I have now experienced my first German wedding. From the bride's hen night at a roller skate disco (suffice to say I watched from the bar) to the exchanging of vows.
The strange thing was that the civil ceremony was held on the day before the celebration and then the couple exchanged vows in front of family and friends. As far as I can tell you go and get married, and then you really get married. Anyway it was a lovely day and much wine was drunk, so it is bound to be a happy marriage.
The couple are honeymooning now in Canada. I am so jealous.