The
Meaning of MarriageMarriage is a divine and mystical union of two people who come together with love to form a whole which is greater than the separate individuals. It is also a practical social contract in which these two people promise to support and care for each other, and be faithful to each other, for the rest of their lives, and their community promises to support them in their vows. A marriage creates a new family.
Sacred
or Secular: The Choice Is YoursAs an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church since 2003, I am authorized to solemnize any wedding in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. My church promotes freedom of religion, including freedom from religion if that is your preference, and the wedding ceremony can be either a religious service or a civil service such as a Justice of the Peace would perform. I am honored to participate in forming these spiritual ties and strengthening the social fabric, and I enjoy performing both sacred and secular ceremonies.
The
Right Vows For YouI will provide several variations of traditional wedding vows for you to choose from, with or without including God or a higher power. You may also alter the vows if you wish, as long as the basic promises are included and the ceremony remains loving, dignified and respectful. You can incorporate rituals from many traditions. However, if you desire the official rites of specific organized religion, such as a Christian or Jewish ceremony, you may wish to choose clergy of that religion to officiate at your marriage.
Planning
Your CeremonyAt our first meeting, we will discuss the general outline of your ceremony. Do you have a date, time and location in mind? How formal will your wedding be? How many attendants and guests do you expect? Will you have music, readings, a unity candle or other symbolic ritual? Are there children or other family members you would like to include? I will give you list of questions to answer regarding the ceremony, and a selection of traditional wedding vows and readings to choose from, which you can take home for discussion. You can circle what you like, cross out what you don’t like, include additional suggestions or readings, and mail them back to me in the provided envelope. I will combine your choices into a complete service and e-mail it back to you for your final approval.
The
RehearsalOur next meeting will be usually be at the rehearsal, usually the evening before the wedding. While it is helpful to have the rehearsal at the actual site of the wedding, all we really need are the members of the wedding party and enough space to practice the processional and recessional. You will also deliver your marriage license to me at this time. For very small or simple weddings, a rehearsal may not be necessary, or may take place just before the actual ceremony. In general, a rehearsal the evening before will make your ceremony run smoothly and help you to relax and enjoy your wedding day.
Your
Wedding DayThis is a day like no other. The passage from single to married is intense and powerful. The wedding party and the officiant should arrive at the site at least an hour before the ceremony. Leaving enough time will help you focus on the experience and avoid stress and distraction. The actual ceremony will usually last 15-30 minutes, depending on the music and readings. You will promise love and commitment to each other, in the words you have chosen. And then I will pronounce you husband and wife! Congratulations!
Before I leave, I will present you with a keepsake copy of your wedding vows. I thank you for the honor of officiating at your wedding, and I wish you great joy in your lives together.
To schedule a consultation, please call me at 508-872-2047.
