civil marriage

noun

a marriage performed by a government official, as distinguished from a member of the clergy.

Also called civil union.

Origin

1890-95

Examples from the web for civil marriage

If you want to know where the push for civil marriage rights came from, you need look no further.
They may say they weren't validly married but they don't tell the state not to give these people civil marriage rights.
My point is that one would have to do so and it would be a redefinition of civil marriage.
The room, with its red-leather seats and leopard-skin rugs, is used for civil marriage ceremonies.
List of individuals who can perform a civil marriage ceremony.
Each circuit court appoints persons who are eligible to perform civil marriage ceremonies.
In addition, the court in each city and county has appointed persons who are eligible to perform civil marriage ceremonies.

British Dictionary definitions for civil marriage

noun

(law) a marriage performed by some official other than a clergyman