We want to get married without having a wedding - is that a thing?

Life doesn’t always follow a traditional path, does it? Your journey as an individual and as a couple is unique. Whatever you choose - ceremony or not - this will be the memory you have of this important day, so choose what will be the perfect memory for YOU.

Here are some options that a Celebrant can help you with.

Ceremony with Legal Marriage

This is the traditional version – there's a ceremony and the legal declaration is part of that ceremony. After the ceremony, the marriage license is signed by the Celebrant then filed with the county.

It doesn’t have to have a large ceremony – sometimes called a micro wedding or minimony, a small gathering of even a few family and friends is sometimes the intimate setting that is perfect for that couple.

Ceremony, No Legal Marriage

Some couples choose not to have a legal marriage; just a personal one. It may be that they cannot legally marry where they are, or perhaps they choose not to be legally married. Or perhaps they want to wait to be legally married later, but want to have their commitment ceremony now.

A commitment ceremony is exactly the same as any other wedding ceremony. The ceremony can contain any of the traditional elements and rituals including vows and exchange of rings – the only parts not included are the legal declaration & signing of the marriage certificate.

Legal Marriage, No Ceremony

Some couples choose to be legally married without the ceremony. Whether they are just with a couple of witnesses to sign paperwork or even a small gathering of a few family members & friends, this option is the most minimal, economical, intimate, and practical. Sometimes it is called the “sign & go” or “marry now” option.

Some go to a courthouse and have it done there, but that can feel impersonal – and couples have shared that sometimes they “force” a “ceremony” or religious language that isn’t wanted. Others choose to have a notary or celebrant come to them. I’ve sat with a couple at their kitchen table and completed their paperwork or met them in a park or at a coffee shop.

Two separate events; two separate purposes

Some couples choose to separate the two. They might get the legal aspect “out of the way” before heading to a destination wedding. They may want to have the legal paperwork in place to purchase a house together or some other practical reason, but want to wait for the “big ceremony” until a later date. Some may elope and then simply have a wedding reception for their loved ones (and a Celebrant can help with this, too).