I need someone who is ordained in the Macon, Ga area but not a minister?

Question

I've contacted the courts and their judges only do weddings at the court house, we want to be married but can't do so in the Catholic church at this time and don't want to be married by another minister. I've tried online and in the phone book and no luck, the courts couldn't tell me of anyone either. Do I have any other options besides having a friend ordained?

the jop only does it at the court house, we want a small ceremony but not at the court house.

Answer 1

http://home.earthlink.net/~wv9i/ministries/ministries.html

Check out site above. Sounds like this officiant will do just about any type of ceremony you wish . . .

His site says:
"traditional", "non-denominational", "inter-faith", short notice "civil" ceremonies or assist in the planning and provide a very special, customized and personal ceremony.

It you check out his site, you will notice several versions of non-religious ceremonies.

Answer 2

There is an official JOP, but JOP is also a title and there are probably other people in your area with the title that can perform ceremonies.

I was married by a friend of my father who was not THE jop but had the title jop.

That said here are a few sites that may help you find an officiant:

http://georgia.localweddingofficiants.com/

http://www.gatheringguide.com/event_directory/rc/ga_georgia/albany/evl_wedding_officiants.html

http://www.wedexperts.com/wedding.nsf/officiant/Macon-GA.html

Answer 3

Check out the definition of "ordained" in the link below. There is no such thing as as someone who is ordained, but is not a minister.

You could find someone who has a license, but doesn't really have any religious affiliation. These are people who usually received their "license" online.

P.S. Oops! Guess I was incorrect above. Looks like you can be "ordained" by any type of organization. Strange, but true!

Here's an "ordained" officiant who also does astology and tarot services on the side. Geeze........... You can find all sorts of strange things on the internet.
http://www.gatheringguide.com/event_directory/ga_georgia/vendor_wedding_officiants_20370.html

Answer 4

To find an officiant type into Yahoo your city, state & wedding officiant (no 's' on the end) You will have a few to choose from, usually on the 2nd page. The larger bridal sites seem to get top billing.
If you do go to the bridal sites, please visit the site of someone you think you might like. Those bridal sites make vendors & officiants pay for your contact info so you may not hear back from someone you'd hoped.

Also try AAWO; American Association of Wedding Officiants. They have people all over the country.

Answer 5

Hi.

I found another option for you. I simply used Google to find out who can "legally marry a couple in Georgia," and here is what I found out.

"There is no required ceremony as long as the performing official is authorized to do it. The official can be a judge, city recorder, justice of the peace or a minister."

SO....if you can find a "city recorder"...it looks like he/she is legally authorized to marry you. Call your city office to inquire.

Here is the full article if you want to read it:
http://www.gpc.edu/~wbroadwe/gamarriage.htm

Good luck!

Answer 6

Do y'all have justices of the peace there? Here in Arkansas we do. My husband and I were married by my mother's car salesman! Isn't life grand!