Do I have to … ?
Short answer, no. Almost assuredly no. There is very little that you have to do for your wedding.
What do you actually have to do? Get a marriage license, if you want your marriage to be legal.
If either of you is Jewish, you probably also have to stomp on a glass at the end of the ceremony. For some reason, that’s what Jews care about.
But here are some things you don’t have to do:
- Say “I do.” (Although you do actually have to indicate you want to be married.)
- Be announced as “Mr. and Mrs.” or “Mr. and Mr.” or “Ms and Mrs.”
- Say vows. Or say vows for everyone to hear.
- Kiss on command.
- Have a formal procession or recession or have any attendants.
- Exchange rings.
Of course, you may choose to please your parents or meet the expectations of others as a gift to them. That’s a lovely way to include them in your ceremony. You may choose to include elements of your religious or cultural heritage. You may choose to acknowledge your parents or the parents of your new spouse. You may choose to have readings or blessings or poetry.
But you don’t have to do any of those things. Your wedding ceremony and your marriage will still be beautiful expressions of your love for each other.