The wedding ceremony is the solemn and sacred part of the wedding, in which couples exchange vows and get married. This usually takes place in a church, chapel or other designated location. In contrast, a wedding reception is a celebratory gathering after the ceremony, in which guests and the newlyweds dine, dance, and socialize in a separate location, usually a banquet room or outdoor location. The ceremony is the solemn engagement ceremony, while the reception is the festival that takes place afterward.