How to Hire a Non-Religious Wedding Officiant

A non-religious wedding is the preference of many who are not interested in the traditional religious ceremony. For those individuals without a connection to any religious affiliation, church or synagogue, there is an option that is legal without a priest, minister or rabbi present.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Discuss the option of a non-religious wedding with your significant other. Both of you should be of the same conviction that a religious ceremony in a church setting is not in your interest.
2. Hire a justice of the peace to be your non-religious wedding officiant. The county clerk's office, where you will get your marriage license, will have all of the contact information for local justices.
3. Set up an appointment with city hall for a quick and easy non-religious wedding. Determine if you want to use the county clerk, mayor or a notary to perform your ceremony. Keep in mind that there are time constraints between when you get your marriage license at city hall and the actual ceremony.
4. Choose to have an outdoor ceremony and have a close friend or family member do the honors. In some states, it is legal for a non-clergy person to be deputized for a one-time only role as a wedding officiant. A special license is required, and the officiant must follow the requirements in filing the marriage license according to county standards.
5. Plan a destination wedding. Many resort areas and travel agencies provide special arrangements for a beach wedding or a ceremony designed around a specific locale. The officiants in destination weddings are accustomed to providing non-religious ceremonies.
6. Take a cruise and tie the knot with the ship's captain as the non religious officiant. Make plans well in advance with the cruise agency to have time to review the policies and incorporate your preferences into the ceremony.
7. Hire a local member of the clergy to perform a non-religious wedding ceremony. Some members of the clergy are able and willing to officiate at weddings that are not held in a traditional church or synagogue setting.
8. Hire a non religious officiant who allows you to write your own vows, if you so choose. Ask about personalization options before making a commitment to any wedding officiant.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're planning a wedding at city hall, double check the number of guests you're allowed to bring.
• Keep your wedding ceremony simple and short, but plan for a big celebration after the ceremony to share your joy with friends and family.
• Plan your wedding far enough in advance that you have adequate time to complete all the requirements, such as blood tests and marriage license time constraints.

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