I heard that the term “ceremonial” is just used by Archaeologists, when they have no idea what an object was used for.
As for weapons, “ceremonial” weapons are usually real weapons that are just “dolled up” a bit for parades, so yes, I would assume that “ceremonial” weapons were used in combat.
In my own experience? No maces or swords, but I did once witness a drunk woman outside a bar kick another drunk woman straight in the vagina whilst wearing a ceremonial Nike sneaker. (In an elaborate combat move subsequently named, with all due reverence for the combatants skill, the “cunt punt”.)