My finance and I will be getting married in Bellevue, Iowa. Because we live out of state and for a more personal touch, we would really like to have one of my brothers perform the wedding ceremony. I have looked online and seen sites where they can get certified, but I am not sure about the legality of it all. Is it legal to have one of my brothers do the ceremony? If so, do you know of a good site where they can get certified?
I do not have any recommendations for online "ordination". But I would guess that you could do Yahoo search and find a few companies issuing certificates. I would suggest that you first consider talking with the Jackson County Recorder (319-652-2504) to find out if they will accept credentials from an 'online church'. The statute indicates that officiants can by any ordained or licensed clergymen, and justices of the peace. However, some Counties do not recognize ordination or licensing from "The Church of What's Happening Now". Reverend Frye http://www.serviceministries.org
Actually, in my book, Joining Hands and Hearts, I give the possiblility of having a family member perform a ceremony as one way of making the ceremomy more personal! First, you must check with your county clerk for legalities as each state has its own laws. For example, in Massachusetts, a person may apply for a temporary license to legally perform one specific wedding on one specific date. There are websites/institutions such as the Universal Life Church that simply ordains people on line without any training. (This is difficult for those of us who attended seminary to condone or understand.) However, the fact remains that thousands of marriages have been conducted by Universal Life officiants. However, the Universal Life Church is NOT legal in New York State. It may be legal in Ohio however. There are also humanist associations who enable people to legally perform marriage ceremonies. You can call The American Humanist Organization at 202-238-9088 for further information in this regard.
Be sure to give your brother some guidance.
Choose the readings, vows, blessings and rituals...then leave the rest to him. My book has some great tips for him. There are questions you and your beloved can answer separately. Give your brother the answers and have him lace them through the ceremony. My book can help you and your brother in every aspect of ceremony planning/creation as it has with so many others.
Wishing you a memorable ceremony and lifetime of happiness!
Performing Ceremony
