[RedWhiteBlue]

I know a couple that got married in Belgium. Their big day consisted of two ceremonies. The first ceremony was in front of a judge, and that satisfied the legal requirements for the state to consider them bound by law. Then, they had the Church wedding with a priest and this is where they were spiritually bound. Had they only had the Church / priest ceremony, it would not have been legally recognized by the state.

[TalonDJ]

I know a couple that got married in Belgium. Their big day consisted of two ceremonies. The first ceremony was in front of a judge, and that satisfied the legal requirements for the state to consider them bound by law. Then, they had the Church wedding with a priest and this is where they were spiritually bound. Had they only had the Church / priest ceremony, it would not have been legally recognized by the state.

It works the same way in this country. They just arrange for them to over lap. You get your marriage license but it is not fully filled out. You bring it to the church 9or whatever kind) wedding. At some point, off to one side or in a back room, during the shindig the bride, groom, witnesses and minister all sign it. Not necessarily at the same moment, so the casual wedding guest might not notice when that happens. Someone then submits it to the state and presto, both religious and civil marriage is complete.

[JoeFromSidney]

I know a couple that got married in Belgium. Their big day consisted of two ceremonies. The first ceremony was in fron"t of a judge, and that satisfied the legal requirements for the state to consider them bound by law. Then, they had the Church wedding with a priest and this is where they were spiritually bound. Had they only had the Church / priest ceremony, it would not have been legally recognized by the state.

Same sort of thing in Turkey. The "legal" marriage is done at the city building. Big ceremony, flowers and all that. Then, if the couple is so moved, they can have an imam come to the house and bless the marriage. The difference, of course, is that for many Christians marriage is a sacrament. Islam doesn't have any sacraments.