Types of Weddings

Wedding Options to Fit Your Personality and Budget

The first step in the wedding planning process is choosing what type of wedding you want to
have since that determines many of your later decisions. Unless you are committed to a religious
ceremony, which typically follows an unwavering path, you have a dozen different options for
how and where you will tie the knot.
Civil Ceremony
A civil ceremony wedding is typically held in a courthouse, city hall or judges' chambers and is
officiated by a Justice of the Peace, a judge or a mayor. The secular ceremony is brief, with
simple vows and just a handful of guests. A simple or elaborate reception can follow the
ceremony.
Religious Ceremony
A religious marriage takes place in a house of worship where the bride or groom is a member of
the congregation. The reception usually occurs immediately after the exchanging of vows, either
in the church's banquet room or at a separate location. Couples must still obtain a civil marriage
license from their local courthouse or county clerks office for the union to have legal standing.
Formal Wedding
Holding tightly to age-old traditions, a formal wedding conforms to exacting social expectations,
including an elaborately decorated ceremony and reception, numerous attendants and ushers,
engraved stationery, an assigned seating chart and dozens of etiquette rules. An expensive event,
this type of wedding usually has more than 200 guests in attendance.
Informal Wedding
Couples who choose to have an informal wedding have the freedom to customize every aspect of
their marriage ceremony and wedding reception. They usually hold on to several important
traditions, create a mashup of both traditions or come up with something completely new.
Although not as elaborate, an informal wedding typically has a more intimate feel.
Destination Wedding
Usually held in an exotic location, destination weddings have soared in popularity during the
past decade. Since a destination event requires travel, the wedding festivities are intimate with
typically fewer than 20 people. Couples love the all-inclusive package that enables them to
combine the marriage ceremony with the honeymoon.
Cruise Wedding
A type of destination wedding, cruise marriage ceremonies are officiated by the ship's captain or
a clergy member at port. Onboard wedding planners and event coordinators help customize every
last detail of the intimate event. Many cruise ships now provide webcams so you can televise the
big moment to those at home who could not attend.
Eloping
Eloping conjures up vivid Hollywood images of passionate love and wild romantic gestures of
running away together to get married. Although most brides fantasize about eloping at least once
during the wedding planning process, very few actually choose this easier and cheaper route. In
Las Vegas, the top U.S. destination for elopements, couples are married in quick, quirky
ceremonies and often celebrate the night out on the town.
Group Wedding
Also known as a mass marriage ceremony, the group wedding involves numerous couples who
legally tie the knot at the same time. Typically hosted by wedding venues and cities, group
weddings are an attractive option for couples on a budget who want to celebrate their love in a
very public way. The venue also serves as the reception site where newlyweds receive an
individual cake and champagne toast.
Double Wedding
Normally consisting of best friends or siblings, a double wedding includes two couples
participating in a single marriage ceremony. Each couple participates in their own set of wedding
rites, usually with the eldest bride going first. The other bride and groom generally serve as
attendants.
Military Wedding
Formal and steeped in tradition, a military wedding requires full dress uniform for enlisted
personnel. The couple has their choice of marrying in a chapel on base or participating in a civil
ceremony. Rituals vary between the U.S. Armed Forces branches but most incorporate the
stunning salute of the Saber Arch that the newlyweds pass under.