{"id":8170,"date":"2019-06-25T11:22:59","date_gmt":"2019-06-25T11:22:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wedding-venue-secret.com\/?p=886"},"modified":"2021-10-14T11:41:30","modified_gmt":"2021-10-14T11:41:30","slug":"should-i-get-married-in-a-church-or-have-a-civil-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/should-i-get-married-in-a-church-or-have-a-civil-ceremony\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I get married in a church or have a civil ceremony?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This\nis a question that many brides face: should I get married in a church or have a\ncivil ceremony? While the answer may be easy for some, for others it will take\na lot more consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/church-5.jpg\" alt=\"church wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We have looked previously at <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"different types of wedding ceremonies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/humanist-weddings-all-about-getting-married-in-the-great-british-outdoors\/\" target=\"_blank\">different types of wedding ceremonies<\/a>, as well as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/the-wedding-ceremony-what-are-the-legal-wedding-ceremony-options-in-uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"legal differences between a religious and a civil ceremony (opens in a new tab)\">legal differences between a religious and a civil ceremony<\/a>. Today, we are just going to look at the pros and cons of each option to help you decide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>The options<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In\nEngland and Wales, you can choose to have either a religious ceremony or a\ncivil one (Scotland is different). A civil ceremony can contain no mentions of\nGod. On the other hand, a religious ceremony will be based upon having God as your\nwitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In\norder for a religious wedding to be legally binding, it must be Anglican,\nQuaker or Jewish. All other\nreligions require a legally binding civil ceremony along with the religious\none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/civil-2.jpg\" alt=\"civil wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, this is just the case in England and Wales. In Scotland, you can also choose to have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/humanist-ceremony-all-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Humanist  (opens in a new tab)\">Humanist <\/a>ceremony. Elsewhere in the world there are other options entirely. However, if you plan to tie the knot in the UK, this is the guide you should follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Start the process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every good evaluation of\npositives and negatives starts with your gut reaction. First, we encourage you\nto look into your heart to analyse your personal response to each type of\nceremony. If you would both much prefer a civil ceremony, then go for a civil\nceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you are more on the\nfence then work on it together. We shall go over more objective pros and cons,\nbut look at what is most important to each of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/church-4.jpg\" alt=\"church wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Nationally, the general public is currently swaying towards civil ceremonies. In 1995, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ox.ac.uk\/news\/2015-07-21-just-one-three-weddings-england-and-wales-has-religious-ceremony#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"60% of wedding ceremonies took place in religious buildings and churches (opens in a new tab)\">60% of wedding ceremonies took place in religious buildings and churches<\/a>. Meanwhile, just over 36% took place in registry offices and 3% of couples took advantage of new \u201capproved premises\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, if you look at the statistics now they show a very different story. In 2012, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ons.gov.uk\/peoplepopulationandcommunity\/birthsdeathsandmarriages\/marriagecohabitationandcivilpartnerships\/bulletins\/marriagesinenglandandwalesprovisional\/2015#religious-ceremonies-continued-to-decline-in-popularity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"70% of marriages were civil (opens in a new tab)\">70% of marriages were civil<\/a>, and 85% of those took place in approved premises. So, the country is tending towards civil ceremonies, but that doesn\u2019t mean that you have to follow suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/civil-3.jpg\" alt=\"civil wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many factors can influence a bride and groom to get married in a particular way. For example, were you been brought up in an atheist family or a religious one? Do you like being traditional, do you care for history, or could you care less about either of these? Are there any religious buildings that match your religion near you? Do you admire architectural beauty, or do you crave somewhere \u201cdifferent\u201d to get married?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take all of this into account and judge how you feel. Now, move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Religious ceremonies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These are weddings that take place in churches, chapels, cathedrals, synagogues and other religious buildings. The ceremony is performed by a member of the clergy, who has legal authority and will lead you through the whole process, including the signing of the register.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/church-1.jpg\" alt=\"church wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As we mentioned before, a\nreligious marriage is only legal if it is Anglican, Jewish or Quaker. If you\nbelong to another religious group, or would prefer a different kind of\nceremony, think about if it would be worth it to have two ceremonies. If you\nlove spending time celebrating, then go for it! However, if you\u2019d rather save\nmoney and time, maybe this might not be for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, if you are overtly\nreligious, then a religious ceremony is a must. But even for those not raised\nreligious, there are many other aspects of getting married in a church that may\nappeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>The positives<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Churches are usually old, and old structures tend to have had hands cast\nover them which know a great deal about extravagant and beautiful architecture.\nThis is what these magnificent and ancient buildings can lend to your wedding \u2013\ntradition and beauty. Many couples get married in churches because it is the \u201cdone\nthing\u201d. While we think that this is not necessarily a bad thing, people should\nrespect not only the sanctity of the building and the authority of the clergy,\nbut ultimately the religion that the church is built upon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/church-7.jpg\" alt=\"church wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting married in a church is also relatively cheap (around \u00a3300 on average in Church of England churches), compared to the costs of civil ceremony venues (which will charge for the set-up fee, hire of the licensed room etc). Although, if there is no authorised person at your chosen church venue, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/marriages-civil-partnerships\/plan-ceremony?step-by-step-nav=724aa735-c4cc-4ffc-9136-dcb43668982b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"you\u2019ll have to pay \u00a386 for a registrar (opens in a new tab)\">you\u2019ll have to pay \u00a386 for a registrar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Probably the best thing about\nchurch weddings in terms of organisation is that everything is readymade. You\ndon\u2019t need to worry about chairs, changing rooms or a stage as everything\nalready exists in the church\u2019s infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Some disadvantages<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, there are also a certain number of disadvantages to getting married in a church. The strongest of these relates to whether you are religious or not. If you marry in a church, then the ideologies and concept of God and Jesus will be intertwined with your wedding ceremony. Although some clergy will emphasise these a little less than others, you must be happy to include religion in your marriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/church-3.jpg\" alt=\"church wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Be aware that some buildings will\nnot even allow you to marry there unless you are a member of the parish and\nperhaps go to church regularly. Or, non-church members can even be charged\ndouble what regulars might be! Moreover, there could even be several weddings\nin one day, which could leave you feeling a little rushed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Photography  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/wedding-photographer-bristol\" target=\"_blank\">Photography <\/a>and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"videography  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/wedding-videographer-bristol\" target=\"_blank\">videography <\/a>can also be an intrusive problem for some clergymen. In some cases, photography of all kinds may be banned entirely from the church. This may also be the case with music, and remember that old buildings may have limited electricity. The same goes for a lot of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/wedding-decorations-bristol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"personalisation (opens in a new tab)\">personalisation<\/a>, particularly bespoke or large decorations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/church-8.jpg\" alt=\"church wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, as churches are often old\nbuildings, they may not be accessible to everyone. If you plan on inviting a\nguest with mobility requirements, check that the floor is level and there are\nno steps. Of course, though, this could also be an issue anywhere you book to\nhost your wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Civil ceremonies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A civil ceremony is a strictly non-religious affair. This means that everything you use, from the music to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/8-non-religious-wedding-readings-for-couples-with-taste\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"readings (opens in a new tab)\">readings<\/a>, must be free of obvious specifically religious connotations. Such ceremonies can be held in various licensed venues across the country as well as in registry offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/civil-1.jpg\" alt=\"civil wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the 1994 act which allowed venues to become licensed for such events, their popularity has skyrocketed. You can now marry anywhere from hotels and manors to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"cinemas  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/the-little-theatre-wedding-venue-bath\" target=\"_blank\">cinemas <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/ss-great-britain-wedding-venue-bristol\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"boats (opens in a new tab)\">boats<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Advantages of a civil ceremony<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Variety is the spice of life, and civil ceremonies allow you to get married in all sorts of interesting locations. You can marry in buildings as old and as traditional as churches, such as castles. Other excellent civil ceremony wedding venues include everything from beautiful manor houses, hotels and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"caves (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/wookey-hole-caves-wedding-venue-somerset.html\" target=\"_blank\">caves<\/a>, to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/old-chapel-centre-wedding-venues-east-sussex.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"quaint little village hall (opens in a new tab)\">quaint little village hall<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/civil-2.jpg\" alt=\"civil wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Civil ceremonies can be small, modest, intimate affairs or large events\nin massive halls. You have more say in how you want the room decorated and set\nout. You can also choose whether you want music playing or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The benefit of marrying in a\nregistered building like a hotel is that your entire day can happen in one\nplace. From ceremony to reception to accommodation that evening, this can be\nvery convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>And the bad news<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who are deeply in touch\nwith tradition or religion, then civil ceremonies are far from perfect for\nthem! Even those who want to play the same hymn their parents did will find an\nissue. Any religious content of any kind is banned from a civil ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/images.theweddingsecret.co.uk\/magazine\/inspire-me\/civil-church\/civil-6.jpg\" alt=\"civil wedding\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Civil ceremonies cost a bit more than church weddings, as the licensed\nroom needs to be set up and you must pay the hire for the room you will be wed\nin. With the exception of castles and other epic venues, many licensed civil\nceremony rooms can simply lack the gravitas and grandeur of getting married in\na church. And, of course, registry offices often exemplify the worst of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Like many decisions in the world of wedding\nplanning, you need to weigh up what matters most to you. Ask yourself what kind\nof people you and your partner are. Then go out there and find the wedding\nvenue of your dreams!&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This is a question that many brides face: should I get married in a church or have a civil ceremony? While the answer may be easy for some, for others it will take a lot more consideration.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":30306,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[172,158,176,187],"tags":[1387,1374,1388],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.7.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Should I get married in a church or have a civil ceremony?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"On your wedding day, should you tie the knot in a registered venue or in a church? 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