Whats the difference between a marriage and a civil union?

Whats The actual difference? Also is a civil union only for gay couples or do heterosexuals have 'civil unions' as alternatives to marriage at all?Whats the difference between a marriage and a civil union?
No, many hetero couples have them too, because they oppose anything religiously affiliated with their union.





A civil union essentially gives a couple the same property rights as with marriage, but it not as accepted as an official marriage- that is, they are seen by law as partners, but not husbands and wives.Whats the difference between a marriage and a civil union?
In the states there is NO difference. If you marry at the courthouse or a church you are JUST as legally married.





In both cases you are pronounced Husband and Wife





that's the states.
I think speaking biblically marriage is in a church in front of Christ and involves a man and a woman





civil union would be either gay or straight but just from court. i dunno google it!
marriage- straight people


civil union- gay people