Spiritual Ceremonies
As an Ordained Minister, I am able to assist in providing you services for your wedding, recommitment ceremony, christening, baptism or memorial. A champion of religious freedom and spiritual expression, my objective is to create a non-denominational service with optional faith-based traditions that promote a deep connection and a meaningful experience that is uniquely yours while inspiring and uplifting those in attendance. If you are interested in having me perform a special ceremony or event, together we will work through the following process:
Consultation: A face-to-face or virtual meeting involving the couple, family, parents, etc. to better understand the needs, unique preferences and expectations.
Coordination: A second interface to review details of the service and to ensure I have captured the essence and objectives of your event. This stage of the process may also involve a separate venue rehearsal that includes other members of your party depending on the type of event you are scheduling.
The available packages are as follows:
Minimalist - includes the initial consultation and a printed certificate as indicated. This is perfect for a couple who wishes to have a simple ceremony that includes witnesses or very few attendees. This package would also be appropriate for a christening or baptism. Fee: $250.00
Traditionalist – includes the consultation, a separate rehearsal at the site of the venue that incorporates all individuals involved in the event and a printed certificate. Fee: $500.00
Memorial Service – includes the consultation with family and funeral director as indicated. Fee: Donation-based
Resources
Marriage licenses in New York are issued by city and town clerks. These can only be obtained by the affianced couple. Note: marriage licenses issued in New York can be used for weddings taking place anywhere in the state. Please note that it is the location of the wedding that determines what documents the minister will need to supply, not the location of the office issuing the marriage license.
In New York, couples must wait 1 day after obtaining the marriage license before they are able to hold the ceremony. The license is valid for 60 days and the wedding and the submission of the completed license must take place within that time frame. The signed marriage license must be returned to the issuing office by the date of expiration.
New York State Regulations and Resources on Weddings
New York Marriage Laws
Marriage laws in New York are primarily directed by Section 11 of the New York State Domestic Relations Law. This section defines persons authorized to perform a marriage in the State of New York, which includes ordained ministers. Here is the relevant portion below:
“A clergyman or minister of any religion, or by the senior leader, or any of the other leaders, of The Society for Ethical Culture in the city of New York, having its principal office in the borough of Manhattan, or by the leader of The Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, having its principal office in the borough of Brooklyn of the city of New York, or of the Westchester Ethical Society, having its principal office in Westchester county, or of the Ethical Culture Society of Long Island, having its principal office in Nassau county, or of the Riverdale-Yonkers Ethical Society having its principal office in Bronx county, or by the leader of any other Ethical Culture Society affiliated with the American Ethical Union. The term "clergyman" or "minister" when used in this article, shall include those defined in section two of the religious corporations law. The word "magistrate," when so used, includes any person referred to in the second or third subdivision.”