If you've ever dreamed of saying the words "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife (or husband and husband, or wife and wife)!" or wanted to have your wedding ceremony performed by someone who is not a complete stranger, then consider getting ordained over the Internet. It takes about five minutes, is generally free, and in return you can legally perform wedding ceremonies and be called Minister.
A well-known and popular way to be ordained online is through the Universal Life Church. Nondenominational and nondogmatic, they charge no fee for online ordination, just submit your application and they get back to you within 24 hours. They also have a list of state-by-state legal considerations to check out.
Once you're ordained, don't go crazy with the baptisms, OK?
on Yahoo! |
My husband and I asked my Uncle, a retired Catholic Deacon, to perform our wedding ceremony. We registered with the county we live in, and he was set up for the day.
My brother-in-law and his new wife did the same, but with each of their fathers performing a joint ceremony (which was beautiful and very sentimental).
If the county in which you live won't register an officiant-for-the-day, then the Universal Life folks are a good alternative. A friend of mine just got ordained through them so that as soon as it's legal (soon, yay!) she can perform the marriage of her sister to her long-time partner.
I think it's a beautiful way to include a special person in your life in your wedding in a very direct and active way. I wouldn't do it differently at all if I had it to do over.