Chit Chat

Advice on unregistered wedding officiant

We were married (or so we believed) in NYC in June 2010. Unfortunately, in recent days it emerged that there was a problem with our celebrant's registration with the city clerk. 

 

As far as we know this is still not yet resolved. We cannot get any response from the celebrant or the company he acted on behalf of, but we would assume that, as our clebrant was not registered our marriage is not valid.

 

One of the worst parts is that we hired a yacht for the ceremony and travelled from Ireland to NYC with a number of guests from various parts of Europe- as you can imagine this is incredibly embarassing and really distressing. It also means that I can't simply turn up at their offices so they can ignore us.

 

I am having great trouble finding out what our rights are and what the celebrant's responsibilities are so I was wondering would any one be able to give me some advice on what I can do or who I can contact about this. 

 

Any guidance from fellow members would be really appreciated as really don't know where to turn.

Re: Advice on unregistered wedding officiant

  • edited August 2010
    Yeahhh, NYC is really strict on their officiant laws. Have you called the city office? And you've contacted the officiant?

    I know your officiant NEEDS to be certified in NYC in order for it to be valid.

    If I were you, I would call the officiant and demand any money back, and go to city hall to "make it official." You've already pledged your love ceremonially/religiously, just go to city hall to make it legal.


    ETA:
    Embarrassing...I didn't read your whole post...that'll teach me.

    I'm pretty sure that what the officiant did was ILlegal. And I'm really sorry; I bet this ruins any image of the perfect wedding. I would NOT tell your guests, if it's at all possible. Demand money back, and try and take legal action.

    Does Ireland have a "city hall" like the states do?

    Ps-I love your name :)
    <img src="data:image/jpg;base64,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
  • Check with the city clerk. I'm sure they can give you the answers you need.
  • You already made your vows, and I'm sure the ceremony was beautiful.  Call the city hall/clerk and go down to make it official.  You can have a judge or justice of the peace marry you to get the legality part taken care of.  So sorry you are having to go through this.

    PP is right:  I wouldn't tell any of your guests if at all possible.
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers BabyFruit Ticker
  • Thanks for the good advice.

    Is there any professional or regulatory body that I can report them to so that they are shut down and can't do this to anyone else? 

    I know ho upset I am and I would hate to think that any other bride would have to go through that if I could help it.
  • I think you can report them to the city clerk so that they are shut down.
    <img src="data:image/jpg;base64,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
  • Got to city hall and make it official first.  Then report/track the sucker down.  You still had a perfect wedding day so don't let this ruin it.
     
      Image and video hosting by TinyPic Lilypie First Birthday tickers
  • You need to talk to the clerk where you received the marriage license so you can validate/ solemnize your marriage.

    You should have some legal recourse. Maybe criminal and definitely civil against the officiant. He committed fraud.

    Planning Bio
    Married 9/15/11

    image
    *This is Not Legal Advice*
  • Check out the BBB, Better Business Bureau, you can report them there. You can also take them to small claims court to get your money back if they refuse.
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards