The institution of marriage is recreated in the individual lives of each couple who choose to marry. The Ethical Culture wedding ceremony emphasizes the mutuality of the relationship, the trust and work required, the giving and accepting of promises that have serious import and a long future, and the creativity of love.
The individuality of the couple leads us to believe that weddings should be individually planned to express those who marry. It is customary for the Ethical Culture Leader who will officiate at a wedding to have preliminary discussions with the couple to get to know them and to understand their hopes in and for each other. The details of the ceremony are worked out at that time.
Leaders are empowered by law in the states in which there are Ethical Societies to perform wedding ceremonies. With special application, it is often possible for them to be authorized to conduct the ceremony in other parts of the country.
Other ceremonies of mutual commitment can be arranged to fit individual circumstances. We offer personalized, humanistic religious ceremonies for couples wishing to marry or to state their commitment to each other. Our Leader is available for wedding ceremonies for members (free) and non-members (at a fee).
If you are looking for an officiant, please fill out an officiant request form. If you have any questions, please contact Catherine Bordeau at bordeau.bsec@gmail.com.