So, this is especially for anyone in the Richmond, Virginia area, but I will take advice from anyone!
We had planned on my best friend officiating our ceremony in Richmond, VA. He is a minister here in our home state of NC. Well, he was. Because of a recent church move on his part, he needed to complete leadership courses to become a minister in his new church. Because of COVID, these classes were canceled and for all intents and purposes, he is no longer a minister and cannot legally marry us in VA.
We are 3 months away and are not actually from Richmond (I was raised in VA but I have not lived there in years, so don't know any ministers). We are only slightly religious and two different denominations at that (FH is Baptist, I am Episcopal but baptized Catholic), and do not like "preachy" wedding services. And the wedding is on Halloween, which I feel a lot of ministers will have an issue with. I have no idea what to do now. Do we find a minister for hire? Has anyone had success with those? How much do you get to control about the ceremony with those to keep it short, sweet, to the point and not overly religious?
Really spinning with this. This is really the only hiccup we have run into because of COVID and I really cannot imagine my wedding without my best friend officiating it. We have been planning it that way for just about 3 years.
Any advice on finding and succeeding with a stranger officiating over your wedding would be appreciative! Any suggestions for the Richmond area would be even more appreciated!
