When it comes to celebrating love. the possibilities are endless. Today we teach you different types of marriage so that you can choose the one that best represents you.
If you are making your wedding preparations and you are confused about what kind of ceremony to choose, don’t worry! You’re not alone! There are couples who dream of having a religious wedding and being faithful to their beliefs, while other couples prefer to get away from formalities and protocol, and have a wedding according to their tastes and particularities. We have created this blog to help you make up your mind! Take note!
1. Religious marriage
It is perhaps the best known and most practiced type of marriage in the world. Religious marriage is a union that occurs within the framework of the faith that they profess as couples and depending on the type of religion, the marriage will be legally valid or not, likewise, the procedures to be carried out may vary.
If you are getting married in the Catholic Church, your marriage will be legally valid immediately and you will have to be baptized, confirmed and have completed a marriage course. For the Christian religion, it is necessary to have had a civil wedding before and officiate the ceremony before a pastor or minister of the church.
2. Civil marriage
It is the simplest and most agile type of union since the ceremony is celebrated in the notary’s office, and being a legal union before the authorities, it is not based on rituals or religious norms. To get married civilly, you can do it at the nearest notary or even look for a notary service at home.
If you want to know more about procedures, prices and tips, go to our blog “What you need to know to celebrate your civil wedding in Colombia”
3. Interreligious and intercultural marriage
Are you Catholic and your partner Buddhist? Interfaith marriage is your best option! In this type of union they will not have to decide on a single style of religious marriage based on a specific faith, but the faith of each one will have a place and their own role. It is necessary to find a specialized officiant to create the ideal balance and respect that both religions deserve.
For couples from different countries of origin and, consequently, different cultures, the best option is an intercultural marriage. How about mixing Mexican and Colombian culture? or The Irish and Argentine culture? Surely they will have similarities and many differences, but so you don’t fill your head with a thousand combinations, at Wink we can help you prioritize and plan every detail.
4. Symbolic marriage
It is a union with a very strong sentimental and symbolic level, regardless of whether it has no legal value. This type of marriage can be officiated by a holistic teacher, a spiritual guide or coach, and even a friend or family member. These ceremonies are perfect to celebrate on the beach or why not, in an indigenous reserve under the guidance of a shaman.
5. Equal marriage
Did you know that in Colombia marriage between same-sex couples has been legal since 2016? You can get married through a civil ceremony either at a notary or at a location through an officiant with legal authority.
You can also resort to a solemn union that consists of a contract where both agree on their duties and rights as spouses.
6. Non-denominational marriage
It is a marital union where they accept their beliefs before a God but it does not necessarily fit into a specific religion. The concept “non-denominational” means that God will be an important part of the ceremony but without alluding to a specific belief.
7. Destination wedding
They are usually weddings that are held in a location other than the residence of the couple. From a paradisiacal island to the top of a mountain, these are celebrations where the “tourism” factor is the most important, both for the couple and their guests. Remember that if you are going to get married abroad you must make sure you meet all the legal requirements or when you return, marry civilly in your country of origin.
8. elopement marriage
Did you know that “Elopement” means “Fuga” in Spanish? And it is precisely this type of marriage that arose from the multiple cases in which couples needed to flee in order to get married because they did not have the approval of their relatives.
The elopements have been modernized, it is no longer about getting married by urgency and impromptu, but rather, to perform an intimate wedding, without witnesses or guests, in remote places and sometimes in secret.
Wink Tip: You may think that in an Elopement you will not need anything more than an officiant and the two of you. However, a decoration, a dinner and a photographer that captures that moment are essential services to achieve the best experience and the most beautiful memories. You have doubts? We help you!
There is an absolute truth and it is that love is diverse and can be celebrated in any way. There is no type of marriage better than another, there is only the best for you and your preferences.
We hope this blog has resolved any doubts and you are clearer about your ideal type of marriage. When you need it, you will find in Wink one more friend, one more ally, a single provider for each service and the best, Zero stress!
How Many Types of Marriage Exist?
There are more types of marriage than most people realize. While civil and religious marriages are the most common, couples today have many options. The type of marriage you choose depends on your beliefs, your budget, and what kind of ceremony you want.
Here is a quick comparison of the main types of marriage:
| Type of Marriage | Legal Status | Who Officiates | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | Legally binding | Notary or judge | Couples who want a simple, legal ceremony |
| Religious (Catholic) | Legally binding in Colombia | Priest | Couples who practice the Catholic faith |
| Religious (Christian) | Requires prior civil marriage | Pastor or minister | Evangelical or Christian couples |
| Interreligious | Can be legal if registered | Two officiants or one interfaith minister | Couples from different religions |
| Symbolic | Not legally binding | Any officiant or friend | Couples who want a personalized ceremony |
| Common-law | Recognized after time living together | Not applicable | Couples who live together without formal marriage |
Religious Marriage
Religious marriage is the best-known type. In a religious marriage, the union happens within the framework of a specific faith. For Catholics, marriage is a sacrament. The ceremony must follow Church rules, and the marriage is considered indissoluble, it lasts until death.
In Colombia, Catholic marriage is legally valid on its own. You do not need a separate civil ceremony. But you do need to be baptized, confirmed, and have completed a marriage preparation course.
Other Christian denominations require a civil marriage first. After that, a pastor or minister can officiate a religious ceremony in a church. The legal part is handled by the civil marriage; the religious part adds spiritual meaning.
Civil Marriage
Civil marriage is the simplest and most flexible type. It is a legal union performed by a notary or judge. There are no religious requirements, making it a good option for couples of different faiths or no faith at all.
In Colombia, civil marriage requires both parties to be over 18, present valid ID, and bring two witnesses. The ceremony can take place at a notary office or at a location of your choice. The entire process is straightforward and usually takes less than an hour.
Interreligious and Intercultural Marriage
More couples today come from different religious or cultural backgrounds. An interreligious marriage blends elements from both traditions. For example, a Catholic and a Buddhist couple might have a ceremony that includes both a priest and a Buddhist monk.
Intercultural marriages add another layer. The ceremony might include traditions from both cultures: music, food, clothing, and rituals from each side. These weddings are often the most memorable because they bring two worlds together.
Symbolic Marriage
A symbolic marriage has no legal effect. It is a ceremony created by the couple to celebrate their commitment. Symbolic weddings are common for couples who are already legally married but want a personalized celebration, or for couples who do not want government involvement in their relationship.
The beauty of a symbolic wedding is that you can do whatever you want. Write your own vows, choose any location, include any ritual. There are no rules. The meaning comes from what you and your partner decide.
Common-Law Marriage
In some countries, including Colombia, couples who live together for a certain period are recognized as common-law married. This gives them legal rights similar to married couples, especially regarding property and inheritance.
Common-law marriage is not a ceremony, it is a legal status that happens automatically after meeting certain conditions. In Colombia, a couple must live together for at least two years and present themselves as a married couple in public.
How to Choose the Right Type of Marriage for You
Choosing a type of marriage depends on three things: your beliefs, your budget, and how much control you want over the ceremony. Here is a simple way to decide:
- If you want a legally simple ceremony with no religious content, choose civil marriage.
- If your faith is central to your life, choose religious marriage.
- If you come from different backgrounds, choose interreligious or symbolic marriage.
- If you want total freedom to design your own ceremony, choose symbolic marriage.
You can also combine types. Many couples have a civil ceremony for legal purposes and a symbolic or religious ceremony for family and friends. There is no wrong choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Wink Eventos, we help you plan every detail of your wedding or event in Medellin. Contact us and let us make your event unforgettable.
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