Civil Ceremony vs Formal Wedding?

Question

If I go through with the civil ceremony, come time for a formal wedding do we still have to have an officiant and do the exchange of the rings? Help?!

Answer 1

It's entirely up to you.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Answer 2

The short answer is no.  Here's why, if you have already been legally married then you don't need someone who is legally qualified to 'perform the wedding ceremony' during the second ceremony.  You can have anyone with special importance to you and your spouse do it.  The role of an officiant is to make the ceremony legal in short, but if you're already married they aren't required.

Answer 3

Of course. Without an officiant and ring exchange, it won't be a wedding. It will be just posing for pics in a wedding gown.

Answer 4

You can do whatever you want, you're already married. If you want to get a church blessing on the marriage (sorry, don't know the details), then the officiant may have requirements, however if you just want to do a big formal celebration you can skip having a wedding-like portion altogether if you want, and just have a reception.