Ray Garrison - Wedding Officiant, Minister

***NOTE*** Weddings performed by persons with "online ordination" credentials are NOT LEGAL in NC, VA, TN, and some other states. (This includes Universal Life Church (ULC), American Marriage Ministries (AMM) and others. NC Court Case: State v. Lynch has not been overturned, and as recently as October 2018, it has been used as precedent in a court of law to deem Universal Life Church ministers (and ANY others ordained online -as determined by NC lawyers) unqualified to legally officiate marriage ceremonies in North Carolina. I am a retired Navy Chaplain/Minister/Episcopal Priest with formal religious education; including seminary, theology, and chaplain training. 40+ years experience. ***NOTE^^^ My recommendation for couples wanting friend/family who has "online ordination" to do their wedding ceremony is to have me do the legal basic wedding and marriage license paperwork (I'll do it at my home for $50)and then you can have anyone, ordained or not, do your wedding "ceremony". Understand that your marriage date will be the date I do the legal wedding, not the other "ceremony" date. I know weddings can be stressful so I make sure the couple, their families and friends are at ease. I stress that it is THEIR day and the ceremony is set up as THEY choose. I'm enclosing some helpful information. I am retired Navy Chaplain and Ordained Minister. I can assist with vows or answer any questions you may have about marriage license, vows, or your ceremony. I always quote "military-friendly" rates in the area as most everyone is active duty, veteran, or retired ( You do NOT need to be military). Feel free to contact me with any questions whether or not I do your ceremony. I have done ceremonies ranging from non-religious to strictly religious, and venues ranging from beach to very formal, and I'm comfortable in all settings. I have also done sand ceremonies, unity candles, and wine box ceremonies. NC MARRIAGE LICENSE: A marriage license issued in any county in NC is good for marriage anywhere in the state. License fee is $60 and licenses are good for 60 days. There is NO waiting period. Both of you will need a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, etc) (does NOT need to be a NC ID) and your Social Security Card or W-2. You can do the online application which will save you time when you go to pick up your license. Licenses are issued at county Register of Deeds offices in NC. SC MARRIAGE LICENSE: A marriage license issued in any county in SC is good for marriage anywhere in the state. There is a 24 waiting period between the time you apply for marriage license and then pick it up. Both of you will need a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, etc) (does NOT need to be a SC ID) and your Social Security Card or W-2. Licenses are issued at county Probate Court offices in SC. This is just a brief overview of a "traditional" wedding. Remember, it is YOUR wedding and can be done any way you want. First I do the "giving away of the bride" (if done). This eliminates the usual standing to the side until the preacher does the welcome/opening. I would congratulate/shake the hand of the person giving you away then have them put your hand in groom's hand. This way the couple is holding hands from beginning and affords best photo opportunities of the couple. Next I do the welcome/opening, then the "Declaration of intent" or "I Do's" as they are usually called. Next the two of you can use vows you have prepared for one another (or use traditional vows if you choose), then comes the Blessing/Exchange of rings, the Pronouncement as husband/wife, kissing the bride, and introduction of the couple if desired. If you want a sand ceremony or unity candle, letter, or wine box, that would usually be done after rings, before pronouncement Just a couple of notes. Be cautious of wedding officiants who have "online ordination" as their credentials as they cannot legally perform weddings in a number of states and municipalities. Also, unlike other vendors (DJ, photographers, etc) do NOT pay a wedding officiant in advance or pay a deposit. We also offer private weddings (no venue charge) at our historic home in Rowland, NC for small wedding parties. We have a decorated wedding arbor and private rooms for bride and groom to get ready. Times outside of normal business hours available with notice. See photos for inside/outside options. Sharing a special day with the couple. Military weddings are always special to me as most of my life has been spent in or associated with the military.