A Christian ceremony is necessary for Christian couples who would like to spend the rest of their lives together. Christian marriage is the perfect way for Christian partners to proclaim their promise and incorporate their faith into spending a lifetime together. Hence, before taking that work down the aisle, there are so many details you need to put into consideration.
Most Christians believe that marriage is a gift and also a commandment from God. Hence, it is a must for the ceremony to be done in front of God, in a church. It is an opportunity to publicly express their love for each other with God and their loved ones bearing witness to the ceremony.
What is a Christian wedding ceremony about?
If you are a regular attendant of Christian marriage, then you are not a stranger to this popular phrase; “By the authority committed unto me as a minister of the church of Christ, I declare that [names] are now husband and wife, according to God’s ordinance and the law of the state; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Without this phrase, there is no ceremony.
The pastor is an ordained minister. According to the Christian doctrine, he can validate the marriage. He is equipped with legal and ecclesiastical power and the principle to act on it. Even though this practice is valid under the Christian doctrine, the Bible doesn’t explicitly state that a ceremony must commemorate a marriage, nor does it frown against marriage following the nation’s civil law.
As long as a person has legal authority, they can join a couple in the church and elsewhere. The current marriage practice for Christian couples is based on a long historical and doctrinal practice by early Christians mandating Christian couples to undergo the Church wedding ceremony.
There are several benefits attached to undergoing Church wedding rites. As a Christian, you follow a long practiced religious tradition, the Priest’s blessings, and blessed sacred. It’s only normal for the existence of some disadvantages. But do not let that deter you if you want a Church wedding; it is all based on preference.
Why should you get married in the church?
Many modern Christians have always questioned whether they need to get married in the church. Most significantly, Catholics have shown major concerns about understanding this topic. Some people might want a church wedding but not in the Cathedral. They have a picture perfect of where and how they want their ceremony to hold and be, but the Cathedral doesn’t have any place in the picture.
They might even have a destination wedding planned out because they want the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. You will agree that the scenery in the church might not create that electrifying memory they’d want to achieve.
However, the real idea of a church wedding is not about the paparazzi currently attached to it. It is solely to commemorate a Holy Sacrament. The true meaning of the sacrament, according to the Catholic belief, creates a need for marriage to be performed in hallowed space. A perfect example of a hollowed area is a Church, that same building where priests carry out some sacred activities such as Holy Communion, Baptism, etc.
In addition, there is no specific time or clause attached to church marriage. You can do your church marriage before or after getting legally married. Before you are approved for Church marriage, some processes are carried out.
Firstly, you must apply to the registry office and complete the necessary paperwork to ensure the ceremony’s legal validation. Once the registry approves the application, the priest gets involved. It is he who will approve the legal church wedding.
If you have concerns, let’s check out the pros and cons before you decide to start planning your church wedding.
Pros of a Church Wedding Ceremony
Free event planning and hall
You just have to get yourself to the altar with your spouse. Every other ceremony program, like where your guest will sit, the arrangement of the seats, etc., is the least of your worries because they are already in place. Your wedding ceremony is already in motion.
In addition, you’ll spend less on planning. There is no need to spend on canopies or seats. The Cathedral is usually spacious and very conducive for all sizes of weddings. The church is a perfect wedding venue.
Free Music
The church usually caters to the music of the event. The music may be managed by the church’s choir or a band. Usually, they do not allow an outside choir to minister musically in church wedding ceremonies. Although, some churches make exceptions.
No Weather interference
The weather issue is not a worry; you have a whole Cathedral to yourself. So, you can be sure that your ceremony will go smoothly without any form of climatic disruption or interference.
Fulfilling the Christian doctrine
The church wedding ceremony is one of the most anticipated events for Christian brothers and sisters. Most people think about when they will walk down the aisle with their father or watch their spouse walk down the aisle mesmerizingly. In it all, it’s a dream come true.
Cons of a Church Wedding Ceremony
No room for a wedding reception
The church doesn’t permit secondary activities. So, if you’d like to hold your reception and exchange of vows in a precise location, this option might not be viable. If tge church has a hall, you are in luck, or you’ll have to look for a hall nearby.
Dressing code
Some churches have a strict dress code, and your dream wedding wear might not conform. They usually do not permit sensual and revealing wear. So, you either get a dress that fits the code or looks for another venue for your wedding. Update the church wedding committee with your wear plan to avoid embarrassment on your big day.
Limited décor
There are limited decorations you can do in a church. You can’t move pieces around, but you can compliment the scene with nice-looking accessories like flowers and an aisle runner. Ensure you discuss with the wedding committee to know what and what’s not allowed. Check our HolyArt website for sacred decoration items that fit your church wedding theme.
Difficulty getting a church
Getting the church of your choice might be challenging if you aren’t a parishioner. There’s usually a waiting list, and church members are given preferences. Moreover, some churches do not even wed non-parishioners. Seek your church of choice early and get all the information you need.
Flash photography prohibition
Certain churches have rules that prohibit the use of flash photography. Ensure you make inquiries and relay the message to your photographer before the event.
Summary
Different people have a different understanding of what a church wedding entails. Some people believe it’s all about white gowns and saying the vows. Some people even think that church weddings are old-fashioned and feel like legal weddings are the main. It’s all based on beliefs and perceptions. Whichever type of ceremony you choose should be what you are happy with. Your wedding ceremony is all about pleasing you and your spouse.
Are you planning a church wedding?
Then, you need to check out Holyarts. There are several jewelry sets, sacred icons, and other pleasing items. Include HolyArt as you go to the wedding store today.
