You may think this is an obvious suggestion, but your ceremony style is the focal point of your wedding day. For some, the ceremony is only a formality, while for others, every element of the ceremony is crucial, requiring much time and effort. There are so many possibilities when it comes to wedding ceremonies. However, it’s remarkable how many people still only think you can choose from religious and civil, which just isn’t true!

Unfortunately, we cannot include every wedding ceremony type here as the list would be the novel’s length. However, we have chosen some of the most popular from our wedding planning experience:

Traditional wedding ceremonies

At least one member of the bridal pair is expected to visit the religious institution where the wedding will occur. The reception usually follows the exchanging of vows and may take place in the church’s banquet hall or at a different location.

Although many modern ladies choose atypical components for their weddings, the vast majority still follow age-old traditions. A conventional wedding is the epitome of the wedding archetype. During these opulent ceremonies, which are often in hotels, conference centres, ballrooms, or marquees, the bride wears a magnificent floor-length white gown, and guests dine on a three-course dinner and toast with champagne. 

Civil wedding ceremonies

While most civil ceremonies are modest, a civil authority may preside over a large wedding performed in a public place. Set the tone for this wedding by arranging the chairs in neat rows on either side of the centre aisle, as is usual for such occasions.

The Justice of the Peace, a judge, or even the mayor may preside over a “civil ceremony” in a courthouse, city hall, or the judges’ chambers. A non-religious ceremony is usually brief and attended by only a few invited people. The wedding reception following the ceremony can be as modest or extravagant as the happy couple wishes. Sometimes, couples choose to have their legal civil wedding in the judge’s chambers with their closest friends and family (usually during the week) and then celebrate an informal meal. On another day (possibly on the weekend), they celebrate a symbolic ceremony with the rest of their family and friends.

Civil ceremonies in a private home or the judge’s chambers usually follow the rules for a casual wedding. Even though the ceremony at the Justice of the Peace is quick, suitable apparel is still essential.

Only the couple, the civil official, and two legal witnesses (who do not have to be family or friends) are required in a civil ceremony.

At the wedding, there may also be a best man, groomsmen, maid of honour, ushers, possibly child attendants (flower girls or ring bearers), friends, and family members.

Elopement wedding

When most people hear “elopement,” they envision a couple slipping away from their loved ones to marry secretly. This marriage does not exist, as far as they are aware. However, in today’s culture, not all elopements happen without informing loved ones.

The term “elopement” sometimes suggests that the couple is primarily interested in holding the ceremony away from home.

Many couples fantasise about eloping at least once throughout their wedding preparation process. After getting wed at a brief, quirky ceremony in Las Vegas, the most popular eloping destination in the US, couples frequently celebrate their marriages with a night on the town. Nevertheless, eloping can be a lot easier than this! Elopements to other locations for the bride and groom can make the ceremony feel more like the couple rather than a generic wedding. This kind of wedding feels super intimate, with an emotional and private atmosphere in the air which couples only share with their utmost nearest and dearest.

Interfaith wedding ceremonies

Couples with different religious beliefs may choose to have an interfaith wedding ceremony. They will both be able to honour their faith’s traditions and rituals while saving time and money on two religious ceremonies.

You should note that some faiths may not allow interfaith weddings and may necessitate conversion into their faith. Similarly, while some religions may not officially forbid interfaith marriages, they may be stigmatised or viewed negatively. In these cases, you can always opt for a symbolic interfaith ceremony that blends both cultures, and you can decide which favourite traditions and rituals of each culture to include in your unique ceremony.

Humanist Wedding

The options are endless, from couples with different religious backgrounds who want to incorporate both in an intimate garden ceremony to couples who had previously married elsewhere and enjoy a very bespoke ‘blessing’ ceremony to those seeking an entirely non-religious yet moving humanist ceremony. These non-legal rituals must be foregone by a brief legal ceremony, such as at the registration office. However, they provide plenty of opportunities for the couple to make it their own.

A typical independent celebrant will meet with the couple at least twice and work with them to design a ceremony that is entirely unique to them, including personally written vows, readings, and numerous symbolic gestures drawn from many traditions and cultures. The celebrant always gets to know the couple very well and often injects a certain amount of humour, which can be very moving, so there is often a lot of laughter at such ceremonies.

Vow renewal wedding

Vow renewals are a touching way to commemorate your love and reaffirm your commitments on your wedding day. Vow renewal ceremonies happen for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the couple had a modest wedding or elopement and now desires to have more people attend. Maybe they’ve conquered a sickness, infidelity, or other problem in their marriage and want to recommit to each other. Other couples may be so in love that they want to say “I do” again and again.

Planning a surprise vow renewal for your lover may be a great way to rekindle the spark of desire!

Destination wedding

They don’t have to take place in a completely foreign location, despite popular belief that a “destination wedding” must occur on a white sand beach or in a French castle. When it comes down to it, most couples choose to marry overseas rather than at home. Guests at destination weddings tend to be fewer than those at traditional nuptials due to the higher cost of travel and lodging, though they may have a second reception back at home.

Destination weddings, which are typically in remote locations, are becoming more popular. Due to the logistics of planning and attending, destination weddings are frequently smaller affairs with fewer than 20 guests. Make It Happen BCN provides experienced assistance with destination wedding and event preparation, which encompasses everything a couple might possibly want (and even what they don’t know they need!).

The different forms of wedding ceremonies range in who can participate, how they are, and whether or not they grant legal recognition. It is important that you and your spouse are on the same page when picking a ceremony.

Furthermore, factors such as budget, religious affiliation, and circumstances may impact which possibilities are accessible to you. A wedding planner can take the stress out of this process and guide you to achieve the ideal wedding ceremony for you both. Contact us today to find out more.

Talk to you soon, weddingmates!
Hugs and kisses.

Photo Credits:
Feature image & 3: Taylor & Porter
Image 2 & 4: Natalie J Weddings

If you are considering planning a destination wedding or elopement in Spain, Make It Happen BCN are here to help. A dedicated and experienced wedding and events planning service based in Barcelona. Talk to me! Follow us on Instagram for more inspiration every week.