by the power invested in me by... the online guys?

heather032010 · February 2010

My fiance and I have opted to have our mutual friend perform our ceremony. He was ordained online by Universal Life Church, and our state (Washington) requires no proof of ordination. When it comes to the part where one would say "by the power invested in me by ___ I now pronounce you husband and wife" what would our officiant say? Washington state doesn't seem to care if he is or is not legally ordained, and saying "Universal Life Church" may pour salt on my in-laws wounds because we're not having an "actual" minister of a church marry us. Can he just simply pronounce us without stating through who? Or do you have to state your power in order for it to be a legal ceremony?

jennyann28 · February 2010

I'm pretty sure it's "the power VESTED in me..." As to your question, I don't know, but I will be interested to see the responses, as we're considering ordaining a family member as well.

melissa82 · February 2010

lol I thought it was vested too...

Can't you just say "by the state of Washington" since ultimately that's who needs to recognize the officiant's "power"? (I don't know this for a fact, but this would be my guess...and I'm not sure it really matters what you say anyway, it's the paperwork that makes it legal.)

briandbry2010 · February 2010

I would scrap the "power invested"part because thats usually used by clergy because it means gad has given tham the power etc. I would have him/her say some thing like " it is with grat honor that I pronounce you ........." or something along those lines.

briandbry2010 · February 2010

Typeo on my part. I meant God no Gad

jennuinne · February 2010

Our officiant gave us several different ceremonies to choose from, and all but one ending didn't include "By the power..." I think he can just say, as pp mentioned, "It is my great honor to pronounce you husband & wife," or something to that effect. "You may kiss your bride."

KST_ · February 2010

Yes, the officiant doesn't need to say "By the power" which is more religious in connotation. Technically, vested (which it is, not invested), means guaranteed by the power/legal right so they could use that and say "from the State of Washington." However, you might just prefer in this case to go with PP suggestion and say, "My great honor" etc.