Why do people have you conduct their ceremony?
Those couples who are not members of religious congregation may have difficulty finding someone to conduct their ceremony, especially if they don't want a civil ceremony. Couples from different religious or cultural backgrounds may want to incorporate elements of both traditions into their ceremony, but may not be able to find a minister, priest, rabbi, etc. to accomodate their desires. Some couples just want to be creative in their ceremony format, content, or location.
How are you authorized to perform marriages?
Washington state law (RCW 26.04.050) allows any ordained minister of any religious denomination to perform marriage ceremonies. I am a graduate of the University Seminary of the International Associated Ministries and have been ordained as a minister since 1995. I am also a Certified Wedding Minister through the National Association of Wedding Ministers. I have been conducting marriage ceremones in Washington since 1998.
Does the ceremony need to be religious?
Because I am a minister, the marriage certificate will show the ceremony as being "Religious" (as opposed to "Civil"). However, the specific amount and type of religious or spiritual content of the ceremony is up to the couple. I am an "interspiritual" minister, which means that I honor and respect every person's individual spiritual beliefs.
What is required for a legal marriage ceremony?
In Washington state the only requirement for a ceremony is that the couple each declare, in the presence of two witnesses and the official conducting the marriage, that they take each other to be husband and wife. Everything else is optional.
Where can the ceremony be performed?
The marriage must be performed within the state where the marriage license is issued (Washington). The specific location is up to the couple.
Can persons of the same gender be married?
There is no legal prohibition regarding a marriage ceremony between persons of the same gender, however same sex marriages are not recognized in Washington state and do not have the legal standing of a marriage. I welcome same gender couples who want a ceremony to celebrate their life-long commitment to one another.
