The term "civil ceremony" refers to a non-religious, legal marriage ceremony performed by a government official. However, there are many alternative ways to describe this type of ceremony. Some popular synonyms include "civil wedding," "civil nuptials," and "civil union." Other possible phrases include "non-religious ceremony," "secular wedding," and "legal marriage ceremony." Some couples may prefer to refer to their civil ceremony as simply a "marriage ceremony," while others may want to emphasize the official aspect by using the term "registry office ceremony." Regardless of the words used, a civil ceremony is a wonderful option for couples who want a non-religious but meaningful wedding celebration.