Civil wedding as engagement?

[Anonymous]

My partner and I got married a couple of days ago, we had a simple civil ceremony in which we were legally and officially pronounced husband and wife. But a lot of our family says we're only engaged. They refer to me as their son's fiancè rather than wife. It really hurts my feelings and leaves me confused. They believe that the religious ceremony is the actual wedding (but we didn't want to do that). Why do people refer to the legal marriage as merely an engagement?

[AviatorTom]

If you believe you are married, and you do, that's all that's important. Just ignore those who think you need a religious ceremony. A civil ceremony is also recognized by the government, so you can file your taxes Married Filing Jointly and take advantage of those tax reductions.

If it's really a problem with your family, maybe you could agree to a simple religious ceremony, just to keep peace in the family. But that is your choice, not theirs.

[BetaBucks]

It's usually the opposite. Most people don't consider it a marriage until the government says so. But that's because most people worship the government. Even theists.

[Nikki1989]

It is an official marriage, just like any other ceremony. Nobody needs religious BS to complicate things.

[Gwendoline]

I actually agree. I had to have my wedding sanctified in the house of the lord, joined by a priest.

[RebelinSteel]

A civil wedding, as in registrars office is a full on marriage. It’s the same book you sign.