Most of the couples nowadays prefer to have civil marriage ceremonies to religious marriage ceremonies, which demand wedding videos, wedding photographers, wedding limousines and even wedding DJs. Civil wedding ceremonies cost much less and are easier to plan while maintaining the dignity and stature of a serious wedding ceremony. Civil wedding ceremonies often have religious elements absent. On the other hand, this is entirely at the discretion of the couple celebrating the ceremony. Also, the modern civil marriage ceremony may include vows, symbols, special readings, or some marriage themes, which may or may not be religious. They are usually held in a registry office or lawyer, a judge’s chambers.
Different laws typically apply to different areas and jurisdictions, such as Toronto, Niagara Falls, Markham, Brampton, and Mississauga. It is good to find out in advance in the courts and local authorities about the places where the marriage can be allowed or denied. In Ontario, Canada, the bride and groom must each have a witness who speaks and understands English and a marriage license. The marriage license can be obtained from any certified issuer of marriage licences, including city, township or village clerks. The entire civil process is usually inexpensive. Some guests are also invited and all must arrive at the Superintendent’s Record Office at least ten minutes before the marriage ceremony begins.
On arrival, a Registrar who checks with them to find out if the details required for marriage registration are correct and meet the couple’s specifications. This includes the full names and occupations of the parents of both the bride and groom. In today’s civil marriage ceremony, the couple is presented with several options to choose from, usually before the actual day. It is also possible for the bride and groom to add a couple of their personal vows with a light touch of music, poetry, or just prose readings. A ring can be given at any desired time during the ceremony. Some wedding photos can be taken afterwards.
Upon entering the marriage hall, the bride may wish to be accompanied by her father or any other relative or friend. It is also possible to interview the couple separately. Should such a case arise, it should be requested a few days before the wedding day so that arrival and interview times can be scheduled and adjusted accordingly. Otherwise, both the bride and the groom can simply enter the room together where the guests will be waiting for the ceremony. When the Registrar has welcomed the bride, groom and guests, he explains what will happen and asks the couple to turn and face each other to prepare for their wedding vows.
For same-sex couples, make sure local authorities allow same-sex marriage ceremonies. In those that allow it, the rights granted to a heterosexual couple may also differ significantly. It is also advisable to make appointments with more than one Officiant, since you can choose one more than another, or some may be absent. Choose an Officiant who is interested in you as a couple and who understands the ceremony well.
