The first principle to remember is that the ceremony should feel comfortable to you, the bride and groom. You want your marriage ceremony to exude how you feel and to be relevant to your beliefs. Then, you will want to take into consideration the religious traditions of both of your families. If the bride and the groom are of different faiths, it is wise to be inclusive and considerate of the beliefs of both sides. The core beliefs of most religions today are very similar and the areas of disagreement are relatively minor.

Out of everything that goes to making up your wedding day, it is the ceremony that you will most remember. For those couples who want their ceremonies to be expressions of the sacred reality of their love.


 


 


As you approach your wedding day you may find yourself in one of the following positions:

 

• You do not belong to a Church or you have not attended for many years.
• You and your fiancé have different religious backgrounds and therefore cannot be married in either of your respective churches.
• You simply don't want to have what is considered a 'traditional' ceremony and would rather the ceremony was a personal expression of your commitment.
• You want a civil ceremony but do NOT want to be married in court.
 


As a Marriage Officer he / she will be happy to help you make your day exactly as you want it whether it be a large formal wedding or a small intimate one at your home, whether the ceremony is traditional or not.

There are a number of ceremony options, but if you have special requests or your own vows, we can alter the ceremony to suit your requirements. And it doesn't have to be solemn either!

There are normally no "mandatory" words in a marriage ceremony. The couple is simply required to indicate that they intend to take each other as spouses and say words to that effect.

After the ceremony is completed, the newly married couple files a marriage certificate with the proper state or local authorities and they are considered married. The person who performs the wedding frequently files this certificate for them within a few days of the wedding.

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A Minister will perform a Religious ceremony for the church that he belongs to.

Religious ceremonies must be conducted by a clergy member (priest, minister or rabbi). African weddings may be performed by a tribal chief or by another official, as designated by the tribe.

Many couples prefer a traditional religious ceremony, officiated by a clergy member and personalized with selected readings, poems, original vows, or symbolic candle lighting.

All religious-based wedding ceremonies tend to share the same basic order, but there are also many differences.

Candle ceremonies (often called a 'unity candle') are very popular. The altar is prepared with three white candles, which symbolize the love that the newlywed couple will keep burning for each other throughout their marriage. After the vows, the bride and groom light the third candle with the flames of their individual candles, representing the unity of marriage.

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The Jewish Rabbi performs many duties throughout a Jewish ceremony. This usually starts from the ketuvah (marriage contract). After much festivities, the ceremony is performed under a chuppah (decorated piece of cloth held outside). Under the chuppah, an honored Rabbi or family member then recites a blessing over wine, and a blessing that praises and thanks God for giving laws of sanctity and morality to preserve the sanctity of family life and of the Jewish people.

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True marriage is more than the union of two persons, it is the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond exists, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. What matters is what is in your heart and your commitment to each other. Your ceremony is the outward expression of that commitment of your love.

Let's work together to create a unique ceremony that reflects your beliefs and your feelings for each other.