FIND A WEDDING OFFICIANT
Finding the right person to marry you is an
important decision – after all, they will have a huge influence on the tone
of the ceremony. You'll want to make sure that you find someone who is
willing to perform the kind of ceremony you are envisioning, or who has a
style and belief system similar to your own. And of course, if you want to
make it legal, you'll need to make sure that they are legally able to marry
you in your state (check at your county clerk's office).
The first most basic thing you and your intended bride or groom must do is
decide if you want a religious or secular ceremony. This highly personal
decision will have great impact for who will marry you...
Justice of the
Peace: Contact the county clerk's office where you will obtain
your marriage license. They should have a list of local individuals who are willing to perform wedding ceremonies in addition to what we
have provided on this web page. You can, of course, look in the phone book
or in the internet yellow pages, but it's better to get a referral from someone who knows for sure that they are legally
certified. Start by calling the ones close to you to get a sense of their
personality, then ask if you can meet with them to get a better sense of the
kinds of weddings that they perform.
Friend or
Relative: This is fast becoming a popular option, as couples look
for a more personal element in their ceremony. In some states, a friend can get a one day designation of Deputy Commissioner of
Marriages to perform weddings for a $35 cost. Others have chosen to get
ordained on the internet through
the
Universal Life Church, but before you choose this option, you'll want to
talk to your county clerk's office or Secretary of State's office to make
sure that it is recognized in your state. Furthermore, make sure that the
person you are choosing understands the seriousness of the task you are
giving them. You won't want a drunk friend making inappropriate jokes at one
of the most important moments of your life.
