Can I bring my own minister to the wedding?

Recently, we received an email from a bride asking about a relative of hers being able to officiate her wedding.  Absolutely!  What a joy it would be for a close family friend or relative be able to read the vows to you and say, “You may now kiss the Bride.”  We look forward to many families saying their vows at our outdoor chapel and also couples renewing their vows as well.

I, Brian, have personally seen fathers officiate their daughter’s wedding.  It was priceless to see not only the groom weep as the bride walked down the aisle, but also the minister.  It is a beautiful thing to see two people come together and make a covenant together promising – “as long as we both shall live.”

Just one example of wedding vows that capture the image so well:

I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.