How to include your religion and spiritual traditions into a civil wedding ceremony

For many couples, a civil wedding ceremony is the perfect choice. It’s flexible, legally binding, and can be a simpler option. But this doesn’t mean leaving your religion and spiritual traditions at the door.

If faith or spirituality plays an important role in your life, there are plenty of meaningful ways to weave your beliefs or what’s important to you and your partner, whilst keeping things inline with your civil ceremony.

Here’s how to include your religion and spiritual traditions into a civil ceremony (and making it uniquely yours!).

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Choose your readings with purpose and meaning

Civil ceremonies don’t have to feel completely uniform. You can find ways to add depth by including readings, prayers, or blessings from your religious or spiritual texts. Speak to your celebrant beforehand about what it is that you’d like to include.

Many will be open to incoporating passages from the Bible, Torah, Quran, Bhagavad Gita, Buddhist teachings, or other sacred writings — as long as it’s balanced with the civil requirements.

Incorporate rituals and symbols

If you want to bring in some of your background or something spiritually important to you, there are some more subtle ways to do so.

• Light a unity candle to symbolise two families becoming one.
• Break a glass to mark the start of married life.
• Circle the fire, as a nod to Hindu customs.
• Smudge sage or include crystals which has become popularised to symbolise newness and fresh beginnings.

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Personalise your vows

Your vows are the most flexible part of your civil ceremony and where you can really express your personality and individuality. Whether you’re choosing to reference God, your cultural values, or your spiritual practices, you can choose your vows to align with faith traditions or blend with some of your modern sentiments.

Music with spiritual significance

Such a vital part of any wedding or celebration is music, and this is also where you can bring in some symbolism or tradition. Consider chants, hymns, or songs that reflect your religious background or spiritual journey. Live musicians can adapt traditional pieces for a civil-friendly format and find a respectful balance.

Invite family to be part of it

Family or your spiritual community are a huge part of your faith journey, and you can invite these important people to participate. From delivering a blessing to doing a reading, this invitation not only acknowledges your spiritual traditions but also brings loved ones into the heart of the celebration.

Work with a celebrant who understands

Choosing the right celebrant is so important, and if including a spiritual tradition in your ceremony is vital for you, then choose wisely. A celebrant who has experience in spiritual weddings or is willing to learn about what’s important to you will be paramount.

Blend cultures

Couples from different religious backgrounds will often combine traditions. Consider a Christian blessing alongside Buddhist chanting, or including an Aboriginal smoke ceremony. There are ways to involve both of your backgrounds.

A civil wedding ceremony doesn’t have to mean leaving your religion or spirituality behind. With the right celebrant, carefully chosen rituals, and a little creativity, you can design a ceremony that honours both your beliefs and the legal requirements. After all, your wedding day should reflect who you are — in every sense.

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