Hello to all of our Ministers, Officiants, and Friends!
While we frequently stress the importance of preparing for a wedding ceremony from technical and logistical standpoints, we don’t want you to forget that it's equally important to keep in touch with us and your fellow Ministers throughout the planning process.
In this month's newsletter, we’d love for you to meet someone just like you: someone who's been asked to officiate and now they’re excited, utilizing AMM's resources, and preparing for their upcoming ceremony.
Learn about why they got ordained, why those chose AMM, and why it’s so important to stay connected through commitment and building community.
Don't forget - here at American Marriage Ministries, we celebrate you just as much as the couples you serve!
Best,
Natasha Anakotta Outreach & Operations Manager
MEET A MINISTER
Name:Raquel From: Queens, New York Loves:Her wife, crafting, and running. (She’s run 7 half marathons and 2 full marathons!)
Why did you get ordained?
One evening our niece and her fiance ... asked me if I could officiate their wedding. Oh gosh, was I surprised, flattered, honored, at a loss for words. I said, yes! That night, I went online to research how to get ordained and found AMM.
Why did you choose American Marriage Ministries?
I'm cautious about doing things online. I've heard horror stories about people getting their identity stolen or getting scammed. AMM was transparent and informative about their process, local laws, and beliefs. Reading the website made me feel safe (that's number one), and like I was part of a movement - not just getting a license.
How does our mission align with your own beliefs?
AMM believes that "all people, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, have the right to marry." I think that as well.
Why is it important to stay connected with AMM - even if you haven't performed marriage yet?
I love keeping up with the advocacy that AMM does. It makes me feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself. For example, this summer, Tennessee enacted a discriminatory marriage law that targeted ministers who were ordained online - in other words, ministers most likely to perform same-sex marriages. AMM went down to Tennessee and performed two thousand in-person ordinations so ministers could continue marrying people. I'm getting goosebumps right now thinking about it.
What are you looking forward to most about performing marriage?
The party after the wedding! No, seriously, I'm looking forward to seeing our niece and soon to be nephew living in the moment of their marriage. I can't wait to see them laugh and cry and smile into each other's eyes as they say their vows. To read Raquel's full Q&A session - and follow her on her documented trip to register as an officiant in New York City (!) - check out our full feature on our American Weddings Blog.
Don’t forget to follow our American Weddings Blog for ceremony planning tips, professional guidance, industry trends, registration and policy updates, and more!
