The ceremony is one of the most important parts of the wedding. The vow happens here, the ring exchange happens here, and for many couples this is the moment when it finally lands: we are married.
Yet most couples only have a rough sense of what to expect. When does the bride walk in? When does the ring exchange happen? When is the signing? And what changes if you use a celebrant?
Civil ceremony
The civil ceremony is the legally binding part. It's led by a registrar.
- 1. Guests arrive and take their seats. Family in the front rows.
- 2. The couple enters, together, separately, or with parents or witnesses.
- 3. The registrar greets the couple and the guests.
- 4. The required legal questions are asked, the couple answers yes.
- 5. Optional personal vows, readings or short speeches.
- 6. The couple exchanges rings.
- 7. The marriage register is signed by the couple and the witnesses.
- 8. The couple exits as a married pair; congratulations, champagne, group photos.
Pro tip
Civil ceremonies are usually shorter than couples expect. If you want it to feel personal, request custom music, a reading, a personal story or your own vows.
Church ceremony
A church ceremony happens within a faith-based framework, in a church or another consecrated space. The exact flow depends on the denomination, but common elements include:
- processional,
- greeting,
- prayer or blessing,
- scripture reading or homily,
- marriage vows,
- blessing of the rings,
- ring exchange,
- shared prayer,
- final blessing,
- recessional.
Settle in advance with the parish:
- what documents are required,
- whether pre-marriage classes are needed,
- whether you can choose your own music,
- who can decorate the church,
- whether photo and video are allowed,
- when the couple and witnesses should arrive.
Pro tip
For church ceremonies, brief the photographer and videographer in advance. Some venues only allow filming from specific positions.
Celebrant-led or symbolic ceremony
A celebrant-led ceremony doesn't replace the legal civil registration, but it can be a deeply personal, flexible form. Many couples sign the legal paperwork separately and then hold a symbolic ceremony on the wedding day.
Why couples choose it:
- can be outdoors,
- can be at sunset,
- can include personal stories, humour or emotion,
- fewer formal constraints,
- shaped to the couple's style.
A typical flow:
- 1. Guests arrive
- 2. Processional
- 3. Celebrant's welcome
- 4. The couple's story
- 5. Vows
- 6. Ring exchange
- 7. Symbolic element
- 8. Kiss
- 9. Recessional
Symbolic elements
Sand pouring
Two different-coloured sands are poured into one shared vessel, symbolising the joining of two lives.
Unity candle
Two separate candles are used to light one shared flame. Elegant, classic, best for indoor settings.
Wine ceremony
The couple shares a pour of wine, symbolising the joys and shared moments of the life ahead.
Time capsule
The couple writes letters to each other, seals them in a box and opens it on a future anniversary, like the first, fifth or tenth.
Pro tip
Outdoor unity candles are risky in any breeze. Sand pouring, time capsule or wine ceremony are safer outdoor choices.
Processional order
There's no single required order, but the classic version goes like this:
- 1. guests take their seats,
- 2. the groom arrives with witness or parent,
- 3. bridesmaids and children walk in,
- 4. the bride enters with her companion,
- 5. the ceremony begins.
Walking in together is also lovely: modern, intimate, and well suited to couples who don't want the classic "giving away" framing.
Music for the ceremony
Plan music for these moments:
- guest arrival,
- processional,
- signing or symbolic element,
- recessional,
- background music during congratulations.
Pro tip
Pick a long enough processional track. Better to have more than to have the most important moment cut off mid-bar.
When should the ceremony start?
Timing matters most outdoors. A summer ceremony at 2-3 p.m. can be punishingly hot, especially without shade.
Late afternoon or early evening is much kinder in summer: softer light for the photos, more comfortable temperature, more romantic atmosphere, less squinting in the pictures.
Weather plan
For any outdoor ceremony, always have a plan B: covered terrace, tent, indoor room, or a quickly rearranged dinner space.
Pro tip
Don't keep the rain plan only in your heads. Agree in advance who calls the move, when, who repositions the décor, where the guests go, where the sound system ends up.
Pre-ceremony checklist
Before the doors open, settle:
- who has the rings,
- who the witnesses are,
- where the parents sit,
- the processional order,
- the music cues,
- the microphone setup,
- the signing table,
- who brings the symbolic-element props,
- the photographer and videographer's run-of-show,
- a glass of water for the couple within reach.
FAQ
How long does a civil ceremony take?
Typically 15-30 minutes. The longer, more personalised version can run longer if you've chosen plenty of music or readings.
Can the civil ceremony be outdoors?
Yes, if the registrar agrees to officiate outdoors. Confirm this early; not every authority offers it.
Do witnesses have to be family?
No. A witness can be anyone over 18 with legal capacity. Most couples pick close friends or siblings.
What happens if it rains on an outdoor wedding day?
The rain plan kicks in. Decide in advance with the venue who makes the call and who handles the rearrangement.