When it comes to planning a wedding, there are several details to consider. Some of the most important are the type of wedding you'll have, your budget, the location, number of guests, and all the things that come with it. Your wedding doesn't have to be like anyone else's. There's no rule to your wedding style. The thing is: It's okay for your wedding to be unique to you and your partner. That means it can be specific to your personal preferences. It can also reflect your personality and relationship, so that it's a wedding that's most memorable to you.
From destination weddings to church ceremonies, you have options. What's your style? What elements do you want to incorporate? What type of wedding do you want? Read on for an overview of some of the most popular and common wedding options that may match your style.
Religious weddings vs civil ceremonies
A religious wedding is sometimes called a traditional wedding. They usually incorporate religious or cultural elements. It may take place in a house of worship like a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue. The requirements vary among faiths, religious beliefs, or culture. Also, the format tends to be more classic or formal.
The officiant is generally an official representative of the religion, and the ceremonies follow a standard ritual. There may also be some prerequisites like being a member of the faith or community, taking premarital classes, and financial responsibility of who's "footing the bill."
Conversely, a civil ceremony may use aspects of a religious wedding, but not always. Couples can choose where to get married and who to have as the officiant. Finding an officiant you like may take effort. It could be a judge, justice of the peace, or other government official legally empowered to officiate weddings. To add, there may be freelance wedding officiants in your area who are ordained clergy who officiate nonreligious weddings. Having a friend or family member ordained online for the purpose of performing weddings is possible too.
Elopements
Elopements are sometimes thought of as spontaneous weddings. They can be quick and easy. Typically, elopements include the couple and their officiant. They can also include a few close friends to witness the engagement. It's not uncommon for elopements to take place in a meaningful location or even city hall (courthouse wedding) where a qualified person, such as a judge, justice of peace, or notary, facilitates the ceremony. In most cases, but not all, elopements can be affordable with little planning, and private. The attire is commonly casual or whatever you choose.Destination weddings
A destination wedding doesn't necessarily mean eloping. They also don't have to be in a super far away location either. This wedding type is typically just some place other than your local area.
Destination weddings can be held on the beach or any venue of your choice. They require extra planning and a bit of consideration too. For example, it's a good idea to send your invitations early so your guests will have time to prepare. To add, because travel is involved for your guests (who will have to pay for travel and other accommodations (unless you're "footing the bill"), it's not uncommon to have a smaller or more limited headcount than you ordinarily would in comparison to a traditional wedding. To add, the attire can vary from casual to formal, depending on the dress code you set.
Micro weddings
Micro weddings, as the word suggests, are limited in the number of guests and can be more cost effective. It's usually a more intimate number of guests that consist of close friends, relatives, or other loved ones. Typically, 20 or so guests—much fewer than a traditional wedding. The setting or location is normally a bit more intimate too—like a backyard, private patio, or some other small but meaningful location.How to get a marriage license: You’ll need it no matter what kind of wedding you have
To be legally married, couples must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk—it proves the marriage is legitimate. Marriage requirements vary, so familiarize yourself with your state's requirements and with those in the county you plan to marry or live. Usually after the wedding ceremony, both spouses, the officiant, and 1–2 witnesses sign the marriage license. The officiant is responsible for filing your license with the county. After the wedding, it's a sensible idea to follow up with your officiant to ensure they’ve filed your marriage license. Failure to do so doesn’t mean you’re not considered married, but it can prolong receiving your marriage certificate in the mail, which is required to legally change your name.
Also, if you’re planning to get married in another country, it’s important to research their marriage requirements well in advance. Some countries may require that certain paperwork be sent weeks in advance, some may have a waiting period, and some may require you to apply for a marriage license in that country.