by running  reverend   

Getting Started 

Start with the basics.  Think about how you met and how your relationship progressed to this point. What does marriage mean to you and how will it change your life? What ceremonies will fit your personal styles best? Will it be traditional, athletic, country casual or barefoot in the park?

Here's the information we'll need to get started:

• Names of participants
• Location
• Date and Time

Other helpful information:

• Any religious or cultural traditions that you want to represent in your ceremony
• Symbols that you wish to use: rings, unity candles, sand, water, jump the broom etc.
• Other vendors: wedding planners and photographers

  Remember to book your wedding officiant early!

Begin your Optional Pre-marital Counseling

It is import to discuss the following issues and share stories of the relationships you saw in your youth. 

• How will you spend your future Holidays as a new family?
• What traditions/rituals do you wish to continue with your new family?
• How will you handle finances? Split or Pool
• What do you think makes a successful relationship?
• Share stories about family holidays, weddings, birthdays, vacations and every day life.
• How will you share the wonderful news of your wedding?

Suggestions for Reflection and Growth

The following suggestions may help couples to think about the opportunities for growth in marriage:

• See the reality of your partner (and of yourself), not a fantasy of perfection.
• Stay in the present. Deal with what is happening now; do not dredge up old baggage.
• Not every attack is personal. Avoid overdramatizing.
• Be more concerned with loving and being loved, caring and being cared about than being right. Many right people are very lonely!
• See the situation from the other person's perspective. Forgo blaming or judging.
• Say as much as you can to each other. The more that remains unspoken, the greater the risk for problems.
• Nurture a sense of humor. It is difficult for us to be defensive when we can laugh at ourselves!

Ceremony Contents

Ceremonies can include readings from or be based upon the theme from holy texts like the Bible, Buddhist scriptures, Torah or marriage contracts such as Ketubah. Most non-religious readings are welcome.

Popular Christian Scripture for Weddings: