Wesley W. Smith
Ordained Minister in Weare, New Hampshire
Why did you originally become an ordained minister online?
I originally became ordained for several non-religious friends who were planning to get married back in 2017 who were having difficulties finding affordable AND open-minded officiants in our area. While their marriage ultimately ended up being performed out of state by a family friend, I decided to keep the ordination active as a source of part-time income. I recently became an employee of my local town government, the nature of which requires becoming a justice of the peace. This has reinvigorated my interest in becoming a wedding officiant and funeral celebrant.
Where are you from?
Weare, NH
What do you hope to achieve with your online ordination?
I plan to specialize in non-Christian & non-traditional ceremonies for those growing populations in my area. Hand-fasting rituals, home blessings, same-sex unions, baby naming ceremonies, etc. I will extend my services to more traditional services, if requested, but my plan is to focus on the growing interest in less traditional options.
Religious Affiliations
Neopaganism
Additional Information
I personally identify as Neo-pagan, but as I mentioned earlier I am happy to extend my services to those of any faith or no faith.
What do you think makes your ceremonies special as a Weare, NH wedding officiant?
TL:DR - It's your wedding, do what YOU want, not what grandma approves of.
Spiritual connection and partners' commitment to self and each other come first in everything. So much judgement and expectation can be placed on these ceremonies by third-parties and society at large, that I believe we need to regularly remind ourselves and each other that when it comes to two people making the ultimate promise to one another, it needs to be done on THEIR terms.
Your aunt doesn't think hand-fasting is "real?" Tough, it is not her ceremony. Dad doesn't approve of an "internet ordained phony" who just "bought their credentials?" I don't work for him. The local Catholic church wants you to sign a bunch of papers and attend some weird counseling because your fiance was previously married and they want to make sure he's "truly divorced?" Screw that, I've got no hoops you need to jump through. The last officiant you spoke to won't let you write your own vows? Say them in Klingon if that makes you happy, I won't stop you.
I am here to help you make your most sacred of days as personal, memorable, and happy as possible. No judgement, no stipulations, no prerequisites. As long as we're all sound-minded, consenting, adults, what my clients want goes, whether its in a leafy meadow, the town hall conference room, or your backyard.
Are there particular areas near you where you prefer to travel or have special experience?
"Fee for Services" function acting wonky, so listing it here: My services start at $150 for simple services; exchange the vows, sign the license, take a picture or two, and go about our day. More specialized or extravagant services will run a little extra. I don't charge travel reimbursement if driving under 20 miles from my home.
Types of Service Offered
Marriages, Same-Sex Marriages, Renewal of Vows, Handfastings, Funerals, House Blessings, General Ministry, Spiritual Guidance
Additional Information
My ministry is a relatively new one, so apologies in advance for some processes being a little rough around the edges. I guarantee timeliness, accuracy, and dependability when it come to filing the right forms, returning calls, drafting the vows, etc., but there may be times we have to meet in a Starbucks while I'm wearing a screen tee and Crocs.