Buzz
We've all witnessed it in romantic comedies: the officiant says 'Speak now or forever hold your peace,' and a former lover rises to object to the wedding. But do objections at weddings really happen? And if they do, how should you handle them? This article covers everything you need to know about wedding objections, from what might occur if someone objects to your wedding to what steps you can take if you wish to object at a wedding. For answers to all your questions, read on!
Key Points to Remember
- If someone objects at your wedding, the officiant will pause the ceremony for you to discuss privately. Afterwards, you can continue with the ceremony.
- Wedding objections pertain to legal matters only, not personal feelings. A wedding cannot be halted without a valid legal basis.
- If your wedding is not religious, there's no need to include an objection clause in your ceremony.
- If you wish to object at someone else's wedding, address the matter privately with them before the ceremony.
Actionable Steps
What if someone objects during my wedding?
If there's an objection at your wedding, the officiant will pause the ceremony. The officiant will take a moment to assess the situation and decide whether to continue with the ceremony or address the objection first. In some cases, if the objection is minor and doesn't affect the legality of the marriage, the officiant may choose to proceed without interruption.
- You can also have a private discussion with the person who objects before resuming the ceremony.
Discuss privately with the objector before resuming the ceremony. It's important to address the concerns of the person who objects. Find a private space where you, your partner, and the objector can talk openly. If the objection is unfounded or cannot be resolved, you may need to ask the objector to leave.
- Although objections are rare, they can add stress to your wedding day. Remember to stay calm and focus on the joyous occasion.
Origins of Wedding Objections
Wedding objections date back to medieval times, around the 12th century. They were used to address potential legal issues such as existing marriages or vows of celibacy. Due to limited documentation, some marriages could be invalidated if objections were raised and proven valid.
Wedding objections focus on legal matters, not emotional ones. While TV dramas often depict dramatic objections driven by past romantic relationships, in reality, only objections based on legal impediments can halt a wedding. Emotional objections, no matter how passionate, do not affect the marriage ceremony unless they have legal implications.
Is It Necessary to Solicit Objections During Your Wedding Ceremony?
No, there's no obligation to include an objection segment in your wedding ceremony. Particularly in religious ceremonies like those in the Anglican or Episcopal traditions, officiants might automatically incorporate this tradition. However, you can request to omit it or modify it to focus on welcoming guests warmly without inviting objections.
- If your ceremony is secular or non-religious, omitting the objection segment entirely is perfectly acceptable.
Can You Prevent Someone from Objecting at Your Wedding?
You might dissuade potential objectors by addressing their concerns beforehand. If you're aware of someone who may object at your wedding, have a private conversation with them beforehand. Discuss their reservations and kindly request that they refrain from objecting publicly during your ceremony.
- You could say, 'While I understand your concerns, we're committed to this marriage. If you have objections, please discuss them with us privately rather than disrupting the ceremony.'
If I wish to object at a wedding, what should I do?
If you want to object, have a private conversation with the couple. Raising objections during the ceremony can create unnecessary drama and likely won't halt the wedding. Instead, approach the couple privately to express your concerns. They're more likely to listen and engage with you respectfully in a private setting.
- Keep in mind that only legal issues can stop a wedding. Most legal matters are addressed before obtaining a marriage license, making it highly unlikely for a spontaneous objection to be valid.
Is it possible to object post-wedding?
Objecting after the wedding is usually limited to extreme situations. Once a couple is married, it's challenging to annul or dissolve the marriage. However, if you have significant legal or ethical concerns about the marriage, you can contact authorities or the issuing courthouse of the marriage license.
