What is a Civil Wedding Service and How Does It Work?

When it comes time to tie the knot, it is important for couples to remember that this day is about them—and that includes the shape of your wedding. For some, this means a traditional religious ceremony: gathering a large crowd of your family and friends, choosing the wedding dress and bridesmaid outfits of your dreams, and selecting flowers and decorations for the venue. For others, this means a more intimate and flexible service, such as a civil wedding ceremony, that allows the happy couple to prioritize their marriage rather than the pomp and circumstance. 

But what is a civil wedding service, and how do you go about planning one? Additionally, what if you would like an intimate wedding ceremony but still want to celebrate with friends and family afterward? Thankfully, our experienced team at The Four Columns can answer all of these questions and more. It is our goal to make your special occasion as perfect as possible by providing all the information you need to make the choices that feel right for you.

What is a Civil Wedding Service?

A civil wedding ceremony is a non-religious service presided over by a legal official rather than a religious officiant. Because it is a wedding performed in the eyes of the law rather than in the eyes of the church, religious content likely cannot be included in the ceremony. For the same reason, religious denominations such as the Catholic church may not recognize your marriage. 

How to Plan Your Civil Wedding Service

When it comes to planning your civil wedding service, there is plenty to think about, including: 

1. What to bring with you to the courthouse

In order to receive a marriage license, you will likely need a form of identification—your state IDs, driver’s licenses or passports—as well as your birth certificates and social security cards. You may also need to bring cash in order to pay the fees for the license and ceremony. 

2. Waiting periods

In some states, including Louisiana, there is a required waiting period between the issuing of the license and the actual ceremony, though this waiting period may be waived in certain circumstances. For example, if a couple—both of whom are Louisiana residents—can provide a satisfactory argument to a judge or justice of the peace.

3. Venue

Where you can hold your civil wedding ceremony depends on the public official performing it. They may be able to travel to a venue of your choice, or you may have a variety of approved wedding venue in new orleans to choose from. In some places, however, you may only be able to have the ceremony within city hall or a courthouse, though a few different areas in the latter may be open to you. 

4. Clothing

Unlike a religious wedding, there are no set expectations for what you or your guests wear. While some couples may decide on traditional wedding attire, others may choose to take a more casual approach and wear outfits that are both comfortable and stylish.

5. Guest list

If the ceremony will be held inside city hall or a courthouse, there may be a limit on how many guests can be present during the service. Check in advance whether guests, outside of witnesses, can attend the ceremony, as well as how many are allowed, in order to plan accordingly. 

6. Music, readings and vows

Depending on the officiant, time limits and the rules of the location, you may be able to choose your own music and readings, as well as personalize your vows. This will allow you to include elements which are special to you, making the ceremony a true celebration of your commitment to each other.  

Organizing Your Civil Wedding Reception

Despite their differences, many elements of a traditional wedding can still be included in a civil wedding service—including a reception. Some things to consider when planning include:

1. Budget 

Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the reception, as well as what you’re planning to spend your money on. Try to set some money aside for “just in case” expenses that pop up, including higher costs on certain items and little last-minute touches.

2. Location

You’ve already had a nontraditional wedding, so feel free to shirk any social or familial expectations for the reception. Consider hosting the reception at your home, a nice restaurant or a venue which is special to the both of you. If you would prefer a more traditional location, but only want to invite a select amount of guests, our event venues can host gatherings of as few as 50 to 75 people.

3. Catering

How much food you need—and whether you choose to cater it—may depend on the location and guest list. A party hosted at a bar or restaurant will not need catering, while an intimate residential gathering may call for home-cooked food from friends and family. Alternatively, you can work with an off-site catering service like The Four Columns to order a variety of food that will suit all of your guests’ tastes. 

4. Invitations

If you did not order invitations for your civil wedding ceremony, but you would still like to send some to your friends and family, a reception is the perfect time to do so. Create unique invitations tailored to your gathering, and make sure to be clear that this event is a reception only.

5. Cake

While you may not be getting a cake large enough to feed several hundred guests, you can still order a smaller wedding cake if you would like to bring some conventional traditions back into your reception. Alternatively, if cake is not your preference, you can choose a dessert both of you enjoy, such as a croquembouche, pies, or personalized cupcakes.

Contact The Four Columns to Start Planning the Event of Your Dreams Today

So, what is a civil wedding service? It is a secular ceremony celebrating a couple’s love and commitment to each other, often held in a courthouse or at city hall. It may be the perfect choice for non-religious or interfaith couples, as well as couples who would like to put a unique and personal spin on their wedding. 

At The Four Columns, we believe that no matter where your wedding is held or how many guests are in attendance, the important thing is that it is a celebration of your marriage. It is our goal to help you make your wedding day and reception as personalized and perfect as possible. So if you are interested in discussing catering options or booking one of our event halls, Click Here a call or send us a message today.