Officiant vs. Magistrate

TKzilla

Hey y'all

So I've left my fiancé in charge of finding the officiant but he's recently brought something to my attention - NC also has "magistrates" who can perform the ceremony. Can anyone tell me the difference between a magistrate and an officiant? Can I also get some recommendations from some of y'all OBX Brides? We're looking for a nonreligious ceremony with the freedom to write our own vows - we also want someone with a good sense of humor!

Phillyboy06

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina-outer-banks_officiant-vs-magistrate?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:598Discussion:453e8a1c-f826-4504-b0b4-2038a4c2b0b3Post:d4d55ad5-ca20-455e-bfe7-a9fcda951b78">Officiant vs. Magistrate</a>:
[QUOTE]Hey y'all So I've left my fiancé in charge of finding the officiant but he's recently brought something to my attention - NC also has "magistrates" who can perform the ceremony. Can anyone tell me the difference between a magistrate and an officiant? Can I also get some recommendations from some of y'all OBX Brides? We're looking for a nonreligious ceremony with the freedom to write our own vows - we also want someone with a good sense of humor!
Posted by CourtaniaLynn[/QUOTE]

A LOT of us have used or are using Rev. Jay Bowman.  He can fit your above criteria(non religious ceremony, writing own vows, and sense of humor).  He's SUPER popular, so if your interested, I would reach out to him ASAP, as he books up quickly, often a year in advance.  On his website, he actually has an "availability tab" where you can send him a msg to see if he's available on your day.

OBX2011

I'm pretty sure that the Magistrate is at the courthosue and only performs a quickie ceremony there whereas an Officiant will actually perform the ceremony with all the vows and whatnot and your location of choice.

Rev. Jay Bowman is very very popular and books far in advance.

You can get a complete listing of Officiants under the Vendors tab at the Outer Banks Wedding Assoc.  www.obxwa.com

ChristinaJoey2012

Magistrates are quick, dry, and to the point.  They are free but you have to do it at the court house.  Why don't y'all get a friend or relative ordained to perform your ceremony?  It's free and legal in NC.  That is what we are doing.

missm810

We are from Pennsylvania and have a family friend who is a Catholic priest. We are having a beach wedding in the OBX. If he agreed to perform our wedding ceremony, would this be allowed in NC? Even though he is a priest from PA?