civil marriage

American  

noun

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

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civil marriage British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of civil marriage

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Albert, 62, and Paul, 71, had previously been in a civil marriage and while they had split up, they remained close and continued to live together.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2025

A civil marriage ceremony can be performed for an extra $28, according to the clerk-recorder’s office.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2024

Although today most Americans are likely to encounter a justice of the peace in the context of civil marriage ceremonies, this office was once the most important agent of law enforcement.

From Slate • Dec. 5, 2023

Uner the proposals, same-sex couples could have a service in which there would be "prayers of dedication, thanksgiving or for God's blessing on the couple" in church after a civil marriage.

From Reuters • Jan. 18, 2023

Isn't the legitimate civil marriage merely a contract so long as the parties are suited, and doesn't Schiller say, 'beauty is freedom in necessity?'

From The Children of the World by Heyse, Paul