Non-Religious Officiants

If you and your partner do not wish to go the religious route with your wedding, but would instead prefer a secular officiant, you have many options open to you. You may, perhaps, choose to have your ceremony performed by a Justice of the Peace, a judge, or a mayor….all of whom are licensed to perform valid marriage ceremonies.

All it takes to find a suitable officiant is a quick call to your local county courthouse to inquire about your state’s rules and requirements. In most cases, a judge of the municipal, state, or supreme level will be available within a few weeks to perform a “quickie” ceremony for a small price. These judges do perform these rites on a regular basis as part of their docket, and while you may not get the option of a lot of personalization in your ceremony, you will be married legally with a minimum of fuss in a short time. Usually, these ceremonies are held within judges’ chambers or in a courthouse, and you may have anyone you like present to observe. Most judges will meet with you privately shortly before the ceremony to discuss your wishes for wording, but the rites are pretty much standard.

Many brides and grooms do not like the courthouse setting, as reminiscent as it may be of the setting of their divorce or other legal wranglings. Instead, they may choose to have a non-religious officiant perform their ceremony at a location other than the courthouse. Indeed, many judges and mayors are willing to come to your location to act as officiant, but it takes a bit of effort and timing to work your event into their schedule. So be flexible and search well for the correct officiant who can come to your site.

As for finding a mayor, simply call your own local town hall and ask the mayor’s assistant for a printed list of the requirements, waiting periods, fees, and availability. Mayors, in my opinion, do fine jobs of performing ceremonies. As politicians, they are great speakers and usually look forward to performing wedding ceremonies as a “fun” part of their job. Some put their all into it, and most brides say that their delivery is far preferable to that of a judge who is going by rote.

A third option is licensed marriage officiants that you’ll find listed in your phone book’s Yellow Pages. Some brides and grooms do brave this list from time to time, although I have heard stories of hired officiants who were not actually licensed. You may find the perfect New Age-oriented officiant here, but check references fully and be sure they are licensed and professional enough to incorporate your wishes into the ceremony.

Couples who marry on boats or yachts may have their ceremonies performed and validated by the ship’s captain. Be sure, though, to follow through on research with your county courthouse to verify the potential legality of your marriage in your state of record.