A retired judge from Salem, Oregon, recently performed his 5,000th wedding ceremony. Richard Barber officiated at his first wedding in 1973 and is still going strong today. He has said that while he knows many judges really do not care to perform marriage ceremonies, he enjoys it. Barber spent 30 years on the Marion County Circuit Court. It may be said that he has seen it all, but there is still something refreshing about officiating over a couple's vows.
Some Unusual Circumstances
When you marry 10,000 people, there are bound to be a few ceremonies that do not exactly follow tradition. Barber officiated over marriages at the Oregon State Penitentiary and the Oregon State Hospital. One memorable wedding occurred at the Sacramento Jazz Festival, where the ceremony was featured on the festival program. It may also hold a special spot in Barber's memory as he is a jazz musician himself, a saxophonist.
Steady Work
Barber has been married for 60 years and has five children. He officiated at two of their weddings. His style seems to be one of simplicity. One couple he recently married met with Baber the day before the rehearsal. He walked them through the service, discussing some of the more common traditions. At the service, he added a few words of his own. After 5,000 ceremonies, the jurist is as pleased as ever to assist. He will officiate as long as people ask him, he says.
Not Just for Judges
You do not have to be a judge to officiate at a secular wedding ceremony. Nearly anyone may do it. If you do not happen to be a jurist, the most convenient way to become official is to use Get Ordained™. You do not need to be associated with any religious organization. It is simple and just takes moments. Additionally, the ordaining website may offer useful tips for organizing and performing a service for friends, family or anyone who may ask. Judge Barber offers some good tips:
- Take some time to meet with the couple before the service to listen to their thoughts and concerns and to offer some suggestions, if appropriate.
- Be confident enough to add a few original and personal words to the service both the couple and any participants may appreciate the human touch.
- Be willing and available!
Officiants May Be Flexible
A relaxed and professional officiant may have a good deal to offer a couple getting married. Flexibility may be at the top of the list. Once you yourself are official, you may conduct a service virtually anywhere. You and the couple are not bound by the confines of a church or other house of worship if you do not care to be. You may marry couples at the beach, in the woods, at a theme park, at a music festival and even, if necessary, at a hospital or jail. A good officiant may also accept without judgment whatever set of circumstances the couple brings to the situation. You may participate in the organization of the event at whatever level the couple needs and wants. At a minimum, you may prepare a statement or two of greeting and acknowledgment, offer an introduction to the vows, and provide a few closing words.
Officiate as a Favor or as a Professional
It would be safe to say that there must be something about Judge Barber that has couples lining up to be married by him. You may be asked to perform a ceremony for friends one time, and then find you enjoy the experience enough to offer your services to others. Officiating may be an opportunity to do something for others while making a bit of money as well. Or, like the judge, you may simply enjoy it. Either way, officiating may be a highly rewarding interaction.
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