The first principle to remember is that the ceremony should feel comfortable to you, the bride and groom. You want your marriage ceremony to exude how you feel and to be relevant to your beliefs. Then, you will want to take into consideration the religious traditions of both of your families. If the bride and the groom are of different faiths, it is wise to be inclusive and considerate of the beliefs of both sides. The core beliefs of most religions today are very similar and the areas of disagreement are relatively minor.

The Minister
Out of everything that goes to making up your wedding day, it is the ceremony that you will most remember. For those couples who want their ceremonies to be expressions of the sacred reality of their love.

A Minister will perform a Religious ceremony for the church that he belongs to.

Religious ceremonies must be conducted by a clergy member (priest, minister or rabbi). African weddings may be performed by a tribal chief or by another official, as designated by the tribe.

Many couples prefer a traditional religious ceremony, officiated by a clergy member and personalized with selected readings, poems, original vows, or symbolic candle lighting.

All religious-based wedding ceremonies tend to share the same basic order, but there are also many differences.

Candle ceremonies (often called a 'unity candle') are very popular. The altar is prepared with three white candles, which symbolize the love that the newlywed couple will keep burning for each other throughout their marriage. After the vows, the bride and groom light the third candle with the flames of their individual candles, representing the unity of marriage.

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