What is Civil marriage?
{{complex|date=May 2023}} [[File:Albert_Anker_-_Die_Ziviltrauung_(1887).jpg|thumb|A civil marriage in 19th century [[Switzerland]] ([[Albert Anker]], 1887)]] A '''civil marriage''' is a [[marriage]] that is recognized by a [[Government officials|government official]]. It can either be a [[Religion|religious]] ceremony or it can be [[secular]]. The definition and practice varies greatly between countries. == United Kingdom == At present the law allows same-sex marriages as well as man/woman marriages, and both religious and civil settings are possible. === England and Wales === In 1753 an [[Act of Parliament]] required all marriages to be done in a religious place. [[Church of England]] churches, [[Quakers]] meeting places and [[synagogue]]s were examples of appropriate places. === Scotland === The Act of 1753 did not apply in Scotland. Marriages were, of course, done in churches. But actually it was enough for a couple to state their commitment in front of witnesses. A registrar would record the marriage. This was a type of [[common law]] marriage. {{stub}} [[Category:Marriage]] [[Category:Types of law]]