Wedding versus marriage

[Camay]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #160 "Expressions with death, marriage and divorce", question 5

We had a lovely ......... in a small country church. The ceremony was presided over by our parish priest.

(a) reception
(b) marriage
(c) wedding
(d) honeymoon

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #160 "Expressions with death, marriage and divorce", answer 5

We had a lovely wedding in a small country church. The ceremony was presided over by our parish priest.

Correct answer: (c) wedding
_________________________

why not marriage?

Camay

[Conchita]

The difference between 'marriage' and 'wedding' is that the first is the state of being legally joined as husband and wife, while the second is the marriage ceremony.

Although 'marriage' can also mean the official ceremony of being married, the term 'wedding' is normally used for the actual celebration.

[Sultano]

In brief, marriage refers to a contract ,document,.....etc ; wedding refers to a party.

[Yankee]

[PaulAnderson]

It is very interesting question? I think marriage refers to a contract ,document,.....etc ; wedding refers to a party.