Finding an Officiant
BY MARY LOVITCH
From the Spring 2005 New York Wedding Guide
Here, some ideas to get you on the road to finding the right person to preside over your nuptials:
Let the Internet Help
Weddingofficiants.net allows you to conduct a detailed search throughout the city. Just plug in what type of officiant you want-celebrant, justice of the peace, or interfaith minister-and the site will give you a comprehensive listing. Although a bit more labor intensive, weddingofficiants.com asks you to detail your nuptial needs in an online questionnaire, and candidates who fit your qualifications will contact you by e-mail or phone.
Check Your Ethics
In addition to its Brooklyn branch, The Society for Ethical Culture
(see listing), has three other branches in the city: The New York
Society for Ethical Culture in Manhattan, nysec.org,
212-874-5210; Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture, ethicsny.org,
718-548-4445 and the Ethical Culture Society of Queens, 718-445-8515.
The societies' ceremony departments will match you up with one of
their registered non-clergy officiants who can be booked for a minimal
fee and, usually, a small donation to the organization.
Put the Word Out
Just like when you were looking for a mate, mention your dilemma to
everyone you meet. You never know, maybe they just happened to run
into a judge, had dinner with their rabbi, or even have a connection
to a former NYC mayor (could Ed Koch and David Dinkins be that busy
these days?). As long as they're registered with the City Clerk's
office, they can ensure your vows are both legal and tender.
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