Civil marriage facts for kids
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A civil marriage is a type of marriage that is officially recognized by the government. This means that a government official, like a registrar, makes it legal. A civil marriage can happen as part of a religious ceremony, or it can be a non-religious event. The exact rules for civil marriages are different in various countries around the world.
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What is a Civil Marriage?
A civil marriage is a legal agreement between two people. It gives them certain rights and responsibilities. These marriages are recorded by the government. This is different from a religious marriage, which is performed by a religious leader and follows religious rules. Sometimes, people have both a civil marriage and a religious ceremony.
Civil Marriages in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the law allows both opposite-sex and same-sex couples to have a civil marriage. These marriages can take place in a religious building or in a non-religious place, like a town hall.
England and Wales
For a long time, in England and Wales, most marriages had to happen in a religious place. In 1753, a special law was passed. This law said that almost all marriages needed to be performed in a church or another recognized religious building. Places like Church of England churches, Quaker meeting houses, and synagogues were common spots for weddings.
Scotland
The 1753 law did not apply to Scotland. In Scotland, marriages could still happen in churches. However, it was also possible for a couple to get married just by saying they were committed to each other in front of witnesses. A government official, called a registrar, would then record the marriage. This was a simpler way to get married, sometimes called a "common law" marriage.
Images for kids
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People leaving the town hall of Høje-Taastrup, Denmark following a civil marriage
See also
In Spanish: Matrimonio civil para niños
