Looking for "Spiritual" not necessarily organized-religion based person for marriage ceremony (Pittston: wedding, price)

[lorac07]

Hi all.
My daughter's getting married this summer, and she's looking for someone to perform the ceremony. Though she is spiritual, she is not affiliated with any particular "church." She did get a quote/consultation from a Reverend Whitney somebody or another (based in Factoryville)--$250 for the ceremony. I think that's overpriced for an hour's worth of work. She would prefer a woman perform the ceremony, but that's not obligatory. Any ideas, suggestions, feedback---greatly appreciated. Thank you

[thecoalman]

I don't know is she does private ceremonies but the pastor at the United Methodist church in West Pittston is a woman.

[Magritte25]

Try the UUCoWV (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wyoming Valley)

I'll DM the contact info to you. I'm not a member there but I know of the congregation. They are lovely people.

[sp2007]

I hope you find someone. However, I have to say, when I read this, the first thing that popped in my head was "like the DJ guy in Northern Exposure who had the minister certificate from Rolling Stone magazine".


Sorry just had to say it.

[Mr Yuk]

I would try calling churches in denominations that allow female clergy, they also tend to be denominations that aren't as strict about marrying people that are not members as Catholic churches are. Try United Methodist, Presbyterian Church (USA), and United Church of Christ. You can search for local churches on their sites:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. - UMC.org
The United Church of Christ | No Matter Who You Are Or Where You Are On Life's Journey, You're Welcome Here

[theatergypsy]

Originally Posted by sp2007

I hope you find someone. However, I have to say, when I read this, the first thing that popped in my head was "like the DJ guy in Northern Exposure who had the minister certificate from Rolling Stone magazine".


Sorry just had to say it.

That brought back memories of one of the best shows ever on TV.

Chris' ministerial certificate was actually from the Universal Life Church, which was from an advertisement in Rolling Stone.

As far as an officiant, I don't know. I was married by a Justice of the Peace many years ago. My late brother was Mayor in his town and was authorized to perform marriages (I don't know if this is still in effect), and he did do the ceremony in a location of the couple's choice. Sometimes, it was outdoors in a park. Good luck with yout search, lor.

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by lorac07

Hi all.
My daughter's getting married this summer, and she's looking for someone to perform the ceremony. Though she is spiritual, she is not affiliated with any particular "church." She did get a quote/consultation from a Reverend Whitney somebody or another (based in Factoryville)--$250 for the ceremony. I think that's overpriced for an hour's worth of work. She would prefer a woman perform the ceremony, but that's not obligatory. Any ideas, suggestions, feedback---greatly appreciated. Thank you

The Unity Church in Wilkes Barre is very nice and the minister, a woman is very approachable and open minded. I know quite a few people who attend there and we occasionally go to events and lectures.

The Church itself is a very pretty place for a wedding. It's a pretty, white building with nice stained glass windows. Victorian in style, a pretty place for a wedding.

[Pa Dutch]

Originally Posted by lorac07

Hi all.
My daughter's getting married this summer, and she's looking for someone to perform the ceremony. Though she is spiritual, she is not affiliated with any particular "church." She did get a quote/consultation from a Reverend Whitney somebody or another (based in Factoryville)--$250 for the ceremony. I think that's overpriced for an hour's worth of work. She would prefer a woman perform the ceremony, but that's not obligatory. Any ideas, suggestions, feedback---greatly appreciated. Thank you

I can't help you with a referral, but the cost seems appropriate. The person performing the ceremony has travel time, and they are usually requested to say grace at the reception. so it usually amounts to more than just an hour.

We are members of the church we were married at, the pastor fee was 150.00. Plus $50.00 for the organist and 30.00 for the church sexton.

Maybe you could find a local magistrate to come and do the ceremony, but I doubt it will be less than 250

[lorac07]

I LOVED "Northern Exposure." The DJ guy later turned up as Carrie's love interest Aidan on the old "Sex and The City" series. I wouldn't mind him performing a wedding ceremony for me (or performing anything else for that matter lol)

[sp2007]

He was also the groom on My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Ironic, considering the subject of this thread.