If someone objects at a wedding, what happens depends largely on the nature of the objection and the context. Generally, objections today are rare and usually cannot legally stop a wedding unless there is a valid legal reason—such as one party already being married, being underage, or the couple being too closely related. The officiant may temporarily halt the ceremony to hear the objection but often can continue the ceremony afterward, especially if the objection is not legally valid. The objecting person may be asked to leave or taken aside to explain their reasons privately. The couple is usually asked if they wish to proceed, and the ceremony often continues despite the objection to maintain the celebration. The moment can cause emotional discomfort, embarrassment, or awkwardness, but officiants and couples often handle it with calm, humor, or by ignoring the objection to focus on the wedding celebration.
Key points:
- Legal objections (e.g., existing marriage, age, relation) can stop a wedding.
- Most objections today are emotional or personal and do not have legal standing.
- The officiant can continue the ceremony despite objections.
- The objector might be removed or asked to provide reasons privately.
- The couple's decision on whether to proceed is respected.
- Objections may cause brief disruption but usually do not ruin the wedding.
This approach balances respect for legal requirements with the practical reality of wedding ceremonies today.