Justice Richard C. Authier

Ceremonies
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What type of ceremony should you have?
 
One of the benefits of obtaining the services of a Justice of the Peace as your officiant is that you can have the ceremony you want. A Justice is not restricted by his or her religion (of lack thereof) in the ceremony of your chosing. Find a Justice who has multiple ceremonies available. After you have decided on the basis of the ceremony add items to make it more personal. Chose different readings that reflect your personality. They do not have to be from religious sources. Include family and friends in your ceremony. And by all means, if you have children, let them be featured.
 
Not all Justices will offer multiple ceremonies and some may not even allow you to write your own vows or ceremonies. Call around, talk to people until you find the right Justice to fit your needs.
 
I have included some options for ceremonies and variations to be included with them. This serves the purpose of giving you ideas as to what you can do to generate a ceremony that will have a deeper and more significant meaning to you.

 

Ceremonies

 

Christian Ceremony

A combination of scripture and traditional vows this ceremony uses the powerful words of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. It includes the beautiful “Love is Patient” reading from Corinthians, creating a spiritual beginning for your married life together.

Civil Ceremony

A nondenominational ceremony that, while fulfilling the requirements of a Civil Marriage, adds strength and meaning with various readings. This ceremony uses Reading, Poetry and Prose as hallmarks rather than spiritual or religious references.

Classic Ceremony

This is the most popular of all ceremonies. This ceremony uses a combination of Sacred and Secular verses that are assured to bring a special meaning to your wedding day

Friends and Family

This ceremony, while celebrating the union of husband and wife, provides special passages so that their family and friends are made part of the ceremony.  They are asked to affirm their love and support of this marriage so that a new family tree may be made.  One as strong and as fruitful as the roots of the individual family trees.

Interfaith

The union of two individuals from separate families and backgrounds who are establishing a new family is an important and memorable event.  This ceremony celebrates Judeo and Christian traditions.  From the opening proclamations to the breaking of the glass, this ceremony is designed to respect both beliefs.

N ationality Ceremonies

Ceremonies with emphasis on various nationalities. Wording is phrased into the ceremonies to give them a definate French, Irish or Spanish flavor.

Outdoor Ceremony

A beautiful nondenominational ceremony designed to draw on the forces of nature.  Opening with the words of Wendell Berry, this ceremony associates the beauty of the day with the beauty of the wedding.  Perfect for a park, garden or hilltop.

Renewal Ceremony

Celebrate your married life together as you look back on the highlights of you marriage, as well as looking to your future. Your help will be needed to include milestones of your life together.  Include the names of family, friends, events and special moments, that will make this ceremony unique to the both of you.

S econd Time Around

Many ceremonies mark a second or more marriage, sometime to the same person. This ceremony earmarks the progress of a couple as their romance and love grows

Unity Candle

Three candles are place on a table; two have been lit to represent your lives as you come together with each other.  Each with your own history, memories of the past and dreams of the future. In love you have vowed to give to each other a new history, in a new life of love.  Together, you will unite the flames of these candles over the wick of the unburned candle, signifying your purpose to begin a new life of wonder.

 

Variations to add personality to your ceremony

 

Inclusion of Family and Friends

Friends and family members should be part of your Wedding and they may do so by their participation in selected readings or in the music. If there are any children involved, they are most welcome to be included.  Perhaps if a favorite person has passed away or is unable to be present, you may want to honor these people by having them mentioned. Take the time to prepare a list of these people and let them be a part of the most important day in your life.

 

Music

Music, whether vocal or instrumental, live or recorded, speaks directly to our souls and adds a richer dimension to the ceremony. Choose the music with the intent of having each selection be an expression of some unique aspect of your relationship, a reflection of something that you have experienced together or of the hope that you hold for your marriage and relay those choices to your musicians or DJ.

 

Personal Statements

No one can express the love that you have for each other better than yourselves. You may use your own vows or chose from the Officiants repertoire; choose your own poems and/or the words from a card or a letter that you once sent to each other.

 

Readings

A large selection of Blessings, Poetry and/or Prose. Introduce your selection into your ceremony as a reflection of the meaning of love and marriage that have spoken to people over the ages or that say something of particular significance to you.

 

Rose Ceremony

There are two wedding traditions in which roses are used. In one, the mothers are given roses as tokens of the bride and groom’s love for family. In another, roses are exchanged as the bride and groom’s first gifts to one another as a married couple. Either of these two ceremonies may be incorporated in any ceremony of your choice

 

Seasonal Celebrations

What time of the year are you being married? Include seasonal themes such as: Spring; Summer; Fall; Thanksgiving; Christmas. How about Saint Patricks Day or Saint Valentine ?

 

Stepparent Pledge

Because of death, divorce, or other circumstances, there are sometimes children from other relationships. Their are many ways that these children can be included in the wedding.  The Bride and/or Groom can address their new responsibilities with a special Pledge that helps to form an emotional bond with the child. This is sure to be a memorable part of your ceremony.