I am getting married on Saturday August 1, 2009 and I just have a question about who is going to officiate my wedding. My religion is united and I would like to know if I have to belong to a united church before a pastor could perform my wedding vows, or if I am able to have a united clergyman perform my vows without belonging to a church? If I need to belong to a church, is it possible if I could just get a justice of the peace for that day? Thank you very much for your time and concern in this matter.
Regards,
Lisa
Lisa,
I spoke with a Gary Goran, minister, from Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church in Medicine Hat Alberta and he told me that "the United Church has many
traditions usually based on the individual congregations. The minister in
the church officiates the wedding. Any folk are welcome to take part in the
service. There is no membership requirement."
So I would recommend finding the United Church in Medicine Hat where you would like your wedding ceremony to take place and contacting the minister at that church. He/She will be able to tell you the specifics of their church.
I am confident that you will be able to find a church in Medicine Hat Alberta for your wedding. If I can help you find other wedding supplies and accessories in Medicine Hat, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you so much for your reply, it definitely does help me out. I never thought planning my perfect wedding would be so stressful! There is one slight problem, I would like my wedding to be outside, not in the church. Will he still perform the ceremony? Thanks again for your time and concern, I look forward to hearing from you at a later date.
Regards,
Lisa Worth
Lisa,
I know that the Priest at my church (Episcopal) will perform outdoor wedding ceremonies, so I'm confident that a United Church minister would also perform outdoor wedding ceremonies. Some ministers might be more comfortable outside than others. I would make a list of two or three United Churches in the area and speak to the ministers of each one about your outdoor wedding. Good luck. please keep me posted on your wedding.