Often a couple will want a wedding that is a bit more personal than a civil ceremony, but they have no church with which they are affiliated. They are concerned that their wedding must be performed by a mayor, judge or other civil servant who really has no interest in who they are or what they want. Other couples want a non-religious ceremony, but want a spiritual or romantic mood on their special day. Still others are interfaith couples who would like both faiths represented at the wedding, but find that their own clergy are reluctant to co-officiate with someone of another belief system. Then there are those couples who want something really unique: a ceremony underwater, up in a hot air balloon or on a beach at sunset. Who will perform this ceremony for them? How do you go about getting a ceremony that says just what is in your hearts?

The answer to these questions is not that hard. You need a non-denominational minister. This means a minister who does not have a specific religious affiliation, such as Lutheran, Presbyterian, or Baptist, but is affiliated with an established non-denominational church. A non-denominational minister should be able to perform wedding ceremonies that meet each couples desires and expectations. He or she can perform ceremonies with Christian, Jewish, Buddhist or any other elements. They should also be able to perform a ceremony with absolutely no mention of a higher power at all if that is what you want. Each ceremony should be a reflection of the individual couple's idea of the perfect ceremony and an expression of exactly what they want to say.

Many of the community churches across the country are now becoming non-denominational. This frees them from following the strict doctrines set forth by many of the other denominations. A denomination, for instance, may allow weddings to take place only within the church itself. It may also allow only one specified ceremony with no allowance for a couple to write their own vows or otherwise modify the ceremony. Some denominations do not allow the use of unity candles or memorial candles. Even though the pastor or minister may not agree with the churches doctrine, he or she is forced to follow because they are a member of that denomination. A non-denominational minister has no such denominational restrictions and can help you tailor the ceremony to your wants and needs.

One famous non-denominational minister you may have heard of is Billy Graham. His evangelic ministry preaches Christian beliefs but is not tied to any denomination.