Helpful Links

Most of the information listed here is applicable to couples who are being married or civil unioned. However, because of recent legislation in the State of New Jersey defining same-sex marriage as a civil union, there are additional issues that these couples must consider and further information can be found here.

The State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services web site outlines how to apply for a marriage license or civil union license. From this site you can download the license application form.

I'll supply sample ceremonies to you for your review. Very often, you'll find specific words from different sample ceremonies that truly reflect your beliefs and dreams, and speak to who you are and where you feel your journey together will take you. You're encouraged to include as part of your own ceremony any passages, words, phrases, etc., you find in books, online, or from a friend's ceremony. We'll work together to achieve our ultimate goal — creating words that you and your guests will agree do, indeed, reflect your personalities and your special love for each other.

Vows and Readings

There is an almost unlimited supply of resources you can turn to for ideas for your vows and readings. I've provided a few of my favorites below and have also included various inspirational readings that have been used by other couples.

  • The International Commitment Ceremonies Registry provides dozens of short passages that can be used in both wedding and civil union ceremonies.
  • 100's of Contemporary to Traditional Wedding Vows and other verses, many appropriate for both wedding and civil union ceremonies.
  • Today's Weddings has compiled a list of Ceremony Readings that can be used for your wedding or civil union ceremony.
  • About.com:Weddings provides vows and readings, as well as everything you need to know from processional to recessional.

Books

The books listed here are those which I consider to be some of the best of the dozens that I've read discussing the world of weddings and civil unions. I am constantly updating this list with new titles that I've read or have received as gifts from my couples. Please, feel free to email me with any books you have read and would like to share with other couples.

  • The Knot Guide to Wedding Vows and Traditions by Carley Roney & the editors of The Knot. Copyright © 2000. Published by Broadway Books, a division of Random House, Inc. This is a great resource for sample vows, readings and quotes, as well as detailed descriptions of many of the rituals that are included in ceremonies from a variety of different cultures.

  • Promises to Keep: Crafting Your Wedding Ceremony by Ann Keeler Evans, M.Div. Copyright © 2001. Published by Emerald Earth Publishing. This is an easy and delightful book to read — one you'll refer to often. The information Ann provides is generally relevant for weddings or civil unions.

Additional Resources

  • About.com:Marriage — summarizes each state's marriage laws and requirements for obtaining a license.

  • Our Wedding Songs — ideas for music and songs for your ceremony.

  • GayRites.NET — the .NETwork for same-sex rituals, is devoted to all the rituals of LGBT life, from coming out through marriage/civil union to building a life together.