Marriages in The Salvation Army
 Most nonconformist denominations, including The Salvation Army, were not registered to perform marriages until 1898 (and after that it was up to individual corps to have their halls licensed). Many corps halls were not licensed for marriages until the 1950s or 1960s, or later, so sometimes there would be two ceremonies: the official marriage ceremony at the Register Office and a Salvation Army marriage service at the Army hall. After 1898, the corps building could be used for marriages, with the ceremony conducted by a Salvation Army officer, but with a registrar or 'Authorised Person' present to fulfil the legal requirements.
Salvation Army weddings today. What is a Salvation Army wedding like?
Today, whether the marriage is between a Salvationist couple or people who would simply like to get married at The Salvation Army, Army weddings are warm, happy occasions. The bride and groom choose which hymns they would like to have sung, and which part of the Bible they would like read. Often they will arrange for a vocal solo and other music to be included in the service. They can request any officer to conduct the ceremony and can ask for people of their choice to pray, read from the Bible or speak in the service. The officer conducting the ceremony will also briefly speak about what a Christian marriage is. However, when two Salvationists marry, in addition to making marriage vows similar to those of a church ceremony, they also promise to support each other spiritually and in their work for the Army. Some Salvationist couples choose to marry in Army uniform; some prefer a traditional white wedding while others opt for the groom wearing his Army uniform with the bride wearing a traditional wedding dress. As in other weddings, there can be bridesmaids and a best man. A reception is usually held after the wedding, including the traditional cake-cutting and speeches. But Salvationist couples will say grace before the meal and, of course, The Salvation Army being a teetotal movement, no alcohol will be served.
Is a Salvationist only allowed to marry another Salvationist? Salvationists may marry whoever they like - within the laws of the land, of course! Many Salvationists do marry other Salvationists, one obvious reason being that they meet during the course of Army worship and activities. They feel that to have the same spiritual aims and outlook in life with their partner helps to strengthen their faith and their marriage. Some Salvationists choose partners who are not Christians and while this may present problems in some marriages, such difficulties are not insurmountable. The important thing is that the couple are comfortable and at peace within the situation. There are also times when a Salvationist marries a person of another denomination and decides to join their partner in that church.
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