Officiant

Krikin22

Is anyone else having a friend or family member officiate? FIs family thinks we are crazy for wanting to have his brother do it and say they have never heard of such a thing. We aren't religious and didn't want to hire someone we didn't know to do it so we thought this was a good alternative. 

augurey

I don't think it's a bad idea if it's what you and your FI want and his brother agrees to do it.

FI and I are having his friend officiate. Neither of us are very religious - his friend runs the spiritual group that he attends every other week; and she's been a very good friend to him (and to me since I've come around). She'll also very supportive and encouraging.

There are many reasons behind us using her. But it nices because we aren't very religious and since we are having her officiate, we don't have to follow anything for a ceremony - the entire flow of the ceremony is up to us.

I think it's a great alternative if that is what you and your FI want I, personally, think it would be pretty cool.

ameliah19

I am having one of FI's family friends officiate. I grew up catholic and FI grew up presbitarian but neither of us is really relgious. I actually find it more intimate when a friend or family member officiates but to each their own

aprahamian2

I think it would be okay as long as he is comfortable doing it.

FLGatorGal88

I wish we knew someone who was ordained to do that would make it even a little more personal than getting a complete stranger to do it. If they are comfortable with it I would say go for it.

ansanna

my cousin is officiating our wedding. he has a wonderful personality so I think it will be entertaining and more personal. however check with your local laws. I live in pennsylvania and it is illegal to use an officiant who was ordained through an online church. I found this out when I posted on my local board to make sure that it was legal that my cousin, being related to me, was allowed to officiate. I figured relation wouldn't be a problem but just thought I'd check. well it turns out that's okay, but because he was ordained online, our marriage would be void if he officiated. lucky for me pennsylvania allows a self uniting license also known as a quaker marriage. we will apply for a self uniting license and let my cousin "lead" the ceremony. this is the only way around the law. we are religious but not extremely, so our ceremony will be semi religious.

Krikin22

Thank you everyone for the input. I did find that it is legal in California and have a friend who did the same thing. I was just surprised FI's family had never heard of it. FI really wants to do it this way and it his brother is comfortable with it also. I just didn't know everyone else would find it so odd. I really want everyone to have a good time so I guess it just hits me hard when other people don't like aspects of the wedding we have decided on. But I guess everyone goes through that.