Civil ceremonies are usually small, although frequently a civil authority officiates at a large wedding in a public hall. In this case, follow the guidelines for a formal wedding, creating the stage by setting up rows of chairs on both sides of a central aisle.

When a civil ceremony takes place in a private home or judge's chambers, follow the guidelines for an informal wedding. If you go to a justice of the peace, dress in keeping with the dignity of the occasion, even though the ceremony might be short and rather impersonal.

Beyond that, the couple may be attended by a bridesmaid or bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, maid or matron of honor, someone to give the bride away, ushers, possibly child attendants (flower girls or ring bearers), friends, and relatives.