your own special vows and have any type of wedding theme you prefer.