What is a secular wedding ceremony?
- Marie-Alissandre Delafontaine
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
A secular wedding ceremony is a symbolic, personalized, non-religious ceremony that allows a couple to celebrate their union outside of the civil and religious framework. It does not replace the legal civil wedding, but adds meaning, emotion, and a deeply personal dimension to it.
More and more couples are choosing this type of ceremony to experience a moment that truly reflects who they are.
A symbolic, but non-legally binding ceremony
A secular ceremony has no legal value. In France, only a civil wedding celebrated at the town hall is legally recognized.
The secular ceremony therefore takes place in addition to the civil wedding either on the same day or on a different day. Its role is not administrative, but emotional and symbolic. It is the moment when your story, your values, and your commitment are shared.
Why choose a secular wedding ceremony?
Choosing a secular ceremony means choosing freedom:
freedom of location (indoors or outdoors),
freedom of tone (solemn, gentle, joyful, sometimes even humorous),
freedom of content (speeches, music, rituals, contributions from loved ones),
freedom of duration.
It also allows you to create a ceremony without a religious framework, inclusive for all your guests, and focused on you not on a predefined model.
Who is a secular ceremony for?
A secular wedding ceremony is for… everyone. There is no “typical couple”: there is your story, and the way you wish to celebrate it.
How does a secular wedding ceremony unfold?
There is no single format, but a secular ceremony generally includes:
an introduction,
moments of speech (officiant and loved ones),
music,
sometimes one or more symbolic rituals,
the exchange of vows, rings, and consent,
a conclusion.
Each ceremony is created entirely bespoke, based on the couple’s wishes, energy, and personality.
Who leads a secular wedding ceremony?
A secular ceremony can be led by a professional officiant or by a loved one chosen by the couple.
A professional officiant supports the couple throughout the preparation process: structuring the ceremony, guiding the writing, and ensuring the right rhythm on the day. A loved one can also officiate, but this requires time, organization, and real preparation. In this case, a professional officiant can also provide coaching, helping the chosen person structure the ceremony, find the right tone, and feel confident on the wedding day.
The choice depends on your need for guidance, peace of mind, and emotional involvement.
In summary
A secular wedding ceremony is:
symbolic
endlessly customizable
free in its format
deeply emotional
but not legally binding
It allows you to create a unique, sincere moment that truly reflects who you are.
A secular ceremony offers a rare space: the time to celebrate your union, your values, and your story — without any imposed framework.
If you are at the very beginning of your planning and would like support in creating your ceremony,
I would be happy to explain how I work and how we can imagine together a moment that truly feels like you.
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