What are the traditions for a church wedding?

Church wedding traditions vary by denomination, but many are shared across the UK. The bride walking down the aisle to meet the groom is a classic, though many couples now walk together or with both parents. The ceremony usually includes an opening prayer, hymns, Bible readings, the exchange of vows and rings, and a blessing. In Catholic and Anglican weddings, you may have a full mass or a service of the word, and the priest may give a homily. After the vows, you sign the marriage schedule or document, which is the legal record since 2021. Some couples include a unity candle, where they light one candle together, or a sand ceremony. In Catholic weddings, a common tradition is presenting flowers to Mary. In Church of England weddings, you may choose to have a choir or a bell ringing. The recessional, where the couple walks back down the aisle to joyful music, is a happy ending. Some traditions are optional, so talk to your officiant about what fits your faith and your wishes. Remember that civil ceremonies cannot include religious content, but a church wedding is fully religious, so you can include as many traditions as you like.