Many people today are looking for a non-traditional venue for their wedding, a place to share their exchange of nuptials and the joining together as one, in witness by close friends and family. Reason vary as much as their are options to consider, including having a shared passion for history, movies, or theatrics; budgetary reasons; cultural uniqueness; and many other reasons. Non-traditional venues often come with challenges including finding a clergy willing to officiate over a non-traditional wedding.
Over thirty years ago, my wife and I had a non-traditional wedding along with the challenge of finding a clergyman that would accommodate our vision and our circumstances. Then there were requirements placed on us when we found a clergy to wed us. A couple should be able to choose their venue and method of their union without strings attached as long as it meets the legal requirements of their state.
As an ordained minister, I can offer an alternative ministry service for your wedding and exchange of your sacred vows. I am open and accepting of the unusual, things that are different, that some may consider on the fringe. And, if you want a traditional wedding or something close to mainstream, I can be there for you too. Contact me at Ask@TheAlternativeMinister.com.
Potential wedding themes include:
- Fantasy.
- Middle Earth.
- Galaxies Far Far Away.
- Theme Park.
- Viking.
- Halloween.
Your Memories – Your Choice
You are about to embark on creating a lifetime of memories. Start now with your dream wedding, not the dreams of a magazine designer. Make it fun. Make it unique. Make it one for the ages. Make it unforgettable.
It may not be Mom & Dad’s first thought to have a wedding that’s not like the others, but this is about building your memories and having fun with your life partner. Who knows? Maybe they’ll enjoy the unique experience as much as you.
You Write The Vows
You write the vows and I’ll write the wedding ceremony script that supports your vows and the theme of your wedding. Whether you want scriptural inspiration or references from your favorite movie, what I say will reflect your wishes.
Ceremonies for Everyone
A special thanks to photographer Laura Lamb for these great photos.
Traditional Weddings
Indoors our Outdoors
Themed Weddings
Renaissance Theme
Themed Weddings
Old Western Themed
Traditional Weddings
Small, Intimate Settings
Other Wedding Themes
FAQs
When did you decide to become an ordained minister?
When I was sixteen years old I wanted to be a preacher. I studied the bible, worked in the church nursery, often gave the children’s sermon at the start of the worship service, and occasionally had the opportunity to preach to the full congregation. When I was twenty-one, life events took me in another direction and now I have a different career. Thirty years ago, I found it to be a challenge to find a minister for our wedding. More recently, I am hearing similar tales from friends that are getting married again, want a different kind of ceremony, or have other circumstances that make it difficult to find a minister that will accommodate their wishes. For over a year, I have thought “I wish I could help.” After considerable research, I chose my method of ordination and made it legal.
How were you ordained?
Just as you are considering a non-traditional source to administer your nuptials, I sought out a non-traditional method to obtain my ordination. Through the Universal Life Church, I was able to become ordained online. The ordination of someone through ULC was challenged in court. That case went all the way to the US Supreme Court and the legality of the wedding in that case was upheld.
Can you legally perform a wedding and administer the nuptials?
Yes. The state of Kentucky recognizes the ordination of individuals through the Universal Life Church as a legal authority. While there are two states that do not recognize ULC, as long as the legal requirements of the state and county are met, the wedding is legal in Kentucky.
Will you participate in the theme of the wedding?
I enjoy dressing in theme and would be delighted for the opportunity to be an active participant in the fun of your day. If I do not already have the necessary accessories to meet the need, we may have to discuss additional costs associated with the experience.
What is the cost for your service?
That depends on the expectations, location, length of time, etc. Let’s talk. I am certain you will find my charge very reasonable.
Credentials of Ministry.
- Ordained through the Universal Life Church.
- Legal to wed in the State of Kentucky.
- Withstood a legal challenge all the way to the US Supreme Court.
