Civil ceremony
A wedding conducted by a state official, with no religious rite, which in many countries is the only legal marriage.
Also: civil wedding, civil marriage, register office wedding
A civil ceremony is a wedding conducted by a registrar, a judge, a mayor or another authorised official, and recognised by the state, with no religious element. In France, Germany, the Netherlands, Mexico, Argentina and many other countries only the civil marriage is legally binding, and a religious wedding may follow. In the United States, the officiant may be a judge, a clerk or a religious figure, and a licence is required. A civil ceremony may be short, in a town hall, or a full wedding with vows and readings in a chosen place. France made civil marriage the only legal form in 1792.