[YAF-announce] question about (non Quaker) weddings

[jdds at localnet.com]

  Hi Holly (et al)-

  I officiated at my sister's marriage a few years ago. In California, 
it's easy because anyone can get a temporary (one day) license to 
perform a marriage (one becomes, I believe, a "Temporary Clerk for 
Marriage, County of ***" or some such thing. They referred to me in the 
program as the Temporarily Honorable Jeremy Dickson-Smith. However, a 
quick search indicates that there is no such program in NH. The 
relevant language is here:

  http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xliii/457/457-mrg.htm

  The "non-ordained clergy" language and the explicit exception for 
Friends would of course be helpful if it were a Quaker wedding, but I 
don't think it will help in this case. So the Universal Life Church 
(the original "Church of the Back of Rolling Stone") is probably your 
best bet. Their ordination is free and their only creed "Do only that 
which is right" doesn't seem to conflict with Friends' values. The 
rationale for its existence, in fact, is given thus: "The ULC’s 
ordinations are issued in the belief that all people are already 
ordained by God and that the ULC is merely recognizing this fact." Hmm. 
That sounds familiar somehow.

  Do note that as "out of state clergy" you'll still have to get 
special permission and pay $25 for your temporary commission (see 
457:32). But fortunately, they have to pay you at least $5 (457:33) so 
the most you'll be out is $20 plus gas. :7)

  As for preparation, there's a good (if somewhat dated) book with 
sample vows, etc. I got on Andrew Donaldson's recommendation...the 
title I can't recall, but I own it so I'll try to find it for you.

  Good luck,

  Jeremy


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