Hello Beloved, (Please read entire post before commenting)
I wanted to reach out to see if anyone on the site had experience in performing marriage ceremonies in CA state. According to the marriage code, section 400, a minister of any religious denomination can perform one.
I know that I am making this thread an open target, but I humbly ask that you please stay on topic. Here is a little background in case you were curious. After Bible College, I served at a Christian non-denominational church for 10 years as an intern, teacher, elder in that order. There never were any official ceremonies or ordinations given, (this was due to the ministry philosophy of the church, not that they didn't believe I was called in ministry) and I do believe the Lord used me in a pastoral role at the church.
I believe that all ordination is of God, and He is the one that places you in minsitry, approves you, enables you, graces you and anoints you, however I want to be wise and prudent in performing a marriage ceremony in the State of CA having never been through anything official offered by man.
I have performed two wedding ceremonies before, but with each of them I am not the one who solemnized the marriage license. This next wedding in July is for my cousin and her fiance, and I will be performing the ceremony and solemnizing. They live in WA state but are being married in CA, so they don't have a local church to get involved.
Do any of you know a reputable website or group that offers online ordination? Again, I know that all ordination is of God, but I want to do my part in being respectful and responsible concerning my civic duties and keeping the laws of the land (while they still exist). I want to be able to put my cousin in full confidence that I have taken any necessary steps needed to solemnize her wedding in CA state.
I've also asked counsel from friends/pastors who have advised me to go this route. I'm not currently in a situation with any church where I can "ask them to ordain me just so I can do a wedding" so I feel that this is the best thing to do given the time restraint that I have. perhaps the Lord will one day bring me into a different situation :)
Blessings on you for reading, and God bless His covenant of Marriage!
In Christ,
Kevin Bruce