Civil Wedding: Is it for you?
Bill
and Barbara listen carefully as their minister outlines the numerous
steps he expects them to take before he will marry them. They soon realize they have
serious reservations about some of his requirements.
Steve and Debbie, both recently divorced, want to be married but not in a church setting.
All they want is a meaningful, but very simple, wedding ceremony.
John, who's Jewish, and Ginny, a Catholic, respect each other's religious convictions.
They want to be married, but neither wants to force the other to choose between temple or
church for their wedding ceremony. All three couples could be candidates for civil
weddings.
Couples choose civil weddings for a variety of reasons: they're marrying for a second time
or they prefer a meaningful service without religious affiliation.
Since marriage is a civil contract, a legal agreement
between a man and woman, no specific form of ceremony is required. The only legal
requirement is that the agreement be made in the presence of a person empowered by law to
declare it valid and binding. ADVANTAGES
Most weddings performed by judges are planned well in advance. The bride and groom can
have any type of wedding, write their own vows, and choose the location of their ceremony.
The wedding can range from a simple five-minute civil ceremony in the judge's chambers or
office, to an elaborate affair in the grand ballroom of a hotel, complete with
processional and attendants. Judges have performed weddings in beautiful gardens, in
homes, on boats, in restaurants, even on the tops of mountains. Often, you have a wide
selection of judges available and most are flexible in making arrangements.
you can contact a judge by telephoning his or her secretary or clerk. If you do not know
the name of a local judge, contact your town, county, or state court as listed in the
telephone directory. To determine availability, tell the judge the date and place you
would like to get married. Ask if the judge has any special requirements.
WHAT IS REQUIRED
If you choose a standard civil ceremony, review a copy of the text in advance. In the
event you want a different ceremony, discuss it with the judge to make sure you are in
agreement. As for fees, they vary. Some judges will not accept a gratuity; others require
a fee. Also, discuss the number of witnesses needed and whether the judge will wear his
judicial robes.
Remember to contact your local municipal clerk well in advance to learn what is necessary
to obtain a marriage license. Identification, proof of age, and a stipulated fee are
usually required. If you have been divorced, provide a copy of your court papers. There
may be a waiting period and a blood test. Both parties must be present sign documents.
Having a judge perform your wedding ceremony is one of several options available to you.
Many couples find it a viable choice; you may be one of them.
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