Definition

Noun: 1. A formal event or ritual, often with religious or legal significance, during which two people are united in marriage. It is the specific act or set of acts that constitutes the official beginning of a marriage.

Usage

The term "marriage ceremony" refers specifically to the event itself—the wedding. It is a countable noun and is often used in formal or descriptive contexts to distinguish the ceremonial act from the legal status or institution of marriage.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The marriage ceremony will be held at the city hall next Friday.
  • They planned a simple marriage ceremony on the beach at sunset.
  • Different cultures have unique traditions for their marriage ceremonies.

Advanced Usage

• "to perform a marriage ceremony": This phrase is used to describe the action of the officiant (e.g., priest, judge, celebrant) who conducts the wedding.
  • The judge agreed to perform the marriage ceremony for the couple.

Variants and Related Words

• Wedding (n): A more common synonym for "marriage ceremony," often implying the accompanying social celebrations (reception, party).
• Nuptials (n, formal): A formal word for a wedding or marriage ceremony.
• Civil ceremony (n): A marriage ceremony performed by a government official rather than a religious leader.
• To marry (v): The action of getting married or performing the ceremony.

Synonyms

• Wedding
• Nuptials (formal)
• Wedding ceremony

Related Phrases

• Exchange of vows: A key part of most marriage ceremonies where the couple makes promises to each other.
  • The most moving part of the marriage ceremony was the exchange of vows.
• Tie the knot (idiom, informal): To get married.
  • They finally decided to tie the knot after ten years together.

Noun

1. the act of marrying; the nuptial ceremony
   • their marriage was conducted in the chapel