Hi,
We are going to be in Ireland in June for our 40 th wedding anniversary and would like to renew our vows. We were thinking about a chapel in Galway or else somewhere at the Burren. We have permission to use the Perfumery at the Burren but we need to find someone to officiate either at a location or at a chapel. Does anyone know of any resources like chambers of commerce, ministerial associations?
Not sure where to start.
Thanks, Jim Wilson
Posted by
Prague, Czech Republic
356 posts
Contact the local parish priest for whichever parish the chapel is in, and prepare to put your hand in your pocket.
Posted by
OP
California, USA
69 posts
Kinda figured we were going to be putting up some cash but it's a good investment. Don't know too much about Parishes or Preists but we will investigate.
Thanks
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
40 posts
Hi Jim,
Congratulations on 40 years of marriage! What a lovely place you've chosen to renew your vows.
If you don't have a particular religious affiliation, I suggest contacting the Church of Ireland, which would be part of the Anglican communion worldwide. I checked online and found this http://churchofirelandclare.com/ If you prefer a Catholic service then a search with those terms would likely turn up something there.
Pastors and parish priests typically officiate weddings for a fee, that is true. They are professionals who are taking time out of their typical schedule (and often time away from their family) to provide a service. In my experience with clergy in the family, they do not ask for a specific fee, but it is a kind acknowledgment of the time they've taken for people to offer an honorarium for the service they provide. It is very thoughtful to ask ahead of time what fee they might expect. Most are humble folk who will tell you that it's whatever you decide. I encourage you to ask about a clergy member who is available to serve you - I'm sure you'll find someone to help. I'm sure we've all seen the stereotype of the greedy cleric, but I can assure you that it's rare to encounter this in reality.
Again, congratulations on your anniversary. I hope you find the right person who will help you make your renewal very special.
Posted by
OP
California, USA
69 posts
Thanks Hilary for the link. That should be real helpful. We don't have a religious affiliation and it doesn't have to be a legal proceeding. We just thought it would be nice to have a small ceremony in a church or with a minister somewhere. We have no intention of putting anyone out, but if we can show up when they are already there we thought it would be special.
Thanks again, Jim
Posted by
1529 posts
Be sure to update us on yr progress
Posted by
OP
California, USA
69 posts
Sorry we haven't updated this. So far we haven't made any progress. Although we have found out that YWAM has several missions there and this group we are familiar with. So we are hoping to get in contact with them and see if they can officiate. Otherwise we may have to wait until we get there and search.