How do you plan a civil wedding ceremony?

When planning a civil wedding ceremony, the primary plans include choosing a location, selecting someone to officiate and deciding the structure of the ceremony. Since civil wedding ceremonies are often less formal than religious ones, individuals can choose their own readings, music and vows.

A civil wedding ceremony is more flexible than a religious ceremony in many ways. For starters, it can be custom-written by the bride and groom, and traditional as well as religious rituals can be incorporated. A couple choosing a civil wedding ceremony does not need to have an additional religious ceremony. A civil wedding ceremony is legally binding; however, couples need to keep in mind that their marriage may not be recognized by their religious communities. Civil ceremonies are often chosen by individuals from dissimilar religious backgrounds, as they avoid the possible conflicts inherent in interfaith ceremonies.

Because a civil ceremony can take place anywhere, a couple can choose a venue of sentimental importance or a favorite vacation spot. Those couples opting for civil ceremonies also have a choice of officiant. Some couples may choose to have a friend or family member officiate the ceremony, while others may choose a magistrate or justice of the peace.