the ministers are not "licensed" would it just be a ceremony and not a legal marriage
2006-10-11 16:22:20 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As long as the organization that ordains the minister is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization, there should not be a problem. The licensing that allows a minister to perform a marriage is typically an extension of their ordination. I am conducting my uncle's wedding this weekend, and I was told by the county clerk's office that as long as I was ordained by a denomination that is legally recognized as a 501(c)(3) ministry organization (which I was), the marriage would be legally recognized.
2006-10-11 18:09:38 · answer #1 · answered by Pastor Chad from JesusFreak.com 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the state, but most states require some sort of clergy registration in order to perform marriages, in addition to a marriage license for the specific couple. Ceremonies performed without these documents cannot be considered a legal marriage.
HOWEVER, some states recognize common-law marriages, which is when two people present themselves as married, even though they have never undergone a formal ceremony. After a period of several years living such a life, the state will recognize the marriage as valid. States that recognize common-law marriages include Alabama, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire (posthumously), Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
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2006-10-11 23:35:47 · answer #2 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you may be confusing the civil versus the spiritual/religious aspect of a marriage. A civil ceremony occurs in a court house or a judge or civil servant marries you. You are none the less married, in a Christian wedding for example, you are married by a minister or priest, etc. and you are married also but there are two components the religious and the civil. To make it "legal" you must fulfill the civil aspect, however, some churches do not recognize your legal marriage saying that it is not "legal" in the eyes of God. So that can be confusing to some, but a court house marriage is LEGAL, just not recognized legal by some church authorities. Personally, to me married is married because it carries the same responsibilities and promises whether it's performed in a church or a courthouse.
2006-10-11 23:35:28 · answer #3 · answered by Shaman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A legal marriage is one observed by law. I the person performing the ceremony is not legal to do so, then no, it is not a legal marriage.
However, if you're referring to spiritual marriage, such as a hand fasting, then in the eye of what ever power you're attempting to appease, then I suppose it would be as good as any other.
2006-10-11 23:26:02 · answer #4 · answered by Odindmar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A religious figure in the US does not have to be licensed. I know many marriages by unlicensed ministers. There are none licensed where I attend worship.
2006-10-11 23:27:29 · answer #5 · answered by mesquiteskeetr 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the person performing the ceremony is not legally authorized (or licensed) to officiate a wedding then no it isn't legally binding and was just a way to waste 30 mins of time.
2006-10-11 23:26:26 · answer #6 · answered by rwl_is_taken 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some jurisdictions such a marriage might be considered a valid common law marriage if the couple represents themselves as a married couple, with or without the ceremony. Depends on where you live.
2006-10-11 23:26:23 · answer #7 · answered by ValleyViolet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the marriage ios a function of filing the marriage license with the township clerk, signed by a proper authority who needs not be a religious figure.
2006-10-11 23:24:46 · answer #8 · answered by rosends 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The man or woman performing the marriage has to be given the power by the state for it to be legal.
Marriage (in the US) has nothing to do with religion, some people just choose for it to.
2006-10-11 23:25:47 · answer #9 · answered by Toronto 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When will you christians get over the fact that a marriage is NOT a Chrisitan union!
2006-10-11 23:26:30 · answer #10 · answered by A_Geologist 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋