{"id":14368,"date":"2024-11-22T13:05:22","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T12:05:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uauu.cat\/?p=14368"},"modified":"2025-07-14T17:11:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T15:11:31","slug":"the-script-for-a-civil-wedding-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uauu.cat\/en\/the-script-for-a-civil-wedding-ceremony\/","title":{"rendered":"The script for a civil wedding ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
If you\u2019re engaged and already have a date and venue for your wedding, it\u2019s time to start thinking about the ceremony<\/strong>. The ceremony is one of the most significant parts of the wedding, if not the most important, as it\u2019s the moment where the marriage or union of the couple is officially celebrated.<\/p>\n There are two main types of ceremonies: a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony <\/strong>held in a church.<\/p>\n The option you choose will depend on the kind of wedding you want to organize and the venue. While both share many similarities, if you opt for a civil ceremony<\/strong>, this article explains the key aspects to consider<\/strong>, offers a possible structure for a civil ceremony script<\/strong>, and provides tips<\/strong> to make your ceremony unique.<\/p>\n by Elm.Murcia Photography<\/p><\/div>\n To hold a civil ceremony, it\u2019s essential to complete the legal process to officiate the marriage<\/strong>. In Spain this procedure must be initiated at the<\/strong> City Hall or Civil Registry Office<\/strong> where you\u2019re registered. These steps should typically begin about a year before the wedding\u2014earlier is unnecessary as some required documents expire after one year. Once the process has started, you can transfer the file to the City Hall or location where you plan to get married.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that to officiate the marriage legally<\/strong>, it must be conducted at City Hall, a Court, or a Notary’s office<\/strong>. In most cases, legal ceremonies cannot take place at the farmhouse or venue where you\u2019re holding your celebration.<\/p>\n What many couples do is hold the legal ceremony at City Hall or Court a few days before the wedding (for signing the documents), then have a symbolic civil ceremony with an officiant<\/strong> or master of ceremonies<\/strong> on the wedding day.<\/p>\n This symbolic civil ceremony at the venue is where you can incorporate the more aesthetic and meaningful elements of the ceremony: the couple\u2019s entrance, readings by friends and family, marriage vows<\/u><\/a>, the \u201cI do,\u201d exchange of rings, etc.<\/strong><\/p>\n For the official ceremony at City Hall or the Court, the officiant will be the mayor, a council member, or someone with the authority to legally officiate the marriage.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re holding a symbolic civil ceremony at the venue<\/u><\/a><\/strong>, you\u2019ll need a master of ceremonies<\/strong> to guide the proceedings.<\/p>\n The master of ceremonies can be a friend or family member<\/strong> who is comfortable speaking in public and knows your story, or you can hire a professional officiant<\/strong>. You\u2019ll find plenty of options by searching for \u201cwedding ceremony officiants\u201d, \u201cmasters of ceremonies\u201d or similar terms. What matters most is that you feel comfortable with the person you choose.<\/p>\n Whether you select a loved one or a professional, you\u2019ll work with them to create a script<\/strong> tailored to your preferences and vision for the ceremony.<\/p>\n by Laura Chac\u00f3n Photography<\/p><\/div>\n Here\u2019s a potential structure for a civil ceremony:<\/p>\n Let’s see in detail every part:<\/p>\n Once all the guests are seated, the magic of the ceremony begins with the entrance of the couple.<\/p>\n Traditionally, the groom enters first, often accompanied by his mother<\/strong>. However, there are no strict rules\u2014he can enter with whomever he wishes. In some weddings, especially Anglo-Saxon ones, the groom skips a formal entrance and waits for the bride at the altar.<\/p>\n Before the bride\u2019s entrance, there may also be a procession of groomsmen, bridesmaids<\/u><\/a>, flower girls, etc.<\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, the bride enters, typically accompanied by her father<\/strong>, though she can choose anyone or even walk in alone. Some couples choose to enter together or with two companions.<\/p>\n Selecting a special song for the entrances is an exciting part of the planning process.<\/p>\n by Lorena Villarreal Fotograf\u00eda y Ludmila Filippova<\/p><\/div>\n Once the couple is present at the ceremony, the officiant or master of ceremonies will give a brief welcome and introduction to begin the event<\/strong>. For example, they may thank the guests for attending and explain the purpose of this important day: to celebrate the union of the couple in the presence of their loved ones.<\/p>\n Following the welcome, the officiant usually shares a bit about the couple’s love story<\/strong>: how they met, memorable moments they’ve shared, their favorite activities, and their future plans.<\/p>\n Afterward, they may invite family and friends to share more intimate and personal stories about the couple.<\/p>\n by Lorena Villarreal Fotograf\u00eda and Ludmila Filippova<\/p><\/div>\n While the officiant provides a general overview of your love story, this part allows your friends and family to add a more personal and heartfelt touch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n It\u2019s recommended to have no more than four readings from different guests to ensure the ceremony doesn\u2019t feel too lengthy.<\/p>\n by Lorena Villarreal Fotograf\u00eda and Ludmila Filippova Photographer<\/p><\/div>\n If your ceremony is symbolic, this step is entirely optional. The reading of articles from the Civil Code (articles 66, 67, and 68) is a formal requirement in legal civil ceremonies held at City Hall or the courthouse. However, some couples choose to include this part to give the ceremony a formal tone.<\/p>\n One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony is when the couple exchanges their vows<\/strong>\u2014words of love, respect, and commitment to each other.<\/p>\n
Legal procedures for a civil ceremony wedding<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The role of the officiant<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Structure of a civil ceremony script<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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1. Couple\u2019s entrance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

2. Welcome<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. The couple\u2019s story<\/strong><\/h3>\n

4. Readings by friends and family<\/strong><\/h3>\n

5. Reading articles from the civil code<\/strong><\/h3>\n
6. Wedding vows<\/strong><\/h3>\n