civil marriage

noun

1. a marriage performed by a government official, as distinguished from a member of the clergy.

civil marriage

noun

1. law a marriage performed by some official other than a clergyman

Word History and Origins

Origin of civil marriage¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The journey toward legalizing same-sex civil marriage in Greece has been long and contentious, with governments in the past shying away from a confrontation with the Orthodox Church.

From Seattle Times

The new bill was introduced in the national assembly in February, days after the Church of England announced its decision to bless civil marriages of same-sex couples, outraging religious leaders in many African countries.

From Washington Times

In numerous cases — as when, in 2006, it ordered recognition of same-sex civil marriages conducted abroad — the court indeed served as a bulwark of individual rights.

From Washington Post

Bishops are meeting later to vote on whether to adopt blessing prayers for couples in same-sex civil marriages.

From BBC

Recently, the Church of England decided to allow blessings for same-sex civil marriages but said same-sex couples could not marry in its churches.

From Seattle Times