We don't want a pastor for our wedding.. where do we look?

Question

My fiance and I are not religious and do not want to be married by a pastor.. I have heard that we could have a spiritual native american wedding.. Where would I find the person to marry us??

Answer 1

You have to explain what you mean by "spiritual" but not religious. Are you speaking specifically of First Nations spirituality? If so I have to agree that that is generally considered to be a religion. Otherwise, we need to know specifically why you want someone who is First Nations to perform the wedding.

Remember, spirituality and religion are very closely linked for most people.  

Answer 2

A justice of the peace, or a judge. If you're Native American, you should be able to contact your tribe's leader to arrange for some sort of spiritual leader to be in attendence.  

Answer 3

Kristy is right.  Native Americans ARE very spiritual, which IS religious.  Do you actually mean you don't want a "Christian" ceremony?  That is different.

I am a Native American decendant. My father practiced the Native American religion.  (I have not).

Answer 4

I always dreamed of getting married at sea, by a captain on a ship...my hubby was more trad so we stuck to a small church wedding instead.

A friend of mine had a "spiritual" wedding performed by one of her own friends. It was more of a "love celebration" than a wedding per se. it was beautiful and very special.

Why do you insist on a Native american wedding if you are not of this nationality? any specific reason? I'm not being rude I'm just curious. And this added info could give readers more insight into your own motivations.

Have you also considered a pagan wedding? It's not for life, just for 9 yrs or so. Not my idea of romantic but it works for some.

Hope you have a great wedding nevertheless.  

Answer 5

I found this website. I hope this helps.

http://www.californiaweddingministers-of...

good luck to you. :)  

Answer 6

I agree with Kristy that Native American religious figures are going to be religious-- just not Christian.  Maybe this is what you want; maybe not.  

But Google "wedding officiants" and your city name; you should get a bunch of hits.  We found about a dozen people, most of whom were former ministers, whose job it is to do weddings.  Our guy is a former minister, but he will be as secular or as religious as you'd like.  Plus, he "looks the part" to please my parents and is pretty good to be around.

If you're Native American, then perhaps you have a connection to your tribe through relatives, etc.  I'd start there.  

Answer 7

A Minister? A lot of them aren't very religious!

Answer 8

Anyone who is a certified notary.  Lol...I got married at the pawn shop by a friend!!

Answer 9

Go to North or South Dakota and find an Indian reservation, and ask for an indian chief to marry you.  Then, pay for him to fly to your wedding and perform the ceremony.  

Answer 10

I found this, it is a little ways away but if it is too far you can probably ask them if they know how to contact someone closer to you.  Best of luck!

Atascadero, CA

Reverend Art Wells

9105 La Linia 93422

[e-mail]

               [phone]        

Traditional and Non-Traditional Ceremonies; Native American

ceremonies, Healing, Meditation and Metaphysical Instruction.

Answer 11

Native Americans ARE religious, I hate to break it to you. The Native tribes have their own religions and beliefs and Faiths. Every tribe has its own ceremony and elements that are incorporated. If you want to be joined in a Native American ceremony you can contact your local council of elders and see what they say.

Check out eHow:

www.ehow.com/how_18840_native-american...

Good luck!

EDIT: I'm not trying to be a smart anything. I happen to have studied the Native American way of life in depth in college. I never said you couldn't do it. Sorry if it came across offensive... Not my intention by any means. In fact, here's a website about the local tribes in So Cal. Maybe it will help.

http://www.nativeamericans.com/SouthernC...

Answer 12

Justice of the Peace appointed by the state

Judge