Two wedding ceremonies - Orthodox and Atheist
Hello, I am Australian/English & my partner is Serbian Orthodox. He was born in Australia and speaks fluent English & Serbian. His family want us to do a Serbian orthodox wedding ceremony, but I really want to have a ceremony in English, where my father can walk me down the isle, we can have music & our own vows (all which aren’t included in a Serbian orthodox ceremony). Is there a way to have two ceremonies? Has this been done before? I don’t want to offend my FH family but I feel like this wedding won’t be me and I am very upset about it. FH is on board with my ask. Please, any advice is welcome!
Question Asked: 9/11/2024
Wedding Date: 10/11/2025
Most Helpful Response
(2) · Gosford, Hunter Valley, and surrounding areas
Posted: 24/01/2025
Answered by: 2 Experts
Sort by:
I've noticed this question from November has no responses. I hope I'm still able to help. According to law in Australia, you may only have one legally binding ceremony, which must include the monitum and the vows spoken in English with an interpreter if needed.
If you have that legally binding ceremony, there is nothing to stop you from having another ceremonial "wedding", it just musn't include any legally binding words.
What many couples choose to do is have a simple ceremony in English with an Australian celebrant, then have a marriage blessing with the church.
I hope this helps :)
Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask your own question and we'll have our experts answer it.
Ask a question
Yes you can have two ceremonies, however only one can have the legally binding marriage vows and monitum. Your guests will not necessarily notice. This is because once you are legally married you cannot be married again, that is an offense by law. Your second ceremony will look and sound like a wedding, just without those specific words being repeated. Congratulations!