Many of the weddings I officiate are multi-denominational and for couples of diverse backgrounds. Some couples choose to honor their cultural backgrounds or diverse beliefs in their ceremony. I am very open and appreciative of couples who chose to do so (it’s interesting!). My only request is that I not be asked to do anything that your elders or spiritual community would find inappropriate because it is a ceremony or tradition reserved for “holy leaders” in your culture.
I have officiated three ceremonies that included the Hindu 7 steps. Two were modern Americanized adaptations. Stephanie and Shashank had a traditional ceremony. I stepped aside for that portion of the ceremony to be led by the groom’s uncle in Sanskrit and English. It worked out beautifully!
Connie and Brett honored commonly known and openly shared Native American traditions in the wedding ceremony they created. Held at Snug Harbor in Hammondsport, guests were smudged as they entered the circle, to the accompaniment of original sacred flute music by Al Cleveland. The couple began with a ceremonial washing of hands to wash away past wrongdoings and memories of past loves. Poetry and readings from a variety of tribes were shared as well as some general teachings. Integral parts of the ceremony included the wedding vase, wedding blanket and prayer stick. Rings were blessed honoring the directions and elements. Connie and Brett chose to join in marriage the same weekend that Genundowa, the festival of lights, is celebrated. Photos by Robert Gelder.
"We ask the Great Spirit to bless these rings. May they ground the wearer in the sweet Mother Earth so that Connie and Brett may be a solid support for each other in their life together. As the rings glisten in the warmth of Grandfather Sun may the wearer feel secure and loved. May they carry the wisdom of Father Sky so that issues may be resolved as gently as a feather floats in the wind. And when these rings reflect the light of Grandmother Moon may these rings reflect the power and beauty of love."
Char's and James's ceremony, written by the bride, included a reading in Cantonese by the bride’s brother followed by a Tea Ceremony symbolizing the uniting of the couple and their families. In this lovely tradition the bride and groom shared tea and then served tea to their immediate families.
Some couples have global, inclusive spiritual beliefs and choose to incorporate many traditions, symbols and rituals into their ceremony. Steve and Melissa had pre-ceremony Reiki Healings.
They used Crystals, a Tibetan Singing Bowl, Celtic Handfasting, two Native American Readings and the Oriah Mountain Dreamer poem, The Invitation, in their ceremony.
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Jay and Mariah were married in Lamberton Conservatory in Highland Park. Their ceremony included readings by both mothers and an aunt, a Unity Candle Ceremony, reading of Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) in Hebrew and English, Breaking of the Glass, and a toast to the couple.