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Malaga Minister - Frequently Asked Questions

Use the Malaga Minister guide to find out more information and advice on our services for getting married in Spain.

• Why is choosing the right minister important?
• What is a Humanist ceremony?
• Why is a Humanist ceremony different to civil ceremony?
• How important are wedding vows?

Why is choosing the right minister important?

Wedding ministers, celebrants or officiants play an extremely important part in your ceremony. Not only of course because they marry you but they also set the tone for the rest of your day and your future marriage.

If you are having a religious ceremony in Spain then in most cases your minister will be attached to the church or other location that you desire. If your wedding is going to be a spiritual ceremony you will have much more flexibility in your choice of minister. Don’t be afraid to shop around and to make appointments to meet different celebrants. You should want someone who you relate to and who you feel can give you the type of wedding ceremony you want and deserve. For example, you may want to find a humanist minister in Spain who can perform a non- religious ceremony. Whatever your wishes are for your ceremony you should communicate them with your minister or minister-to-be so that they are fully aware of what kind of ceremony you want. A good minister will also have lots of ideas on appropriate readings, writing of your vows, if you decide to write your own, and any rituals that you may include in your ceremony.

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What is a Humanist ceremony?

Humanist ceremonies are meaningful and unique ceremonies that focus on your relationship and how it is seen by you and your partner and through the eyes of your family and friends. It celebrates your union by incorporating intimate and personal vows, readings and wedding rituals. In today’s society many people feel that religion does not play a part in their lives. So when it comes to an event as important as a wedding day they want a ceremony, which reflects exactly what they truly feel and believe. The advantage of Humanist ceremonies is that they can be as flexible as you want. They can be serious, dignified and follow a traditional pattern of a church wedding but with the religious content replaced with readings and vows, which reflect love and humanity. Or they can be informal and more light-hearted in delivery but still with a serious message at heart.

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Why is a Humanist ceremony different to civil ceremony?

Civil ceremonies are legally binding by nature and serve as a legal contract of marriage. In the UK and some parts of Europe, Humanist ceremonies are yet to be seen as legal ceremonies. What many people do is to have their civil ceremony to fulfil the legal side of the matter and then have a blessing ie a Humanist ceremony, which they treat as there “actual” wedding, where they say their vows, exchange rings and are publicly declared as a married couple. Some people even have their blessing first and then later on go to their registry office to take care of the legal formalities.

I can give you advice on how to go about having a legal ceremony in Spain, Gibraltar the UK or your country of of origin.

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How important are wedding vows?

I feel that wedding vows are an essential part of a ceremony, which couples should take time thinking about. I am trying to promote this concept amongst my clients who are having wedding ceremonies in Spain.

Writing your own wedding vows and taking more ownership of your ceremony is becoming more popular in the UK and the rest of Europe. More and more people are coming round to the idea of personalizing their vows and telling their partners how they really feel. However, it still seems that many couples getting married in Spain or elsewhere, may pay little attention to the wording that the minister will say and relying on traditional vows or set vows, which the minister uses. There is of course nothing wrong with this, if this is what you choose but I do believe that couples should be more aware that the wedding ceremony is their ceremony and they can have as much control over it as they want. Many people don’t realise this. From writing their vows, choosing readings, including rituals and directing the structure - what better way is there for you to express on your wedding day how you really feel about your partner. Especially, with spiritual blessings, this is the time when you can really be creative with your and make it unique to you.

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For more information on any aspect of your ceremony contact Malaga Minister to get your big day off to the right start!