In France and in many parts of the world, a church wedding ceremony usually follows the civil marriage. Although not legally binding, the church wedding ceremony is deeply rooted in traditions and is considered as unavoidable by many couples. Most of them get married in church more out of respect for traditions than because it reflects a real belief.
Over the past 10 years in France, things have started to change as an increasing number of couples have decided not to get married in church. There could be several reasons, which actually reflect modern society: They were married before, have received different religious education, are of the same sex or they simply did not wish to have a religious wedding, etc. Until recently, the only option available for them was the legal marriage often perceived as an administrative chore rather than a real commitment. Same sex couples did not even have that possibility in France until 2013 as the very first legal marriage ceremony took place in Montpellier on the 29th May.
Fortunately, a fairly recent concept has become increasingly more popular over the past decade: The symbolic ceremony also called secular or humanist ceremony. Very much like a church ceremony, a symbolic ceremony has no legal value however it is the ideal opportunity for couples to celebrate their union in a truly personalized and meaningful manner.
