You will need a marriage license from the state in which you plan to get married in, before I can officiate your wedding. The marriage license gives me the legal authority to officiate and make your union legal. NEW IN 2018: Some states like Texas, and some counties in Tennessee and Arkansas have begun issuing marriage licenses to their citizens … Continue reading →
In 2006 I was working at a local hospital as a chaplain and taken back by a high number of patients who could express and articulate their personal belief in Jesus Christ and convictions in biblical doctrines, yet who also had no involvement and fellowship in any church congregation. Many of these same individuals also shared stories with me of … Continue reading →
Over the years I have officiated weddings along side a family member of friend whom the couple wanted involved in the ceremony, but who couldn’t officiate because of not being church ordained. Most of these individuals have been a godly family member or a friend who was active in their Christian church or was in the process of going to … Continue reading →
Getting married in the state of Alabama is now a little different than it use to be. The traditional marriage license has been replaced in Alabama by an affidavit document system, which means a couple will need to receive paperwork from any Alabama county courthouse, then get a Notary of Public to verify signatures, and then return that paperwork to … Continue reading →
Here are a few videos available on my YouTube channel. If you visit there you’ll find a few more, including several that our more current. If you click the “More Information” link on the top right hand corner of the video it will give you an overview of the clip.
Continue reading →On this page, I’ve posted a portion from my book “Simple Wedding Ceremony Planning Guide” on 3 ways to do your vows. You can use these to adapt, customize, or to get you thinking about creating your own. Also, as you scroll down you’ll find a list of verbs you can use to help you in your vow writing exercise. If … Continue reading →
My Dad, Louis S. Durkac, died this morning, September 4, 2019. He was 91 years old and the adopted father of 5 adopted children, and he himself was adopted. He died just 2 days shy of his 67th wedding anniversary with my Mom, Irene, whom he leaves behind in a fight against dementia. I am the middle child of the … Continue reading →
As far as the general order of the ceremony, there are 6 parts: Presentation of the Bride, Introduction to the Ceremony, Exchange of Marriage Vows, Exchange of Wedding Rings, Special Feature (sand ceremony, unity candle, etc.), Pronouncement of Married Couple. You can read more about these in detail in my book “Simple Wedding Ceremony Planning Guide” or just ask me! … Continue reading →
If you are blending families with your new marriage, it can be important to include some type of blended family ceremony – if it is appropriate and will not cause any backlash with an ex-spouse and your future relationships. Over the years I have seen some good ways to include step-children and some not so good ways to include step-children into your … Continue reading →