What Happens in a Wedding Ceremony When Somebody Objects the Marriage?

Objecting at a wedding causes conflict between the bride and groom.

While objections to wedding ceremonies occur more frequently in films and books than in real life, what happens in a wedding ceremony if someone objects is less dramatic or romantic than fictional accounts. There are legal, ethical and emotional considerations that must be addressed after an objection is voiced before the wedding can continue.

Stop in the Name of Love

The moment an objection is voiced, the ceremony will cease. While no law states that an officiant must stop the ceremony in light of an objection, the shock of an objection will halt the proceedings, and ethically the bride, groom and their officiant must hear the objection to ensure that there is no legal obstacle to the marriage.

The Interrogation

The officiant and the objector will immediately proceed to a private space, such as a conference room or the officiant's private office. When the privacy of the objector has been secured, the officiant will hear the complaint of the objector and determine the next course of action. The bride and groom may be called in to confirm or deny the objection, or to provide clarification. Objecting to a wedding is a serious action, and these conversations can be quite lengthy.

Law and Order

Severe objections may require that the ceremony be suspended or postponed until a lawyer or judge can be called to examine the legality of the objection. If the marriage in any way violates local, state or federal law (such as the bride is not of legal age or the groom is married to another woman), not only will the wedding ceremony be canceled, but legal action may result. Calling law enforcement after an objection is voiced is helpful; emotions may get out of hand, and law enforcement may be necessary to preserve the peace among all parties.

The Great Escape

If the objection is found to be valid, the ceremony will not continue until the objection can be adequately addressed. A serious objection can mean that the wedding will be canceled entirely, depending on the legality of the situation or the personal feelings of the bride and groom. However, if the objection is unwarranted or has no legal basis, the wedding may continue. Whoever makes the objection better have an exit strategy at the ready to avoid the hordes of angry and confused wedding guests.

References

• The Modern Girl's Guide to Sticky Situations; Jane Buckingham
• Church Administration Handbook; Bruce P. Powers
• Bond and Covenant -- A Perspective on Holy Matrimony; R. David Cox