In civil ceremonies, the content is non-religious unless the couple specifically requests some religious content. A civil ceremony can be adapted to meet the needs and wishes of the couple and their families.
Wedding ceremony: The legally required components are shown in RED. While a legal marriage ceremony can be complete with only the parts in red, you may want to include any of the following:
- Welcome - (to the marriage ceremony of AB & CD - using their full legal names)
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Introduction (celebrant introducing themselves and stating that they are authorised to marry the couple)
- Reading - poetry / story
- Monitum (from the Marriage Act)
- Reading / Couple's View of Marriage / Couple's love story
- Personal Vow Exchange
- The Asking (do you? I do)
- Exchange of legal Vows
- Exchange of Rings
- Short Reading / Ritual
- Declaration of Marriage
- Signing of the Register
- Conclusion
- Announcements
Most couples will choose at least three pieces of music - Arrival, Signing the Registers, Leaving the ceremony.
Roles to give family members to make the ceremony more personal:
- walking the couple down the aisle individually
- set up flowers
- play the music (this could include playing a musical instrument)
- readings
- holding the rings
- handing out booklets
- wedding party attendants (including children)
- act as witnesses
- interpret for guests if language is barrier
Your celebrant from The Celebrants Network will be able to explain the elements of the wedding ceremony and offer you ideas and advice.