Civil ceremony

Civil Registrar Ceremonies in the United Kingdom

• Non-religious legal marriage ceremony performed by a government official or functionary
• Performed by a registrar in the UK
• Cannot include hymns, religious readings, or prayers
• Must take place at a registered or licensed venue

Civil Registrar Ceremonies in the United States

• Non-religious legal marriage ceremony performed by town, city, or county clerks, judges, or justices of the peace
• Subject to the same requirements as religious ceremonies
• Venue reservation fees and marriage license fees may apply
• Age restrictions may be in place
• Can take place in courthouses, parks, gardens, banquet halls, hotels, and other approved venues
• Formality and style depend on the couple's preferences

History of Civil Registration in Scotland

• Civil registration of births, deaths, and marriages became compulsory in Scotland in 1855
• Scottish traditional practice of legal weddings performed by communities was stopped
• Marriage ceremony could be performed by anyone, including a blacksmith
• Church of Scotland opposed the new civil weddings
• Civil marriage ceremonies have not been legal in Scotland since 1855, except if performed by a government employee

Requirements for Marriage in the UK

• Minimum age is 16, with parental permission required for those under 18
• Must be free to marry (single, divorced, or widowed)
• Not closely related to each other
• Same-sex couples can form civil partnerships in Scotland
• Same-sex and opposite-sex couples can form civil partnerships in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Legalization of Civil Ceremonies in Australia

• Civil ceremonies were legalized in Australia in 1973
• Requirements for legal marriage include not being married to someone else and being at least 18 years old
• Specific words must be used during the ceremony
• Written notice of intention to marry must be given to an authorized celebrant
• Certain family relationships are prohibited for marriage

Civil ceremony Data Sources