Breaking down the difference between legal and symbolic weddings

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If you’re planning a destination wedding, you might have seen the terms ‘legal wedding’ and ‘symbolic wedding’ thrown around a lot. Wondering what the difference is between the two? We asked two of our destination wedding consultants, Natasha and Jessica, to give us the lowdown on the two different types of wedding ceremonies and answer some of your most frequently asked questions.

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What is a legal ceremony?

A legal ceremony (also called a civil ceremony) is legally recognized by the country you’re getting married in. It’s performed by a judge and requires specific paperwork to be provided in advance, which varies based on the destination you choose. For some countries, the requirements for legal weddings are very simple whereas some countries may require more extensive paperwork and even blood tests. You can check out each destination page’s “Weddings” tab on our website to learn more about specific requirements for legal ceremonies.

What is a symbolic ceremony?

A symbolic wedding can look and feel just like a regular wedding ceremony where you say your vows, exchange rings and even sign an artificial wedding certificate – but it’s not legally binding. A symbolic ceremony is a testament of your love to one another but won’t be legally recognized in the country where you’re saying “I do”. You’ll have to fill out the legal paperwork and legally tie the knot back home either before or after your symbolic ceremony in destination. It’s also worth noting that some countries may require you to be legally married at home and provide proof of your legal marriage beforehand.

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Are there perks to each type of ceremony?

Whether or not you have a legal or symbolic ceremony dials down to preference. Lots of couples love the flexibility of a symbolic ceremony. Since there are no rules, you can have a friend or family member officiate and incorporate any cultural traditions or personalized touches into your ceremony. On the other hand, some couples prefer to be legally married on the same day they hold their ceremony. It’s all about what you prefer and are comfortable with!

Is one more cost-efficient than the other?

Price is a key consideration when choosing between a legal and symbolic ceremony. The costs involved with a legal or civil ceremony are often higher due to the costs for a judge to be present and paperwork to be processed. You’ll also have to consider the cost of gathering any paperwork beforehand. Symbolic ceremonies often include the ceremony officiant in their wedding package with no additional cost, and symbolic ceremony wedding packages are generally cheaper than a legal ceremony wedding package.

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What if I’m having a same-sex wedding?

If you’re hosting a same-sex destination wedding, you’ll need to consider which countries offer legal ceremonies. Costa Rica and Mexico both offer legal destination weddings, whereas other destinations might only offer the opportunity for symbolic ceremonies. Make sure to ask your destination wedding consultant for more information on where you can have a legal ceremony in the tropics.