Wedding People Government Married Common Types Religious Decide

There are many types of "weddings" (ceremonies that mark when two people get married to each other). A "civil wedding" is a wedding in which the local government creates and recognizes the marriage. A civil wedding is usually held at "city hall" (a government building) with a government official "presiding" (leading; being the authority) over the ceremony.

A "religious wedding" is led by a religious authority, such as a pastor, priest, or rabbi. The religious leader has received authority from the government to conduct the wedding, but the main focus is to marry the couple "in the eyes of God" (with God's involvement and approval).

A "mass wedding" or a "collective wedding" is a wedding where many couples are married at the same time. Mass weddings are not common in the United States, but they are common for some churches and for poor families that "cannot afford" (are not able to pay for) a traditional, expensive wedding.

Sometimes people "do away with" (decide not to have) the wedding "altogether" (at all). They might decide to "elope," or get married suddenly and secretly, without notifying or involving any friends or relatives, or only a very small number of people. They "announce" (let people know about) their marriage after it has already happened.

And some people decide that one wedding is not enough. It is becoming increasing common to have a "wedding vow renewal ceremony" in which the husband and wife say their "vows" (the promises they make to each other) again, usually in a formal ceremony in front of family and friends. They do this to strengthen their relationship and "affirm" (state that something is true) their continuing commitment to each other.