My fiance and I are thinking of having a small civil ceremony since we are not religious. I do want some family to be there and I also don't want it to be in some drab courtroom. So I guess my questions are, is it ok to have a few guests and can I decorate a little? Or is it just go in and do it and get out? Please, if anyone has had a civil ceremony or has been to one please tell me what to expect! Thanks!
2007-03-05 07:24:16 · 12 answers · asked by wildheart 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
These ceremonies are done in government facilities, so they are not going to let you decorate it up. It's also likely they there will be other things going on there, so you won't be able to be there long enough to do that anyway. A civil ceremony is pretty much do it and get out as you mentioned. I didn't have one, but I have been to a few. What some other people suggested about seeing if you can get the official to come somewhere else to do it would be your best bet if you want to be able to decorate, etc.
Also I think many people that do this will just have the normal ceremony, but then have a reception of sorts at a family member's house or something where you can set up the party however you like.
~Kyle
2007-03-05 07:28:46 · answer #1 · answered by Kyleontheweb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can hire judges to come out and perform the ceremony and almost any location. I suggest a backyard or park. Alternatively you can have a friend or relative legally per from the ceremony (in Texas anyway) by filling out a form on line. Either way, a civil ceremony can be very touching and does not have to be the bear minimum in a courtroom.
2007-03-05 15:44:07 · answer #2 · answered by katiekomo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband and I are not very religious, so we were very interested in doing something similar to what you are talking about. We found an officiant who does all types of ceremonies, but was willing to do one with no mention of a higher power whatsoever. It was all about our love for eachother, and the idea of us starting our lives together. She did it in a really unique way and we got tons of compliments on what she did. There are tons of officiants out there that perform all kinds of ceremonies, it'll just require some research. She came to our reception site and performed the ceremony outside - so no you don't have to have your wedding at a church or a courtroom. Good luck!
BTW - if you're in the Chicagoland area, we used Rev. Toni Maddi. Her website is www.tonimaddi.com
2007-03-05 08:08:56 · answer #3 · answered by Brittany B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to find out who is available to perform the ceremony on the date and time you have chosen. You also need to decide where you want to get married (your back yard, local park, a friend's really beautiful house, etc). A justice of the peace, local mayor, local judge or local pastor can all perform the ceremony (you may need to see if there are other people in your area who are recognized by law to marry people - navy captains I think are, things like that) (whoever is availabe on that date and time). It can be as little or as much as you decide. And of course you invite guests if you decide to have it in a place like your backyard or local park. Civil ceremonies can be a beautiful as church weddings, just not inside a church. Good luck and God Bless.
2007-03-05 07:30:07 · answer #4 · answered by tersey562 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A civil ceremony can be as big or as little as you want it. My husband and I had a civil ceremony, and we held it in my parents dining room. The only people that were there were my parents, the judge and of course me and my husband. You do not have to have it in the courthouse. You can have it anywhere....reception hall, park, a room in your home...whatever.
We did not invite any of our cousins, aunts uncles or other friends because we were limited on space and did not want to leave anyone out.....of course if someone asked to come they would have been welcome, but most of our family and friends didn't even know we were getting married. Surprise for everyone!
2007-03-05 07:35:42 · answer #5 · answered by deerogre 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some judges and lawyers who can perform marriages are willing to go to a location of your choice. You should be able to get a list from your local courthouse of local people who can perform civil ceremonies. Then just call around and ask them. Then you can decorate and invite anyone you want.
2007-03-05 07:32:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can call the mayor of your town and see if he'd perform the ceremony in your back yard, or at a hall or something. If not, call the town and see if you can decorate the courtroom a bit.
2007-03-05 07:28:42 · answer #7 · answered by kebbs32 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are doing it at the courthouse, make an appointment. You cannot decorate and it will be in a court room.
Or you can have it at a park and pay a judge to come do the ceremony there.
2007-03-05 07:27:42 · answer #8 · answered by janicajayne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
decide with ur fiance and just make it pretty and simple and ur family will appreciate it. just some flowers but not too many decorations because u cant decorate there and u can have as many guests as u want, but not too many. expect a lot of people, and your relatives and give them a greeting and hugs. its kinda like a family reunion, but not really becuz u really arent getting back with ur family to see them again but celebrating ur marriage with ur family!
2007-03-05 07:28:41 · answer #9 · answered by aussie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did it twice, once in Reno, NV and once in Las Vegas in a small wedding chapel. No big deal. Or you can always do it at home and arrange things to your liking.
2007-03-05 07:32:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋