BridalTweet Wedding Forum & Vendor Directory

Two Ceremonies?

Wedding planners- tell me about your experiences with two ceremonies please! I have a bride with an overly restrictive family church that her parents would love to see her married in, but their requirements are a dealbreaker for the bride (no music- craziness!). She's looking at doing "some sort of ceremony" at the church on Friday, then the rings, vows, etc. in front of guests on Saturday during the currently scheduled ceremony. I feel like this has legal issues, and I'm not sure what to suggest. I'm off to do some research, but I'd love to hear your thoughts!

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Robyn Bruns on March 3, 2010 at 4:51pm

I have done this twice and will be doing it again this June all have been Hindu ceremonies followed by Christian ceremonies all in the same day. In Illinois, there aren't any legal issues, though one ceremony will always be the ceremony of record. I would think you need to find out which clergy member will be the one sending in the marriage certificate but it would be really up to the couple to decide which is their true wedding date.

You may want to suggest to the couple that they have the official ceremony on Friday at church and then on Saturday have more of a committment ceremony/renewal of vows where the bride and groom can say their own vows, have the music they want etc. with the understanding that they are technically married but want to share their new committment with their friends and family. This could be a great opportunity to have a unique event.

Good luck!