While most states have little or no educational or training requirements for those performing ceremonies, First Nation strongly encourages its clergy members seeking either basic or advanced training to consider the programs offered by the Celebrant Foundation and Institute. If you are pursuing a career as a Celebrant, or if you are considering a career as a ceremonial minister, the courses offered by CF&I provide the perfect fundamental education in all aspects of this vital work. Course training covers a wide spectrum of ceremonial duties, including weddings, funerals, vow renewal, baby welcoming, and coming-of-age celebrations, among others, toward certification as a Life-Cycle Celebrant™. The Celebrant Institute’s faculty is highly regarded, with extensive real-world experience. (Several…
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Are You Qualified To Perform Premarital Counseling In Tennessee?
A First Nation clergy member recently asked if being ordained as a ceremonial minister qualified him to provide premarital counseling in Tennessee, which entitles the bridal couple to a discount off of the regular $100 marriage license fee: Tennessee Code Annotated §36-6-413(b)(5) provides that couples who complete premarital preparation courses shall be exempt from the $60 fee otherwise imposed by that code section. The course must not be less than four (4) hours and completed no more than one year prior to the date of application for the license. Parties may attend separate classes. If they do, separate certificates must be filed. Our reply: Simply being ordained does not qualify a ceremonial minister to…
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State Of The Union: Performing Marriage Ceremonies In Tennessee
We recently received an inquiry from an out-of-state (non-resident) minister who was concerned about performing a marriage ceremony in Tennessee. His concern was not only about not being a resident of the state, but whether the local court clerk — who would be issuing the marriage license to the bridal couple — would accept and recognize the validity of his ministerial credential. The Tennessee attorney general has issued several opinions in the past about whether ministers or spiritual leaders of various religions (including imams, rabbis and other clerics and teachers) were authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in the state. Also addressed by the attorney general was his opinion regarding whether or not instant online ordination through the…
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First Nation Minister Kim Kirkley Celebrates Salik-Riffat Nuptials
The entire First Nation family extends its congratulations and warmest wishes for a lifetime of joy and love to Dr. Irim Salik and Mahmud Riffat, who were married last weekend at Park Savoy Estate, with Kim Kirkley serving as their Celebrant. Kim Kirkley, an ordained and licensed First Nation ceremonial minister, is one of the leading Life-Cycle Celebrants® in the New York and New Jersey area. In addition to her service as a Celebrant, she serves on the faculty of the Celebrant Foundation and Institute, focusing on Fundamentals of Celebrancy, Weddings, Ceremony Across the Life Cycle Certifications, and Advanced Marketing Courses. She is the author of several books, including “Love Stories: A Celebrant’s Work,”…
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State of the Union: Serving As A Wedding Officiant In Virginia
Perhaps the most common question we get from our legally-ordained ministers regards the brick wall that is put up to block them from serving as Marriage Officiants in some cities and counties in Virginia – but, frustratingly, not by all of them. Over the years, it has been very much hit-or-miss for ceremonial ministers serving in Virginia – not just for our church, but for many others as well. Some states require ministers to register prior to performing a ceremony there, but it’s usually a simple, hassle-free procedure and, usually, the registering authority works with you to expedite the process. And then there is the magnificent and sovereign Commonwealth of Virginia.
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What To Wear: Proper Attire For Officiants
We recently received an inquiry from Robert Marsh, a First Nation ceremonial minister in Texas, who asked: What type of clerical garments are we able to use? This is a great question, and a great subject for us to discuss in detail. For most ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, Officiants will generally wear what is commonly regarded as “business attire,” such as a standard suit and tie for men, or a dress or pants outfit for women. Black or dark blue is recommended, with a white shirt or blouse, although a tasteful blue shirt or blouse is also acceptable. In such situations, the attire should not be too bright or flashy —…
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Why Do Wedding Minister Ordination Terms Expire?
We recently received an inquiry asking why ordination terms expire: My understanding is that Ordination does not expire. Can you explain about the 2 year, 5 year and 10 year materials? What happens at the end of the time period? We think this question has widespread implications for wedding ministers, so we’re also posting our reply here: To be fully compliant with general legal standards, ordination cannot be granted “for life.” Most ordaining bodies — churches and religious organizations — conform with a standard that limits the ordination term to a specific period. This gives both parties the option to continue the relationship, or to terminate it. In essence, what happens if…
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The “Standard” Format For Marriage Ceremonies
One of the most-asked questions we receive — right up there with “what the heck am I supposed to do next?” — is actually fairly important: What is the standard structure of a wedding ceremony? Most weddings follow basically the same format, with minor adjustments here and there depending upon the desires of the bridal couple. Keep in mind that the bridal couple usually comes up with their own format for the ceremony, but many times you’ll show up and they’ll be looking at you for guidance every step of the way — and you had better be ready with a plan! Keep in mind that, aside from traditional ceremonies…
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First Nation Minister Weds NYC Couple
We extend our best wishes for a lifetime of love and joy to Elise Chang and Alastair Kusack, who were married in Manhattan this weekend, with First Nation ceremonial minister Kim Kirkley officiating. Their full, wonderful story is detailed in the pages of today’s edition of the New York Times.
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Anglican Wedding Ceremony (1662): The Form of Solemnization of Matrimony
We are often asked for sample ceremonies, or guidance on how to perform a specific style of wedding, by members of our clergy. We were recently contacted for assistance on planning an Elizabethan or Olde English ceremony by a minister who was asked to perform a marriage at a Renaissance Faire-style event. In our research, we came across this amazing period piece — an Anglican Wedding Ceremony from more than 350 years ago. Read, and enjoyeth thyself: First the Banns of all that are to be married together must be published in the Church three several Sundays, during the time of Morning Service, or of Evening Service (if there be no…
