WEDDING CEREMONIES -Justifying Grace Christian Ministries..

A quick overview of what you can expect from me as your Christian Officiant.

Steps to take:

1. It is up to the couple who are pledging their faith and love to one another- to obtain the

needed documents from the Courthouse.

2. The license must be signed and service held within 60 days by the officiant, or pastor.. ME.

3. The license must be filed and your official license can be picked up at the court house.

Here is the official list from usmarriagelaws.com

Marriage License Fees in Indiana: The marriage license fee is $18 if one or both parties are Indiana residents and $60 for out of state residents. Some offices also charge an additional fee of $2.. Each copy of the Certified marriage license is also $2.. ( These are required for name change at eh BMV, SSN, etc.MOST OFFICES REQUIRE CASH FOR PAYMENT.

courts.IN.gov states this:

To be married in Indiana, a couple must have a marriage license. To apply you and your future spouse must appear in person together at the Clerk's office in an Indiana county where one of you resides, or for non residents in the Indiana county where the marriage will be solemnized.

Both applicants must be 18 or older.

If one or both are 17- parent or legal guardian must be present to provide consent.

One or both applicants- if under17- need a court order granting permission.

Exclusions:* The Clerk cannot issue a marriage license if either applicant is under the influence of drugs or alcohol when applying.

*Applicants are more closely related than second cousins ( go to the website to read more).

* Either applicant has been judged to be of unsound mind, unless the adjudication has been removed.

A Marriage license is good for 60 days from the date issued, and couples may be married as early as the same day. Couples who do not marry within the 60 days need to re apply before marrying.

What to take to the clerks office:

*ID, Valid drivers license, passport, State issued ID, Birth Certificate.

*( if birth certificate is in another language- it may need to be translated and notarized first).

You must also provide your social security number.

If you were previously married- you will need the date the marriage ended and may require a certified copy of divorce decree.

The courts office will ask geneology information:

Both parents names, last known address, birth places, state or foreign country.

AND PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE YOUR FINAL SIGNED AND WITNESSED PAPERWORK BACK TO BE RECORDED AT THE COURTHOUSE!

Now, after you get your license from the clerks office, within 60 days- we need to hold your ceremony. Then you complete the process at the clerks office. They will mail your official license.

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Pastor concerns:

1. I will need to meet with you to plan your service.

Typically if the couple has chosen not to have premarital pastoral guidance, then

my fee is 100.00.. / 125.00 with premarital planning- A seven step guide to a Biblical Marriage.

Whatever route you choose, we need to meet as soon as possible( at least three weeks prior to the ceremony so I can write your service), and plan to meet again for rehearsal the day before or morning of the ceremony . THIS NON-REFUNDABLE FEE IS DUE AT REHEARSAL.

This moment happens to be a promise before God and should not be rushed into.

There are many questions we need to go over as you allow me to prayerfully prepare

for this blessed day.

Helpful Questions to consider:

How many will be in attendance? Where will it be held? Will you write your own vows? Is there a unity candle? A ring exchange? A special scripture or tradition you want added to the service?

A ring bearer? Flower girl? Outdoor wedding? Do you have your own location ? Do you need to rent a space? How big? How personal? Who will give the bride away? Special music? How many in your wedding party?

1. Will you take advantage of the premarital planning?(We will meet at least 3 times for this).

2. Will your service can be simple and sweet or fancy and fabulous? I want you to know that either way- as long as it is blessed by God- I am ok with it. Proper planning together is the key.

3. Are you planning a same sex wedding or traditional wedding? I am ok with any relationship that is to be bound by love and kept in promise with God.

Love is about the two of you- committing to each other and to God- your lives, your trust, and

your love.. I am not in a position to Judge anyone.. I am HAPPY to share in your Special day!

4. What if you just want a simple- "just the two of you" wedding?

I don't mind at all.. I still want us to meet to go over things. After all- It is YOUR day and it

should reflect how YOU want it to be. My job is to be a blessing to you.

5. How far in advance do I need to plan??

For me- I need just a meeting or two ( up to you and how many times we need to practice)-

But I would prefer at least a week notice. Especially if you have special moments scheduled into the service. That means the interview information in this letter and above- needs to be returned to me ASAP.

6. What if you need to get married today? I suggest you contact me. I will do what I can to

help make your day special. I have a few sample ceremonies I can go from in a pinch as long as you both agree this is a promise before God and strive to live according to it.

So whatever your ceremony needs- I will do my best to make sure that Christ is honored in your

service, and that your wishes are met. I would love to be part of this amazing time in your lives!

But whatever you decide- May the Grace and Peace that is In Christ be with you on your journey.

Rev. Lily.