marriage ceremonies
Formal union events
Marriage ceremonies are formal events in which two people are legally or spiritually joined as spouses.
The term covers everything from courthouse proceedings to elaborate religious rituals.
Ceremonies typically involve vows, witnesses, and an officiant who pronounces the couple married: They held their marriage ceremony on the beach at sunset.
- unity candleRitual matrimonial flame
- licenseFormal grant of permission
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
- ringsCircular bands worn
- handfastingCeremonial binding of couples
chuppah · reception · wedding cake · betrothal · henna · sacrament · tying the knot · knot tying · officiation · wedding vows · exchange of rings · jumping the broom · bouquet · vows · ketubah · contract · toast · kiss
- Potlatchpotlatch, feast, feasts, feasting, gifts
- Wedding TVFour Weddings, bridezilla, royal weddings
- gay marriagesame-sex wedding, civil union, civil partnership, domestic partnership, civil unions
- local courtsmunicipal court, small claims court, district court, county court, magistrates court
- municipal governmentmayor, city council, municipal council, town council, city manager
marriage ceremoniesdivorce proceedings
Legal process ending marriage
separation agreements · breakups · engagements · funeral services
marriage ceremoniescasual dating
Non-exclusive romantic involvement
hookups · one-night stands · flings · situationships · friends with benefits