Weddings and Ceremonies of Committment

I may be biased, but I believe that the weddings and ceremonies of union that are created and performed by our Unitarian Universalist Ministers are among the most lovely and meaningful.

For those who are interested in what author Jane Ross-Macdonald calls "alternative weddings," that is, the kind of services where couples are looking for ceremonies that reflect their own spirituality and religious beliefs and their participle relationship, Unitarian Universalist services are ideal. For those who have no religious affiliation or set beliefs, who want to avoid patriarchal and sexist words and symbols, who want to celebrate rather than solemnize their commitment, our way of preparing and performing weddings and ceremonies of union fit.

Couples who are creating blended families, seeking an interfaith union, or entering into second marriages, UU ceremonies are personalized enough, and sensitive enough to the different ways that couples are formed to make sure that these circumstances are reflected and honored.

As Ross-Macdonald described in her book Alternative Weddings (Taylor Publishing, 1997), in our weddings, the focus is primarily on the couple. We want to get to know you, your values and beliefs, and your preference in the wording of the vows and the rest of the ceremony.

Honoring All Committed Unions

It is a deeply religious and spiritual occasion, but flexible in terms of a couple's understanding of God or Spirit of Life, and honors Humanist perspectives as well. The readings and music are mutually selected. In fact, there is much work to be done by the couples, as well as the minister or other authorized officiant.

The Unitarian Universalist faith tradition has long recognized and performed ceremonies of union for gay and lesbian couples. We treat them as marriages, no matter whether they are legally recognized as such.

How To Schedule An Appointment

First preference for dates for weddings and ceremonies of union go to unions from UU congregations. However, I understand and welcome those un-affiliated couples who seek our kinds of services and who wish to marry in the North Georgia area.

It is advisable to contact me as soon as possible, no later than 60 days before the date of the commitment service. I can be reached at my home office: (404) 377-6656 or mkeller@uuca.org.

I will want to meet with you, both to get to know you and to plan the actual ceremony.

For friends, members of other UU congregations, and others, there is a suggested honorarium. This fee is determined on a UU minister's association chapter level and will be discussed with you at the outset.

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