subject: California Gay Weddings Are On The Way [print this page] With the recent overturning of California's Proposition 8 that has prevented the legal marriage of same-sex couples in the state, many gay and lesbian couples in California are excitedly planning their upcoming weddings. It is hoped that the ban against gay marriage will be lifted after arguments are presented to the appeals court in early December, 2010, allowing thousands of couples to enjoy legal marriage with the equal recognition and benefits granted to heterosexual marriages. Regardless of the final court ruling, gay and lesbian couples continue to dedicate their loving unions in meaningful commitment ceremonies in the presence of their supportive families and friends.
Gay weddings are no different than any other weddings. Each ceremony is unique to the couple's interests, personalities, and beliefs. Some will choose small, intimate ceremonies, while others will prefer enormous and fabulous affairs. Venues will vary from outdoor park or beach settings to formal church ceremonies where LGBT couples are welcomed. There are flowers, photographers, DJs, and limousines. Mostly, there is the celebration of a union of two people who choose to commit their lives to each other, whether a legally recognized marriage or a personally recognized commitment ceremony.
In addition to choosing the venue and many other details of the wedding or commitment ceremony, the couple must choose the officiant who will perform the ceremony. Certainly, in the case of a legally recognized marriage, the officiant must be one who is legally empowered by the state of California to perform weddings. This may be an ordained clergy member or a civil judge or justice of the peace. Since some religious doctrines are not supportive of gay or lesbian unions, those couples who want a religious ceremony will want to find a minister who is able and willing to perform the religious ceremony that is personalized to the couple's beliefs and culture.
A non-denominational wedding ceremony can be performed by a minister who will tailor the ceremony to the couple's desires. This type of ceremony can include meaningful and wonderful wedding customs such as Celtic handfasting, jumping the broom, rose exchange, sand ceremony, and many others.
Choosing the right California wedding officiant for this most important occasion will ensure that the ceremony truly represents the desires of the couple in every way, whether religious or civil in nature, casual or traditional. This day belongs to the couple and their families and friends there with them to witness and celebrate their union. The ideal wedding officiant is the one committed to performing the ceremony their way.
by: Art Gib
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