What's the difference between a church wedding with clergy and a court house one with a justice of the peace?

Answer 1

Either one is legal, but the social aspects do matter. Much depends on what you can afford. I've been married four times, and only once was there a minister: all the rest were judges. But note: it was the one done by a minister that lasted the least amount of time!

Actually, now that I think about it, I've been married five times: the first one I married before a judge, then later in church. It still didn't take.

But there is an argument that the larger the party, the more witnesses, the bigger deal you make out of it, the more likely you are to stay married. I suppose the logic is that you have essentially made a commitment to those friends and family that showed up to witness it. And of course if the two of you are of the same religion, then the commitment that is under the jurisdiction of your church or synagogue or whatever probably matters more to you, as well.

To be cynical, the difference is about $10,000.

Answer 2

A marriage certificate is obtained by the state you go into a small court room and have 2 witnesses and the the judge takes about 15 minutes for the procedure, legally you are married. However the Church feels you should think about this for at least a good year to 6 months you shouldn't hastily get into a situation that is a permanent vow. When you talk to your pastor he should send you to an Engagement Encounter, a Cana conference, take a compatibility test and have at least 2 counselings to make sure that you are both on the same page when it comes to your future together, faith, money, inlaws, job , and children all take a toll on a long term relationship if you don't agree then you will figure out during this period and probably not marry. The Church doesn't tell you to have a HUGE wedding, you can marry in the chapel with 2 witnesses just like at the court, but you also receive a sacrament and a blessing. You vow before God and those present that you are taking this step seriously, for better or worse, in sickness and health, for as long as you both shall live.

Answer 3

I guess if you want more of a religious flavor for your wedding and the bride and groom are both of the same faith and there is no conflict of interest then most opt for a church wedding.
But some prefer the legal aspect of it. There was no " church wedding for Adam and Eve, God blessed the Union and this union is not necessarily blessed because a pastor or preacher said it to be ... the crucial matter is how the couple feels before the Lord...

Interesting kind of question
sandy

Answer 4

Since God is everywhere and the church is not God, then I would be inclined to say the difference is in the ceremony. I am a Christian and so is my wife. We were married at the JP's office and I assure you my marriage is not falling apart because of it. God is with us always in all things.
We paid for the thing ourselves and a big church wedding was just not an option.
BTW I have been married almost 15 years and I couldn't be happier.

Answer 5

I'm glad to marry anyone as a clergy person, and glad to marry people who want to be married in a church. What I try to emphasize to them is that being married in a church is more than just having a center aisle and stained glass windows. When a couple want to be married in a church, I assume they are wanting it to be a sacred ceremony, something set apart, and holy, I'm going to use prayers, and refer to God. The sexual orientation of the couple doesn't matter to me, everyone should be able to have the choice of being married in a sacred place if they choose.

Answer 6

The Church one is before God the other is not

Answer 7

It is legal for man either way.

Answer 8

nothing ...... they still get the same piece of paper.