A non-religious wedding ceremony is better suited to those of a more secular nature. While religion is not mentioned the same themes of love, trust and commitment remain.

Non-religious wedding ceremonies come in three distinct varieties: those that are non-religious and without rituals; ceremonies that include rituals but no religious elements; and finally those that are religious in feel, but not in practice.

The first option is essentially a civil ceremony. Performed by a judge or a justice of the peace. These wedding ceremonies are conducted at a courthouse or sometimes in the home. All that's required is a marriage license and witnesses. The exchange of vows is really the recital of a contractual agreement, whereby each person agrees to the requirements of their partnership. Civil ceremonies tend to be quick, simple and rather impersonal.

The second option is a wedding ceremony that includes rituals, but no religious elements. Often called humanist weddings, these ceremonies don't include any aspects of religion, but aren't as plain as civil ceremonies. Instead of religious vows, the couple writes and exchanges their own vows, which focus on love, trust and commitment rather than religion, faith or God. An exchange of rings is still performed as are other rituals such as the lighting of a unity candle or selected readings. While these rituals are often conducted in religious wedding ceremonies here they have a secular, rather than religious context. The sense of unity, devotion and love that occurs in a religious ceremony is also very apparent in a humanist wedding ceremony. In fact a religious wedding ceremony and a humanist wedding ceremony are surprisingly similar in feel, except that a humanist wedding is not held in a church nor is God mentioned.

The last option is a wedding ceremony that may feel religious, but that doesn't include actual religious practices. For example the couple may choose to marry in a church, but the service doesn't include religious components. Likewise rituals that are commonly practiced in religious wedding ceremonies, such as a unity candle ceremony, readings and songs are included. However they are secular, rather than religious in nature. Despite having a religious feel, at heart this is a non-religious wedding ceremony.

Rather than following the set practices of a religious wedding ceremony, a non-religious wedding ceremony allows the couple to marry in their own special way. And instead of abiding to religious conventions of marriage, a non-religious wedding ceremony allows the couple to set their own expectations for their new life together.

Use the Complete Wedding Schedule to determine what and when activities should be done.

Outdoor Weddings

Many couples planning a non-religious wedding ceremony choose an outdoor ceremony. You can be married at your favorite outdoor spot, regardless of where it is: a secluded beach, on the lake front at the family cottage, a wooded glen filled with wildflowers, your local park, a lush rose garden with manicured walkways or your backyard - Provided, of course, your officiant is willing to come to your location.

Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony requires more than just choosing your favorite locale and setting up camp, especially if you need lighting or music. Mother Nature also has a way of sabotaging the most well-laid plans which means you have many tiny details to take into consideration.

Availability, accessibility, shelter, power, and the elements all come into play with an outdoor wedding ceremony. If you have a favorite scenic location or stumbled upon a beautiful outdoor area, explore the area thoroughly.

You will want to consider renting a tent and portable bathrooms for any outdoor location. A tent will keep your guests dry during a surprise spring rain shower and offer a bit of shade on a hot summer day. If you set up a tent with decorative stained glass-style sidewalls, it will also keep your guests warm on a cool autumn afternoon. Before you choose a tent company, ask to see one of their tents set up. Make sure the tent is made of a heavy-duty, waterproofed, and flame retardant material.

If your location does not bathroom facilities, you will need to rent portable bathrooms. Most port-a-potty rentals are self-contained units - you don't have to hook up or drain anything. Look for a rental company that carries the white, over-sized bridal bathrooms. The bridal units are white, quite large, and equipped with a toilet and a sink inside.

The bride will need to take all weather possibilities into consideration when choosing her wedding dress. Cooler or damp weather during the spring and fall will require a warm cloak or wrap to keep the bride warm, or a dress made of a heavier fabric. During hot summer weather the bride will appreciate a lighter dress. Consider the season when choosing a bridal veil as well. Windy weather will require a veil that secures quite firmly to the bride's head - you don't want the veil flying off on the wind in the middle of your ceremony.

An oft-forgotten aspect of outdoor wedding ceremonies is the ambient noise. Is there a high level of background noise that will interfere with your ceremony? It is amazing how sound will, or will not carry outdoors. You may have your heart set on being married at the turn of the century bed and breakfast with the three-tiered garden, but did you consider the noise of traffic rushing by on the expressway next door? Likewise the sound of crashing surf on the beach may be the perfect back drop for your nuptials, but it may also make it difficult for your guests to hear you say "I do." It may be difficult for your guests to hear your ceremony at a quiet location - all it takes is a slight breeze and a turned back and your wedding ceremony will sound like a barely audible whisper. Consider renting wireless or clip-on microphones for the bride, groom and the wedding officiant - the outside noise may still infiltrate your outdoor wedding ceremony, but your guests will hear you above it.

Destination Weddings

The destination wedding is a recent trend in which the bride and groom, along with close family and friends, travel to a wonderful location to exchange their vows, often staying on for their honeymoon. But whether your dream destination is a Caribbean resort, a European village, or a country inn, the event will require a bit of planning. Here are some basics to consider.

Marriage regulations vary from state to state and country to country. Be sure to check the requirements of the location where you are getting married as far in advance as possible.

Your guests, who will be traveling for the event, may want to make a vacation out of the trip. Try to pick a place that will be enjoyable for most and is not too difficult to get to. Guests are usually responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses (though some hosts choose to treat their guests, which is a lovely and generous gesture). Keep in mind that if the trip is expensive, some people may not be able to join you.

It's helpful to send your guests save-the-date cards and information packets as early as six months in advance. Some airlines and hotels can provide group discounts if bookings are made early enough. As the departure date approaches, send your guests an itinerary so that they know the date, time, and location of each scheduled event.

You may want to enlist some local professionals to help in the planning. Resorts and hotels often have their own wedding planners or resort managers who will handle many of the details. Or you can hire a wedding consultant based in the area (or one who makes frequent trips there), who can recommend local photographers, florists, and caterers. It's also helpful to work with a travel agent, who can arrange travel plans and accommodations for you and your guests, as well as provide brochures and other information about your destination.

Plan on visiting the locale at least once before you get married. You'll have a lot to do, so organize your trip well ahead of time, and plan to meet with as many people as possible, such as the officiant, the photographer, and the caterer. Inspect the accommodations and the rehearsal-dinner and ceremony sites. Find out what types of transportation will be required. And look into the activities the locale has to offer your guests, such as boating and hiking.

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