by admin | Jun 11, 2020 | Weddings | 0 comments
Is a symbolic wedding a real wedding?
You want to get married in your dream venue overseas so why is it called a destination wedding and not a marriage? Well, a marriage and a wedding are actually two different things – a symbolic wedding IS your real wedding day!
What’s the difference between a marriage and a wedding?
Marriage is a legal contract usually comprising 40 words plus your names and your signatures witnessed in a register. A wedding is the ceremonial celebration. The marriage and the wedding can be together, or at different times… that’s when it gets exciting!
Debbie Skyrme officiating a boho Spanish cortijo wedding
A marriage is a legal contract
Historically, marriage was a record that could be used to prove amongst other things, legitimacy and inheritance. Nowadays many couples are not religious or are of mixed religions so contracting their marriage by the minister of one particular faith is not an option. In this instance they may turn to a registrar to marry them….. but what about the wedding part?! If the marriage is the legal contract, then the wedding is the ceremonial celebration. You can hold your wedding separately to the day of your marriage and you have choices as to who will lead your wedding.
Photo Jack Hartley
A registrar-led marriage plus wedding ceremony
The registrar will usually offer a non-religious wedding ceremony to go with the legal marriage element and is constrained by other legal obligations. A marriage combined with a registrar-led wedding ceremony may fall far short of the ceremony of your dreams (I was a Deputy Superintendent Registrar) and most certainly will not be on a palm tree lined Mediterranean or Caribbean beach! So what are your options?
A Humanist-led marriage plus wedding ceremony
Interestingly in some countries including Scotland, “Humanism” is a recognised belief system and so a Humanist wedding ceremony is also recognised as legal marriage and can include personalised vows and rituals…. but a Humanist wedding will not include religious elements either.
Photo Lidia Clemente
An independent Celebrant-led wedding ceremony
So for many newly engaged couples who want a wedding ceremony without anyone telling them what they can and cannot include, your most flexible wedding friend is your independent wedding Celebrant. An independent Celebrant can weave whatever you want into your wedding ceremony – traditional wording, totally off the wall unique elements, themed, with/without religion, anything goes. Take that one step further and you will find an independent destination wedding Celebrant like me here in southern Spain – offering your ideal wedding ceremony with the benefit of 320 days of warm sunshine!
Photo Natasha Ince
The wedding ceremony is when the memories are made
These days, it is becoming more common to go through the quick legalities of registering your marriage in your own country (or in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar) then concentrating on creating the wedding ceremony of your dreams at your dream destination with an independent celebrant who will weave into your unique ceremony your values, your love story, your own vows and whatever rituals are important to you. Without question, the wedding ceremony is when your most beautiful memories are made.
Photo Simon Duggan
Your symbolic wedding ceremony is your Real Wedding Day
So yes, you can have your wedding cake and eat it too! You can combine a legal marriage in your own country then pull out the stops and have that full-blown destination wedding with an awesome, totally personalised independent Celebrant-led wedding ceremony with hand-fasting, heartfelt vows and amazing romantic photos of you walking into the sunset. There is a difference between a marriage and a wedding and if I were you I would take full advantage and totally celebrate that fact and embrace the difference!
Click here to hear Debbie chatting about the difference between a marriage and a wedding
Biography: Debbie Skyrme is an independent wedding Celebrant (former UK Deputy Superintendent Registrar) officiating bilingual symbolic wedding ceremonies in southern Spain.
Your perfect wedding ceremony location is closer than you think!
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(c) Debbie Skyrme 2021 This content was authored by Debbie Skyrme and originally published on https://celebrantspain.es/blog/
Unauthorised publishing of the text or image content in part or in full is strictly forbidden.
FAQs
Marriage is a legal contract usually comprising 40 words plus your names and your signatures witnessed in a register. A wedding is the ceremonial celebration. The marriage and the wedding can be together, or at different times… that's when it gets exciting!
What is more important, wedding or marriage? ›
Both a wedding and a marriage are important—one is a marker, the other is a decision to build a life together. Both require planning, preparation, and intention. Here's how to set yourself up for success.
What are the three purposes of marriage? ›
The Three Purposes for Marriage
God designed marriage for three primary purposes: companionship, procreation, and redemption. These purposes are still relevant today and are essential for a healthy society. Let's take a closer look at each one.
How do I explain why marriage is important to me? ›
Marriage is considered an important aspect of life for many people for several reasons: Emotional and psychological well-being: Marriage provides emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Being in a loving and committed relationship can improve one's mental and emotional health.
What is the main difference between marriage and wedding? ›
Marriage is a legal contract usually comprising 40 words plus your names and your signatures witnessed in a register. A wedding is the ceremonial celebration. The marriage and the wedding can be together, or at different times… that's when it gets exciting!
What is a celebration of marriage instead of a wedding? ›
As mentioned above, a celebration of marriage is the name used for a big party to celebrate the marriage union when the wedding itself is a private ceremony or elopement. It is also known as an elope party, post-elopement party, or post-wedding party.
What are the three most important words in marriage? ›
He repeated a refrain he has often used when meeting with families and married couples, listing the three most important words in a marriage: “Please, thanks and sorry.”
What is a perfect marriage quote? ›
“A perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who won't give up on each other.”
What makes a great marriage? ›
There are many factors that contribute to a satisfying marriage/relationship such as; Love, Commitment, Trust, Time, Attention, Good Communication including Listening , Partnership, Tolerance, Patience, Openness, Honesty, Respect, Sharing, Consideration, Generosity, Willingness/Ability to Compromise, Constructive ...
What are the 3 C's of marriage? ›
A strong and healthy relationship is built on the three C's: Communication, Compromise and Commitment. Think about how to use communication to make your partner feel needed, desired and appreciated.
At times, despite your best efforts, marriage can be a challenge to navigate. But with commitment, love, respect, and trust, you and your partner can make it work even through the tough times.
What are the three blessings of marriage? ›
Three Gifts of Marriage: Companionship, Passion and Purpose.
What does Jesus say about marriage? ›
Marriage is supposed to be for life
In Matthew 19|4-6, Jesus quotes Genesis to reinforce the institution of marriage as a spiritual covenant. He then adds, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
What is the main point of marriage? ›
In fact, just under 90% of those who have married state that love is the most important reason for making the decision to marry. Just behind love is having a lifelong commitment and companionship, at 81% and 76%, respectively.
Why did God create marriage? ›
God's purpose for marriage is to be a picture of His love to a watching world. When Christians understand God's view of marriage and His purpose, they have stronger marriages, stronger families, and stronger communities. They grow as a couple, understand each other, and glorify God.
Should I say wedding or marriage? ›
A marriage is a long term relationship between two individuals. A wedding, on the other hand, is the ceremony of getting married. Therefore, “You are invited to my wedding.” is correct and “You are invited to my marriage”. is incorrect usage.
Who benefits from marriage more? ›
The research seems clear that even if marriage benefits both men and women, there is more of an upside for men. Men derive greater health benefits from marriage than women. Married fathers receive an earnings boost while mothers receive a penalty. Women are disproportionately likely to end marriages.
Are people happier married or not married? ›
Couples who are on the fence about tying the knot may want to consider new research from the Institute for Family Studies. People who are married are happier than those who are not, based on Gallup surveys of more than 2.5 million U.S. adults collected between March 2020 and November 2023.
Is Your wedding the most important day of your life? ›
When you look at your wedding as not the "best day ever" but as "the best is yet to come," you will free yourself from the pressure of everything having to be perfect, and instead you will realize one thing: it already is. Because you found each other.
