QuestionI'm not sure if this is an appropriate question for someone of your expertise, but I'm trying you, as you mentioned a knowledge in diverse religious and cultural weddings.
My boyfriend and I are getting engaged soon. In preparation, we agreed there are a few things we need to be on the same page with before we seal the deal. One of the more important items we need to settle on is that of who will officiate our ceremony. My significant other is a very active Roman Catholic, and I grew up with the thought that religion and going to church isn't as important as spirituality and personal closeness with God. He attends Catholic services when he can, and I attend a Unitarian Universalist service periodically. The one thing we agree on whole-heartedly is that the mention of God must be present in our ceremony. I suggested using a Unitarian minister,(my parents, also being of mixed faith used a Unitarian minister) but, he would prefer not to, as he feels the mention of god would be "made to order" because he's been to my church and seen that God is just about never mentioned in the services, due to the diversity of the congregation. I am looking for suggestions. My boyfriend has mentioned he is willing to use anyone from a Rabbi, to the mayor, to a close friend or relative, or anyone else, just not a Catholic priest or Unitarian minister. I am with him on this. But we feel overwhelmed with the whole process of selecting someone.
Who can officiate a wedding ceremony? How does a couple find someone from a different church in which they are not parishioners, if that's what we decide to do? If we decide on a personal loved one officiating, what would they have to do for it to be recognized?
Thank you for your time.
Answer
1CCU
Your question is absolutely appropriate and becoming one of the more popular questions in our current day due to the increase in mixed-cultural unions.
I suggest that you chose a close family or friend member to officiate over your special ceremony. This adds a special and unique touch to your wedding and can add such a personal eliminate that relates to you and your loved one. Another suggestion is to have both you and your significant other to write your own vows of commitment to one another, this way you can express your love with a greater level of comfort.
You are not required by US Federal Law to undergo any religious or ceremonial training on order conduct a wedding ceremony. In addition there is not a requirement to complete any testing or exams to receive a ministerial credential or certification as a wedding officiant. A certification as a wedding officiant is granted under the bylaws of First Nation Church and in compliance with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution as well as the Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act of 1993, which guarantees absolute freedom of Religion.
To become legally ordained is quite easy, convenient and affordable. An individual can become ordained on line and receive the Certificate in the mail. In some cases a Statement of Good Standing or a Letter of Congregational Authorization may be required in addition to the basic credentials received with the Ordination Package when filing the completed marriage license, which can be supplied by the company or web site in which the individual originally processed the ordination application.
There are specific laws by state, here is a site that outlines some of the basic state law requirements:
http://openordination.org/state_faq.php
Here are some reference sits that will helped your friend or love one begin the process to becoming ordained and making what is already a special occasion a personal dream:
http://www.themonastery.org
http://www.ulc.net/
