Monthly Archives: September 2019

Marriage License Requirement & Information?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

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 that are valid for solemnizing (legal term for ceremony officiating) within any state in the … Continue reading →

Asked to Officiate a Friend’s Ceremony?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

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 seminary. In all these weddings they were someone who the bride and groom recognized as … Continue reading →

What Changed for Getting Married in Alabama?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

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 the courthouse records division to register themselves as legally married. The proper paperwork is available … Continue reading →

Want to Write Your Wedding Vows?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

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 you have any questions in your process I will be happy to help! Just contact … Continue reading →

Order of Vows and Wedding Ceremony?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

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!   Traditional Vows… You have some options with your vows, which you can simply respond, … Continue reading →

Blended Family Ideas for Beach Weddings?

Pastor Steve Durkac Posted on by avatar

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 wedding ceremony. A “blended family ceremony” is simply a little something extra to recognize and include step-children. … Continue reading →