You may not be a member of a church congregation but want a religious wedding anyway. Some couples are not connected with any religion but want to please their family members that are. Some couples are of different faiths and want to blend aspects of both into their ceremony.
As an Interfaith Minister, I have done Interfaith Protestant/Catholic, Jewish/Christian, Non-Denominational Christian, and Catholic Weddings, and more. I often get asked to customize and personalize a ceremony that is perfect for you as a couple and will be appreciated by your family and friends.
Religious weddings contain prayers and invocations that are traditional for that religion. There may also be unity ceremonies that are associated with a particular religion, such as unity candle with catholicism, and blessing of the wine with Judaism. One modern variation is the tying of a “God’s Knot.”
Some religions have something specific to stand under during the ceremony, such as a chuppah or mandap.
What does Interfaith mean? Similar to a Chaplain, an Interfaith Minister, is well-versed in many religious traditions. He or she can perform ceremonies outside of an established church, which many Priests and Pastors are not allowed to do. As an Interfaith Minister, I often conduct Religious Wedding ceremonies in beautiful Wedding Venues such as Wineries, Golf Courses, and Event Centers. I have also had the pleasure of officiating at some historic chapels as well.
Photo by Rachel Levine www.rachellevinephoto.com
My life experiences and learning have exposed me to many of the world’s spiritual traditions, which has prepared me to conduct a variety of Religious Wedding Ceremonies. Although my parents were not religious, I spent a lot of time with my Christian Protestant grandparents on both sides. One of my grandmothers taught Sunday school for 50 years, and one of my grandfathers was a Deacon. My great grandfather spent some time as a minister. Since becoming an adult, I have attended services of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, where my wife was born and raised.
Photo by Adam & Hanna adamandhanna.com
Having your ceremony presented by a professional interfaith officiant will help connect you with something more profound, as well as satisfy your immediate and extended family
Photo by Heather K.
Disclaimer – A wedding ceremony performed by an Interfaith Minister may not be recognized as a sacrament.