When it comes to your wedding ceremony you may feel confused as to what order the service should go and what readings are appropriate for a religious and civil ceremony. We take you through both types of ceremonies in the UK - helping to give you a clear idea of how your wedding ceremony will run!
Religious ceremony
A religious ceremony was the most popular type of wedding ceremony in years gone by - whether you are Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Indian or Muslim. Nowadays you can choose where you and your partner would like to get married - whatever your religion.
Order of service
For a religious ceremony in a registered religious building the proceedings will go like:
- Prelude - Religious music playing before the service starts
- Processional
- Bridal March
- Welcome
- Prayer - Read by the religious leader (optional)
- Declaration of Intention - The couple reads a statement about their religious beliefs (optional)
- Declaration of Support - Parents can be asked to affirm their approval of the marriage and make a statement of support (optional)
- Musical Section - Religious piece is sung or played (optional)
- Exchange of Vows
- Exchange of Rings
- Lighting of the Unity Candle - Couple lights a candle to represent their marriage (optional)
- Blessing - The officiant will bless the couple & guests (optional)
- Pronouncement
- Recessional
Civil ceremony
A civil ceremony is perfect if neither partner is particularly religious and has been the choice of many couples within the last years.
Order of service
For a civil ceremony on a registered premises the proceedings will go like:
- Prelude - Music played while guests are being seated (optional)
- Processional
- Bridal March
- Welcome
- Legal Declarations
- Reading - A short love poem can be read (optional)
- Music Section - A soloist can sing a love song (optional)
- Legal Declarations
- Reading - A short love poem can be read (optional)
- Exchange of vows
- Exchange of Rings
- Pronouncement
- Recessional