If you’re getting married in a civil ceremony, you may be wondering how to prepare your wedding program. In this article, you’ll learn how to find an officiant and plan the order of events. You’ll also discover how to include religious rituals in your civil ceremony. Here are some tips for civil ceremony wedding programs. Read on to get started! Also, remember that a civil ceremony can be as romantic as a religious one.
Prepare for a civil ceremony
Civil wedding ceremonies are increasingly popular, especially because of their simplicity and low cost. They are also a legitimate option for couples with different religious backgrounds. Civil wedding ceremonies can also be personalized to include elements of the other type of ceremony, such as flowers and a white dress. A civil ceremony can also be a way to publicly declare your commitment to each other. Here are some tips to prepare for a civil ceremony wedding program.
Find an officiant
The type of officiant you select will impact the tone of your ceremony. Ideally, you should choose an officiant with the same beliefs and values as you. However, you should also ensure that the officiant you choose is legally licensed in your state. Decide whether you want a religious ceremony or one that is secular. Listed below are some options to help you make your decision.
Plan the order of events
Planning the order of events for a civil ceremony can be tricky. You will likely have to select a few key moments, like the exchange of rings and vows. However, there is more than one way to order the events. If you have an existing ceremony, you can choose a few key moments to feature and adapt to your ceremony. Here are some tips to plan the order of events for a civil ceremony wedding program:
Include religious rituals
Whenever possible, couples with different religious backgrounds should consider holding their weddings at a civil ceremony instead of a religious one. Though interfaith marriages are common nowadays, they were not the same in the past. Couples who have different backgrounds should consider the fact that their ideal wedding ceremony is much more creative than what the clergy can offer. An officiant of a religious institution is unlikely to preside over a ceremony that takes place outside the church. The officiant of a religious institution will also not preside over a ceremony that involves performance art.
Find a marriage license
If you have decided to have a civil ceremony, then you will need to get a marriage license. In most states, you can get a marriage license for about $35, and it will be valid for 60 days or 180 days if you’re an active duty military member. To apply for a marriage license, you should start the process online. You will need your ID, and some extra documentation if your spouse is divorced or deceased. If you can’t make it to the office, you can use the judicial waiver option.
However, you must provide a valid reason for the judicial waiver, and you’ll need to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony.