A BRITISH wedding was once almost certainly a church wedding.
Today, while Great Britain is still predominantly a Christian society, its diverse culture has given rise to a variety of ceremonies.

A Buddhist wedding
Buddha did not consider marriage a sacred ceremony and therefore there is no set wedding service. Buddhism states that marriage should be a partnership of equals based on deep mutual respect. Marriage is more a social occasion than a religious one. Buddhists can marry anyone from any religion.
A Buddhist ceremony is secular in nature and takes place in a registry office or one of the few Buddhist temples licensed as a legal marriage venue, such as the London Buddhist Vihara.
Tel: 020 8995 9493; www.londonbuddhistvihara.co.uk

The Roman Catholic way
Catholics believe that marriage is a sacrament and a serious commitment. The remarriage of divorcees is forbidden. Couples must agree with the following principles: to marry freely, without external pressure; to remain faithful to each other; to remain together for life; and to have at least one child (unless the bride is too old). Couples may be married with or without a Mass. Weddings during Lent are discouraged; if you do marry then, you may not be allowed flowers or organ music.
Tel: 020 7371 1341; www.marriagecare.org.uk

A Church of England ceremony
A couple wishing to marry in an Anglician church will need the permission of the minister of their parish. A connection with the church is usual, but can be waived. Banns will be read in the church in the run-up to the wedding, informing the congregation that two people wish to marry. The vicar will tell you about detailed arrangements at his or her church.
Tel: 020 7898 1000; www.cofe.anglican.org

In the Greek Orthodox church
In some ways the Greek Orthodox wedding is similar to a traditional Church of England affair. Rituals are alike, but you cannot have readings or music that are not already incorporated into the service.
There are a number of days when it is forbidden to get married, including the fasting period 40 days prior to Easter and the 40 days prior to Christmas.
Tel: 020 7723 4787.

Hindu traditions
The wedding of a Hindu couple usually takes place in the bride’s town or city, and is traditionally organised and paid for by the bride’s parents. For Orthodox Hindus, mixed marriage is inappropriate. For other Hindus, it is possible to marry someone of a different religion. The marriage is seen not only as the bond between two people but also as a bond between two families. Astrological charts are consulted to choose a wedding day. The Hindu wedding ceremony is not recognised by British law.
www.hinducounciluk.org

The humanist choice
Humanists aim to draw positive moral values from life that are based on human experience, rather than God-given. They don’t believe in an afterlife, but think that we should live full and productive lives that also enable others to do the same. A humanist wedding is completely secular, without hymns, prayers or sacred readings.
Tel: 020 7430 0908; www.humanism.org.uk

The Jewish Orthodox faith
Orthodox Jews are the strictest of all Jews in terms of their way of life. Orthodox rabbis will not marry an inter-faith couple – it is usually required that the non-Jewish person converts to Judaism.
The Orthodox Jewish wedding follows a strict pattern from which it is impossible to deviate. To marry in the Orthodox Jewish tradition, your parents must have been married in the orthodox manner. Most couples marry on a Sunday or a Tuesday – a significant day because this was when God doubly blessed His creation.
To mark the end of the ceremony, the groom or chatan breaks a glass with his heel. This act expresses sadness at the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and also serves as a reminder that the forthcoming celebration must be conducted with decorum.
Couples must be registered with a synagogue and contact a rabbi at the Chief Rabbi’s office in London.
Jewish Marriage Council: 020 8203 6311; www.jmc-uk.org

When Muslims marry
In Islam, it is considered both a religious duty and a social necessity to marry. Marriages are arranged by the bride’s and bridegroom’s parents. The proposal comes from the bride’s side, which contacts the bridegroom through a male relative. After accepting her offer of marriage, the groom gives a gift. The engagement lasts three months. During this time, the bride can only be in the same room as her intended if her father or brother is present and she is covered.
Tel: 020 8432 0585; www.mcb.org.uk

Unitarian practices
In the non-conformist ceremony, references to God may be omitted in favour of poetry, which reflects the couple’s beliefs. Couples can choose their readings and write their own vows – providing that the marriage wording remains. Wedding ceremonies in Unitarian churches are legally recognised.
Tel: 020 7 2402384; www.unitarian.org.uk

Civil partnerships
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into effect on 5 December 2005. This enables same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. Like married couples, civil partners now have equal treatment in a wide range of legal matters. A civil partnership can be formed in England and Wales at a register office or at an approved premises, in a secular ceremony with words and music chosen by the couple.
Tel: 01235 770078; www.thepinkguide.co.uk