Marriage vs. Wedding: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Marriage is a long-term, committed relationship between partners, whereas a wedding is the event or ceremony celebrating the beginning of a marriage.
Key Differences
Marriage represents a social, religious, or legal union between individuals, forming a partnership that typically lasts for a lifetime. Wedding, on the other hand, refers to the specific occasion or ceremony where two individuals get married. It is a celebratory event, often marked by rituals and festivities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Marriage is an institution that embodies the emotional, legal, and often religious commitment between partners. It signifies a vow of companionship and support throughout life's journey. Wedding is the ceremonial gateway to this institution, a singular event that marks the formal commencement of the marriage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Marriage encompasses the day-to-day life, challenges, and shared experiences of a couple, often involving legal rights and responsibilities. It is the ongoing state of being united to a partner. Wedding, in contrast, is a specific, often meticulously planned event, symbolizing the start of this journey.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Marriage is recognized and governed by laws and customs, granting various rights and obligations to the married couple. It is a status that remains until legally altered. Wedding is a social ceremony, varying culturally and religiously, and marks the entry into this legal and social status.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Marriage signifies the personal and legal bond between individuals, often leading to the formation of a family. It's a journey with shared goals and mutual support. Wedding is a joyous celebration, a public declaration of the beginning of this bond, varying greatly in its execution and symbolism.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A legally or socially recognized union between partners.
The ceremony or event celebrating a marriage.
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Legal Status
Grants legal status and rights to the couple.
Does not confer legal status; it's a celebration.
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Dec 14, 2023
Focus
Involves the relationship and partnership.
Centers on the ceremony and festivities.
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Dec 14, 2023
Cultural Variations
Similar legal and emotional significance across cultures.
Highly variable in customs and traditions.
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Dec 14, 2023
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Marriage and Wedding Definitions
Marriage
A legally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship.
Their marriage was celebrated with close friends and family.
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Dec 09, 2023
Wedding
The act or an instance of marrying; marriage ceremony.
The wedding was officiated by a local priest.
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Dec 09, 2023
Marriage
The state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law.
The legality of their marriage was affirmed by the court.
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Dec 09, 2023
Wedding
A social event marking the celebration of a marriage.
They invited 200 guests to their wedding.
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Dec 09, 2023
Marriage
The institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage.
Marriage counseling helped them overcome their differences.
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Dec 09, 2023
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Wedding
A wedding anniversary or its celebration.
They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a grand party.
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Dec 09, 2023
Marriage
A combination or mixture of elements.
The marriage of traditional and modern designs resulted in a stunning building.
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Dec 09, 2023
Wedding
A ceremony where two people are united in marriage.
Their wedding took place on a beautiful beach at sunset.
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Dec 09, 2023
Marriage
A legal union between two persons that confers certain privileges and entails certain obligations of each person to the other, formerly restricted in the United States to a union between a woman and a man.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
A union between persons that is recognized by custom or religious tradition as a marriage.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
The state or relationship of two adults who are married
Their marriage has been a happy one.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
A close union
"the most successful marriage of beauty and blood in mainstream comics" (Lloyd Rose).
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Dec 08, 2023
Wedding
Marriage ceremony; ritual officially celebrating the beginning of a marriage.
Her announcement was quite a surprise, coming a month after she published the words "I hate weddings with a passion and a fury I can only partially explain rationally."
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
(Games) The combination of the king and queen of the same suit, as in pinochle.
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Dec 08, 2023
Wedding
Joining of two or more parts.
The wedding of our three companies took place last week.
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Dec 08, 2023
Wedding
Nuptial ceremony; nuptial festivities; marriage; nuptials.
Simple and brief was the wedding, as that of Ruth and of Boaz.
Let her beauty be her wedding dower.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
A union of two or more people that creates a family tie and carries legal, social, and/or religious rights and responsibilities.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
The union of only two people, to the exclusion of all others.
My grandparents' marriage lasted for forty years.
Pat and Leslie's marriage to each other lasted forty years.
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Dec 08, 2023
Wedding
The act of marrying; the nuptial ceremony;
Their marriage was conducted in the chapel
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
The union of two people of opposite sex, to the exclusion of all others.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
A wedding; a ceremony in which people wed.
You are cordially invited to the marriage of James Smith and Jane Doe.
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Dec 08, 2023
Wedding
A joining together or merging.
The wedding of different styles created a unique fashion statement.
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Dec 09, 2023
Marriage
(card games) A king and a queen, when held as a hand in some versions of poker or melded in pinochle.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
(card games) In solitaire or patience games, the placing a card of the same suit on the next one above or below it in value.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
The act of marrying, or the state of being married; legal union of a man and a woman for life, as husband and wife; wedlock; matrimony.
Marriage is honorable in all.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
A feast made on the occasion of a marriage.
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king which made a marriage for his son.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
In pinochle, bézique, and similar games at cards, the combination of a king and queen of the same suit. If of the trump suit, it is called a royal marriage.
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
The state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce);
A long and happy marriage
God bless this union
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
Two people who are married to each other;
His second marriage was happier than the first
A married couple without love
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
The act of marrying; the nuptial ceremony;
Their marriage was conducted in the chapel
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
A close and intimate union;
The marriage of music and dance
A marriage of ideas
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Dec 08, 2023
Marriage
An intimate or close union.
The marriage of different cultures in the city has brought about a unique harmony.
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Dec 09, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is marriage?
Marriage is a legally or socially recognized union between partners, forming a partnership.
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Dec 14, 2023
What is a prenuptial agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract made before marriage, outlining the division of assets and responsibilities in the event of divorce or death.
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Dec 14, 2023
What is a destination wedding?
A destination wedding is when the ceremony takes place in a location away from the couple's hometown or residence.
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Dec 14, 2023
What is a wedding?
A wedding is a ceremony or event celebrating the beginning of a marriage.
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Dec 14, 2023
Are weddings legally binding?
The wedding itself is not legally binding; it's the act of registering the marriage that is.
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Dec 14, 2023
What are the legal benefits of marriage?
Marriage offers legal benefits like tax advantages, inheritance rights, and shared property rights.
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Dec 14, 2023
How long does a marriage last?
Marriage is typically intended to be a lifelong commitment.
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Dec 14, 2023
How long is a wedding?
A wedding is usually a one-day event, although the celebrations can extend longer.
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Dec 14, 2023
Can a marriage be annulled?
Yes, under certain circumstances, a marriage can be annulled, effectively nullifying it as if it never existed.
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Dec 14, 2023
What's a common-law marriage?
A common-law marriage is a legally recognized marriage that has not gone through a formal ceremony but is recognized due to cohabitation and other criteria in some jurisdictions.
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Dec 14, 2023
Can people marry more than one person simultaneously?
In some cultures and regions, polygamy is allowed, but it's generally illegal in many countries.
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Dec 14, 2023
What is the significance of wedding rings?
Wedding rings symbolize the eternal commitment and love between spouses.
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Dec 14, 2023
What is a civil wedding ceremony?
A civil wedding ceremony is a non-religious, legal marriage ceremony conducted by a government official or authorized celebrant.
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Dec 14, 2023
What is a marriage ceremony like?
Marriage ceremonies vary widely across cultures and religions but generally involve vows, exchange of rings, and a legal declaration.
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Dec 14, 2023
What is the role of bridesmaids and groomsmen?
Bridesmaids and groomsmen are members of the wedding party who support the bride and groom during the ceremony and festivities.
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Dec 14, 2023
Can weddings be themed?
Yes, weddings can have various themes, such as vintage, rustic, beach, or cultural themes, reflecting the couple's preferences.
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Dec 14, 2023
What is a wedding planner?
A wedding planner is a professional who helps couples plan and organize their wedding, from logistics to design.
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Dec 14, 2023
What are common wedding traditions?
Common traditions include throwing rice or confetti, cutting the wedding cake, and the first dance.
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Dec 14, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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