i know it's been asked before, but...

jennybean2010

what are the rec's for non denom officiants? we thought we would use a friend of mine (who is a priest), but after reading through the ceremony, we aren't so sure, so now we're back at square one and we're under 5 months to go. it's the part of the wedding we keep avoiding bc it causes so many fights!

KimWard

I'm sorry this is so difficult for you. :-(  I would totally recommend my pastor if he hadn't retired and moved away (my home church in Pgh is non-denominational). I always get confused though...are non-denominational officiants still religious, or is that a term for a more secular officiant? I'm just curious.

cobrien1976

If I recall correctly I think Queen P used a non-denom officient.  You may want to ask her.

McBridetobe

A Simple Vow is often recommended on the board. 

jennybean2010

you know kim, i don't really even know. it comes down to this-FI is catholic, i am not. i don't want a full blown catholic mass, and since we're not getting married in a church, for him to find a catholic priest that would agree to do the ceremony is difficult as is. we were going to do a duel ceremony, his priest, my priest, but...he just doesn't really want a catholic priest there on his behalf. so that left us with my priest, a female episcopalian priest. we figured that really as long as it isn't a catholic ceremony, it's fairly uniform and overall christian based in its wording. but when we read the ceremony, we both felt it was a bit more "churchy" than either of us really wanted. he is flexible, and i am also, so we could move forward with my priest, but...i'm just not sure it's what either of us is really really looking for. so, i thought maybe we should meet with some officiants to see what they have to say, and see what their ceremonies are like. then maybe we can decide. but we seriously need to move on this, and FI moves slower than a snail when it comes to wedding stuff! gr. i think all we really want is a christian based ceremony, a reading or two (of our choice), and those readings to be done by guests from where they are sitting...no podiums...it's just not what we are envisioning. i thought my priest would be flexible, but turns out...not so much.i think queen p usually rec's weddings by wayne? am i right? or did i totally make that up?? haha. i'll track her down.

dreamalotmp

My non denom. Rev. is great! His name is Rev. Wayne Seamans. His website is: [URL]http://www.weddingsbywayne.com/[/URL] He and his wife are great to work with, but book up fast so I'd get in touch with them soon if you are considering it.

jennybean2010

thanks queen p! aw, you're on his website! so cuuute!

jennybean2010

boo-doing a rehearsal, but not booking due to baby bout to be born! argh. what's the website for a simple vow?

SteelrsGrl92

Jenny-I am using Rev O'Leary cause the chuch we're getting married @ is a 'landmark' so here is his info. He is really nice...http://www.reverendpatrick.com/

dreamalotmp

Aw, thanks! I'm sorry. Yeah, his wife is due to have their baby at that time. A Simple Vow is a great choice, also.

jennybean2010

thanks for the tip, cari! i'll check him out! i looked at a simple vow too-they seem like a good fit also. that guy has my kind of humor..hehe

SteelrsGrl92

yw! I actually met him @ the bridal show in Feb or March at the convention center and just by talking to him he made me feel comfortable. :)GL

elishanb

this was a good question. I'm glad you posted it. my FI and I (he being catholic me not) are in a similer boat although we have a lot more time. Itook a lot of notes here. Keep us updated on how it works out Jennybean

reannalynne

i havent had my wedding yet, but I am using Rev. Mark (a simple vow) www.asimplevow.com and he and his wife are great. They are SO nice and easy going from what I've experienced so far.

angiek7

You may not worry about this, but your fiancee might be concerned that a non-denominational minister marrying you will not be recognized by the catholic church. My fiancee and I are from different religious backgrounds-catholic and jewish. We came to an impasse with the ceremony when we first got engaged because his family would not be involved in our wedding if we were married in my church. We will be married at the reception site by a judge. I went to my priest for counseling about this. There are 3 choices for the marriage to count in the catholic church. In the case of catholic-jewish couples, it has to be a priest, rabbi or a civil officiant. Finding a judge to do the ceremony was not easy, by the way.

jennybean2010

Thanks....but we're good. It was what we wanted in the first place..it only changed in an attempt to make his mom happy but it only created more problems. I consulted with my FBIL who spent time in the catholic seminary who informed me that despite what ppl think all that god requires is for the vows to be said out loud. Everything else is to make the marriage legal for paperwork and bc the catholic church created their own traditions. Also, FI is a lawyer and keeos trying to talk me in to hiring a judge since he knows them all so well. I just have a hard time agreeing to having R Stanton Wettick marry us. But thanks...you made a good attempt at being a debbie downer and i dont even know who you are.