The Evolution of Wedding Ceremonies: From Expediency to Personal Expression

Did you know that the traditional wedding ceremony on which civil marriage ceremonies officiated by authorised celebrants in Australia is modelled, has roots firmly embedded in the Church of England marriage service?  And that even  ceremonies that are regarded to be ultra modern and consciously contemporary still reflect those origins today?

The way it was

Before 1836, both in England and in its various Australian colonies, all weddings took place in a Church of England. There had been no alternative since the 1753 the Marriage Act decreed that only way to be legally married was to be married by a minister in a parish church or chapel of the Church of England.

In 1836, a new Marriage Act, driven by the decision to centralise registration of marriages, changed this, allowing non-conformists and Catholics to be married in their own places of worship. It also allowed non-religious civil marriages to be held in register offices.

This created a pressing need for an approved civil ceremony.  So, the powers that be took the easy way out.  They turned to the Church of England wedding ceremony, which, stripped of religious content, provided a ready-made template, which was both familiar and respected. The format of the ceremony included a series of well-defined stages: the declaration of intent, the exchange of vows, the giving of rings, and the pronouncement of marriage. Its adoption by civil authorities offered a solution that was quick, efficient, and legally sound. It also provided a sense of solemnity and order, which was highly valued in a society that placed great importance on tradition and religious practices. It was an expedient choice that has shaped the way civil marriages have been solemnised ever since.

The way it is now

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the format of the Church of England wedding ceremony still holds sway over many civil ceremonies. This persistence can largely be attributed to habit and the enduring appeal of tradition. After all, for generations, couples have followed this format, finding comfort in its familiarity and the (white, Western, English-speaking) cultural significance it carries.

However, it's important to recognise that modern marriage laws are flexible. According to the Marriage Act, only two key elements are required to make a marriage legal:

• The reciting of the Monitum, a statement by the celebrant affirming their authority to solemnise the marriage and defining it as the union of two people.
• A declaration by each partner that they take the other to be their lawful wedded husband, wife, spouse, or partner in marriage.

Beyond these legal necessities, everything else in the ceremony is optional. The adaptability of modern ceremonies allows for rich, personalised expressions of love and commitment and gives couples  the freedom to work with their celebrant to design a ceremony that reflects their personal beliefs, values, and cultural backgrounds.

You can incorporate readings, music, rituals, and symbols that hold special meaning for you. You can share intimate details of your relationship, or not. You can speak personal promises to one another, or not.  You can incorporate something totally out of left field. Or create a ceremony that is a unique piece of theatre. Whether it's a nod to your heritage, a favourite poem,  a unique unity ritual, or a totally new approach to the whole idea of saying "I do" the possibilities are infinite.

In essence, while the Church of England's wedding format provided a much-needed structure in the 1830s, today's ceremonies offer limitless opportunities for personalisation. The legal framework ensures that the core elements of marriage are upheld, but beyond that, the ceremony can be a true reflection of your unique journey together.
So, as you plan your wedding, remember that you are not bound by tradition unless you choose to be. Embrace the opportunity to make your ceremony a memorable and meaningful celebration of your love, tailored exactly to your vision. After all, the only limits are those you set for yourselves.

Related information

Check out the the Wedding Ceremony section of this blog for lots more inspiration