Order of Ceremony

A civil ceremony lasts about 30 minutes, depending on the music and readings you include.

The example shows where these may be included.

• Background music of your choice can be played as your guests are seated 
• Entrance of the couple (either together or separately) 
• A welcome and introduction 
• A reading by a member of your wedding party (optional) 
• The definition of marriage according to the law 
• Declaratory Words 
• The "giving away" of one or both parties (optional) 
• Contracting Words (vows) 
• Any personal vows or promises (optional) 
• The exchange of rings (optional) 
• Another reading by a member of your wedding party (optional) 
• Announcement of couple as husband and wife/husband and husband or wife and wife 
• The Signing of the Marriage Register 
• Presentation of Marriage Certificate 
• Photographs 
• Exit of the couple