Marriage is a union of two people that starts with a ceremony that is called a wedding; our concept of a marriage has seen many adjustments over the last few years. The ceremony is an opportunity to perform a traditional service and celebrate with friends and family. The marriage certificate must be signed at the end of the service for the law to legitimize the couple's relationship. The names bridegroom and bride extend around the world; once they are married they known as the wife and husband.

Marriages in a Church

Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Traditionally the church is the most popular venue, where the ceremony is presided over by a Christian priest. The traditional white wedding as we know it is really only a service that is popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and some other Commonwealth countries.

Double Ceremonies

Although unusual a double marriage is a where two couples are married at the same time; this type of ceremony is often organized by a person that has a sibling that wants to get married with them at the same time, having a double ceremony.

Destination Weddings

Marriages in foreign countries are called destination weddings where guests can arrive either just before the ceremony or actually travel with the couple; destination weddings automatically conjure up exotic countries but it could just as easily be a themed wedding in Las Vegas to qualify for that title.

Weekend Break Weddings

Some couples decide to have their wedding over the course of a weekend and this can ensure the occasion is less stressful for all concerned. Special activities, such as spa treatments and golf tournaments, are scheduled into the itinerary for guests' enjoyment throughout the weekend. Lodging is usually at the same facility and couples often host a Sunday brunch for the weekend's finale.

Ceremonies Online

Still in the early stages of evolution is the internet wedding where the couple is married online; planning is made easy however, with online guides that list reliable and friendly vendors. This can prove a useful tool where relatives and friends from around the world can see an online wedding take place in real time without actually being there!

Town Hall Services

Despite the term civil wedding, most services that take place outside of a Church, wherever that may be, are civil weddings which have to be carried out by appointed or elected judges, mayors or a justice of the peace. Religion doesn't normally play a part in these ceremonies because they are purely a legal requirement. Many civil ceremonies take place in local town or city halls or courthouses in judge's chambers.

This article has only provided information on few types of weddings; there are actually many many more types through out the world, and some could be considered rather strange by our standards.

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