Officiant F.A.Q.'s

What If I Don't Believe in God?

If you believe in the love you want to celebrate, and are ready to commit yourself to that love, then that is a sufficient theology to be married! I believe that marriage is a covenant between two people and their shared love, that both work to cultivate and care for. Others believe that that shared love is God - but whatever it is you believe, you ought to be able to live it and have its validity be affirmed. Working with an ordained officiant does not mean you will be coerced to believe something you don't.

What Do You Mean By Affirming?

Affirming means that my theology does not seek to change or coerce any one into conformity. In other words - I won't force you to say or do anything in the ceremony that you do not want to do! I believe that all people should be able to celebrate their love in exactly the way they want to. To this end, I tailor each and every script to your personal theology. Everyone thinks theologically - no matter how much or little we talk about "God". Theology makes meaning out of the experiences we have in life, and we do this whether we claim to be religious or not. If you aren't into God language and want to focus simply on your shared love, that is fantastic. If you want to get married in a church and focus God in the center of your service, I am more than capable to help facilitate this! Wherever you are in your beliefs - I will meet you there and work to affirm them and structure a ceremony around them.

Why Would I Choose an Ordained Officiant?

This is perhaps one of the most common questions in the officiant world! Could your friend get licensed online for $100 and do the work for free? Absolutely! But if you're reading this, you probably aren't considering that. With my ordination in the United Church of Christ comes a whole host of training and skills:

We Tell Stories Well: Our public speaking ability is at the center of our training as clergy. Throughout or careers, we engage in story-telling - which is an invaluable skill in giving a wedding a personal touch. Rather than a linear retelling of your history, we can draw on the meaningful moments and highlight how they've become the foundation of your lives together. We can listen to your story as you tell it and retell it in a way that touches the hearts of all gathered.

Pastoral Care Training: Our ability to be a caring presence comes into play as well - we can help you process and navigate the challenges of wedding planning and be a calm, non-anxious presence throughout the stress. A call to vent is free of charge with us!

Parents LOVE Tradition: Most parents/grandparents will be over the moon just to have someone with the title "Reverend" officiating your ceremony. While the theology is totally in your control, you get to avoid the hassle and stress of navigating conversations over why your licensed friend doesn't align with their views about faith - and your friend won't be put in the center of some awkward wedding moments.

No Legal "What-ifs": Ordained clergy that have standing in major denominations are universally recognized legally as persons who can perform marriages and sign licenses. You'll rest assured knowing that down the road, the validity of your marriage and license are above board!