There are many reasons to have a ceremony to “bless” your wedding and celebrate your marriage – especially these days when you might not have had the wedding ceremony that you deserve or dreamed of.
What are the reasons for a wedding blessing?
Many couples are choosing wedding ceremonies a certain period of time AFTER they have contracted their legal marriage, to spotlight their happiness and celebrate their love for each other.
The main reasons for a wedding blessing are:
- to have a non-religious wedding ceremony that celebrates your marriage in a way that is meaningful to you
- to have a religious ceremony in a place of worship that does not have authority to officiate legal marriages
- to blend elements of two different religions that equally respect the belief systems of both families
- because you did not have a wedding ceremony immediately after or at the same time as you were legally married
- because your original wedding ceremony was not how you wanted it
- to renew your wedding vows at a milestone anniversary
- to reaffirm your love after a period of difficulty
- Why not?!
What happens at a wedding blessing?
What happens at a wedding blessing depends entirely on you and the person who officiates your ceremony.
At a religious wedding blessing, your minister will follow an established ceremony at a place of worship such as a church, mosque or synagogue.
At a non-religious wedding blessing, your celebrant will talk to you about the options. You may like to include:
- · traditional wording of a civil ceremony, a totally bespoke script, or a personalised hybrid ceremony that includes much of the wording you are accustomed to hearing at a traditional wedding
- · ritual elements that symbolise your union such as a hand-tying, candle lighting or sand blending ceremony
- · cultural elements that acknowledge your different backgrounds
- · religious elements that do not predominate your ceremony, but pay respects to the beliefs of the families being unified by the marriage.
Yes, if you choose an “independent celebrant” rather than a “Humanist” you can have religion at a non-religious wedding blessing!
Where can I have a wedding blessing?
You can have a wedding blessing at a place of worship – check with your minister if you need permission.
Non religious wedding blessings can be held anywhere!
- · A hotel venue
- · A restaurant
- · A villa, farmhouse or other private venue
- · Outside! On the beach, up a mountain, on a cliff, in the countryside, on a city rooftop, in a park
Basically a wedding blessing is the ceremonial celebration (not the legal marriage) and can be held wherever you like – although do confirm if you need permission if you intend to use a public space.
Who can help me with my wedding blessing?
In its simplest form, for example at an elopement, the celebrant is the only vital person necessary to officiate your wedding blessing.
Depending on the size or detail involved with your ceremony, the best advice is to talk to a wedding planner or the event coordinator at your venue.
Or if you are organising everything yourself, recommended local wedding suppliers will be listed in directories such as Event Planner Spain
Whatever your reason for reaffirming your vows, we wish you a most wonderful ceremony and be sure to take lots of photographs!
Photo: ToniBonet.es
Author bio: Debbie Skyrme is Celebrant Spain – helping your dream ceremonies come true by officiating elopements, vow renewal and weddings in the Spanish sunshine
