What should I expect for a civil wedding ceremony at the county clerk office?
meowcat asked:
How do couples usually dress? Is a wedding gown necessary for me, and a tux for my fiance? How long does it take? Should I invite a few family members? We will have a bigger ceremony later, but meanwhile we just want to get our license and certificate legalized ASAP. Any other suggestions or comments? =)
27. September 2009 at 2:48 am
Depends on your county really. My fiance’s sister was married in one and they had in the court room her immediate family and his. No one was super dressed up, she had on a plain short dress nothing fancy and he had a regular suit on. Nothing fancy is required, you could show up in jeans I’m sure!
Keep in mind it will most likely be held during the day on a weekday so not everyone may be able to come if you want extended family too. The justice of the peace was real nice and we all took some pictures together. Then they left out the door where we had bubbles to blow at them.
28. September 2009 at 6:11 am
You can wear whatever you like. However, my friend wore a nice dress (nothing fancy) and he wore a nice shirt and pants. A gown may be too much, but it is your day, so wear what you please. As far as the length, it is not very long at all. I’m not sure where you live, but some states allow you to “marry yourself.” Basically, you sign the license and the certificate and you’re done. Otherwise if you have a judge marry you, of course it will be a little bit longer, but not by much. Invite whoever you would like, but if you plan to have a bigger ceremony later, I would invite maybe your parents and that’s it.
Congrats!
30. September 2009 at 5:24 pm
its you and a justice of the piece.
i wouldn’t go all out with the formal wear.
bring a few relatives.
2. October 2009 at 10:58 pm
formal dress will do…some questions( not so long) should take witnesses( 2 or 3) papers to be signed parents parents of both party is important
4. October 2009 at 3:04 pm
I got married in clerk’s office. A suit or shirt and tie for him and a nice dress for you. No gown is necessary. You could invite one or two people if you want. It just takes a few minutes.
6. October 2009 at 7:30 pm
They’re informal – often VERY informal. Some courts allow a couple people in there with you, some may not allow guests, depending on how much room there is.
Please reconsider the wedding now and a big ceremony later. Your wedding is your wedding, it’s permanent and should be special. Once you’re married there is no need for a big ceremony, and life tends to get in the way, so please, consider just waiting for your big ceremony to get married.
Further, etiquette says that gowns, attendants, and all those bells and whistles are not appropriate for a vow renewal. Moreover, When I get invited to do-over weddings, it’s a slap in the face. I feel like I’m being insulted by being told we got married and didn’t want you there, but we want you to come to our show.
Whatever you choose to do, congratulations and I wish you the best.