Is having a friend ordained online taboo?

PDX

I was just reading the nest post about having friends ordained online to marry you and it suggests that some see it as taboo. I've never heard of anyone thinking it was taboo...well maybe taboo because you're not being married in a church, but not specifically because it is a friend. Anyway, just wondering if anyone on this board considers it taboo or know of people who do.

zelda25

I was mystified by that, too.  We were married by a friend who was "ordained" online--not for our wedding, but years earlier--and didn't know it was an issue; my only concern was that it be legal (it is).  We're atheists and therefore had no church ties, so we were thrilled that a good friend was able to do the deed, and our ceremony wasn't religious in any way, shape, or form.

I'm sure more "traditional" folks would be horrified, though.

sogood

I don't feel it is taboo.  However, our friend/officiant who was ulc ordained for us did.  His family is strict Mexican Catholic and he didn't tell want them to know. 

Lo12*14*02

It does seem odd that in 5 minutes anyone can become official to marry a person.  There are obviously no requirements in Oregon other than a piece of paper, and I think some people want there to be something more to it.  But no, I don't think it's taboo.

zelda25

I don't think it's odd at all.  Marriage is a legal contract, and the state is responsible for verifying that you've jumped through the proper hoops before issuing the license.  If you want a truly religious ceremony full of religious traditions, etc., you're certainly entitled, but the officiant's path to being legal to marry people doesn't seem particularly relevant with regard to the "meaning" of the wedding, or the marriage.