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Civil ceremony vs religious ceremony vs blessing

A civil ceremony is conducted by registration officers and cannot include religious content such as hymns or readings with religious references. A religious ceremony follows the rules of that faith and its building. Some couples hold a legal civil ceremony and then a separate celebration or blessing, which has no legal effect on its own.

For the legal rules see GOV.UK: Marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales. Always confirm details with your register office.

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