Salvation Army celebrant, non-denominational wedding?
Hi all, I'm getting married in October, and I have a lovely acquaintance who has just told me she's a celebrant. She is registered on the Attourney General Celebrants register as an "Authorised Celebrant - Ministers Of Religion For Recognised Denominations - The Salvation Army". Neither I nor my partner are Christian, let alone members of the church, but she is becoming a close friend and I'm wondering if it would be unheard of to have a Salvo minister marry us in a non-denominational wedding?
Anna P
Question Asked: 27/03/2018
Wedding Date: 13/10/2018
Wedding Location: Campbelltown, NSW 2560
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Answered by: 5 Experts
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If you feel comfortable with the person then by all means use them. The celebrant's own beliefs should never impact on what you want in your situation. I can offer advice if you require it.
If you are comfortable with your friend officiating your marriage then go ahead, having the right celebrant will make your day very special especially if the celebrant is a friend. :)
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(2) · Perth, Rockingham, Bunbury, Margaret River, Mandurah, Peel Region
Posted: 31/03/2018
Hi there,
Being an authorised celebrant - minister of religion for a recognised denomination should not impact that celebrant's ability to conduct the wedding ceremony. No problems for a non-christian couple to be married in a religious ceremony, however, you must be happy with the wording of the ceremony/ the script, so talk to your celebrant about what is going to be said during the ceremony and ensure you're okay with it.
Also, as was mentioned previously, contact a couple of other celebrants as part of your due dilligence enquiries - your homework you know, just to satisfy yourselves.
Happy to discuss.
Ashley
(18) · Byron Bay to Ballina , North Coast NSW and Gold Coast QLD
Posted: 29/03/2018
If the person is someone you are comforable with then go ahead. My advice would be to contact a couple more celebrants and see them so you can compare. Happy to chat with you.
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Registered as a Minister of Religion, means the Salvation Army Celebrant must follow the Christian script of the Salvation Army in performing a Religious service that includes a marriage.
An authorsied Civil Celebrant however performs a Civil Marriage Ceremony that will include only what you desire, beyond the very few legals.
Most churches, but I dont know about Salvos, will also require you attend marital guidance classes before entering into marriage. These will be religious based.
It is therefor your choice.
If you are planning to become Christians and desire a religious Ceremony, the Salvos may fit your criteria.
If you are not planning to join the Salvos or even become Christians, there are 9000 Civil Celebrants available and your Salvo friend can be a guest at your wedding.