MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One in five Americans identifies themselves as religiously unaffiliated, which directly impacts the where and how of a destination wedding. Today, more brides and grooms are turning to a Wedding Officiant or a Celebrant who can perform alternative or non-traditional ceremonies in places where mainstream clergy will not, creating a growing demand within the bridal industry.
“Although I was raised in the Christian faith, my husband-to-be is not religious at all,” said Jane Stewart, a New York bride who plans to wed in Miami. “When we started planning our wedding we decided to create a ceremony that fit us as a couple, without emphasizing one person’s faith. We plan to wed on the beach, barefoot and write our own vows.”
Celebrant ceremonies are also very popular with interfaith couples who might not belong to a house of worship but want something more personalized than a notary or county clerk can give. Typically a wedding or a commitment service officiated by a Celebrant centers on the couple’s love story, which is obtained with a “get-to-know-you” interview and questionnaire.
“Just because a couple prefers to marry outside a church or other religious institution does not mean they must forgo a beautiful and meaningful ceremony,” says Lucie O’Sullivan, a Certified Celebrant & Wedding Officiant based in Miami. “My clients are discerning and well educated and are looking for more than a cookie-cutter template for their wedding ceremony. From wedding tea ceremonies to interfaith and same-sex partners wanting to honor their commitment to one another, couples now have more choices in creating a highly personal and memorable ceremony,” said O’Sullivan, who officiates in Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties.
O’Sullivan, who originally hails from Ireland and is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin in Theology, became a Certified Celebrant after a seven month course run by the Celebrant Institute and Foundation in New Jersey. “I do, I do’s for a living,” she laughed. “Writing love stories is the best job in the world…especially with so many stunning wedding locations all over south Florida. For some reason, having an Irish accent has definitely increased my marketability.”
For more information about Celebrant ceremonies, contact Lucie O’Sullivan Services LLC at 305.609.8809 or visit www.lucieosullivan.com
