Ceremony Types

 

• Civil- A civil ceremony is a ceremony that does not include any religious aspects. 

• Religious- A religious ceremony can be traditional, depending on your faith, or include just a few aspects from your religion. Whether you are observant or non- observant, a religious ceremony is still an option.

• Spiritual- A spiritual ceremony does not subscribe to one specific religion, but rather incorporates elements from several religions that are more spiritual and less conforming.

• Same Sex- Same sex couples can now legally marry in New York state as of July 24th 2011. These ceremonies can be civil, religious, spiritual, renewal of vows, or interfaith. You may start the process and apply online at the New York City Marriage Bureau website,  

• Renewal of Vows - A renewal of vows ceremony is a beautiful way for couples to rededicate themselves to one another.

• Interfaith - An interfaith ceremony blends traditions, cultures, or religious aspects to make everyone feel celebrated and included.

• Elopement - An elopement is a ceremony for couples that do not reside in New York city but wish to get married legally in New York. Legal marriages can be performed inside venues, outside in many of New York's historic places, or at place couples desire in New York. It can be hard to plan a wedding if you do not live in New York, I have expereince helping couples from Europe, Asia, Australia, and North and South America, and most states within the USA.

 

Elements of a Ceremony

A typical ceremony has a certain structure with a variety of elements. The length of your service will depend on how many elements you choose to include.

• Processional - The entrance of the wedding party.

• Invocation - An opening prayer.

• Welcome Statement - A statement of welcoming to those gathered in attendance.

• Remembrances and Acknowledgements - Special words or a moment of silence to pay tribute to those who cannot attend the ceremony.

• Poetry/Reading - Classic love and wedding poetry as well as readings from different cultures and religions.

• Declaration of Support - A way for the guests to pledge their support of the marriage.

• Marriage Address - A paragraph about the role of marriage in our lives.

• Personal Paragraph - A paragraph about the couple.

• Vows - The promises that couples make to one another.

• Ring Ceremony - The exchange of wedding rings.

• Final Blessing/Prayer - The offering of good wishes to the couple as they begin their life journey.

• Unity/Symbol Ceremony - A symbolic ceremony that celebrates the union of the couple.

• Pronouncement - The official proclamation that the couple are now legally married.

• Recessional - The exiting of the couple followed by the wedding party.

Unity Ceremonies

A unity ceremony is a wonderful way to celebrate the couple joining their two lives into one. Couples are becoming very creative and designing unity ceremonies that speak to their relationships, personalities, and existing families. Many decide to include parents, siblings and children into their events. Some of the most popular unity ceremonies that I have performed are the sand ceremony, broom jumping, the rose ceremony, the breaking of the glass, the truce bell. and the wine box ceremony.
Be creative and have fun designing one that fits you!