Question about civil ceremony and then 'wedding ceremony' wording after the pandemic

The wording should be what is used for a vow renewal

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That's so smart!! Thank you!

I’m pretty sure they can say whatever, given you’ll already be married so it’s really just your preference at that point.

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Very true

I would ask your officiant on what to say.

Also ask your officiant to see what he/she recommends.

Anything after the legal ceremony is a renewal of vows and will be called that. In that case since the legal ceremony has already taken place, you don't need to hire an officiant..just have a friend good with public speaking perform the ceremony.

Currently in this situation, as my FH and I already went to the courthouse and have our wedding planned for September. There are several reasons why we already went but one major one is that we can’t get legally married in Spain anyway, which is where our wedding is. They have a two year residency requirement for civil ceremonies.


Have your officiant say what feels right to you. That’s all that matters. In my heart I am not married to my fiancé until I stand up with him in front of all our loved ones and read our vows. Paperwork is cool and all but it’s what gets you your tax cuts lol not your feeling of being “married.” Heart trumps paperwork haha. To me anyway, I know my opinion differs from previous posters. Just another two cents to add as you ponder. 😊 oh and congratulations! 🥰🥰

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@sandra Thank you for sharing! I feel the same way the "paperwork" is just one part of this journey together and it won't feel fully complete until all family and friends are there to witness