Marriage Laws in different states

[karmatso]

The swastika has appeared in many cultures throughout history, including Hindi, Buddhist, Native American, Celtic, Roman, Greek, and others.

In some Buddhist sects, it is used to signify Buddha's heart, and his footprints. It can also be an auspicious symbol bringing good fortune. It can be found on many Tibetan monasteries, and even clothing as a decoration. Due to the negative connotations, it has been left out for the most part when Buddhism has been brought to the west.

Getting back to the marriage question, I am curious as to how many have actually performed a Dudeist wedding. I think it would be great.

[cckeiser]

The swastika has appeared in many cultures throughout history, including Hindi, Buddhist, Native American, Celtic, Roman, Greek, and others.

In some Buddhist sects, it is used to signify Buddha's heart, and his footprints. It can also be an auspicious symbol bringing good fortune. It can be found on many Tibetan monasteries, and even clothing as a decoration. Due to the negative connotations, it has been left out for the most part when Buddhism has been brought to the west.

Getting back to the marriage question, I am curious as to how many have actually performed a Dudeist wedding. I think it would be great.

Good post dude. Thanks for the info.
Welcome to the forum dude. Any rug in the place dude!

[karmatso]

The swastika has appeared in many cultures throughout history, including Hindi, Buddhist, Native American, Celtic, Roman, Greek, and others.

In some Buddhist sects, it is used to signify Buddha's heart, and his footprints. It can also be an auspicious symbol bringing good fortune. It can be found on many Tibetan monasteries, and even clothing as a decoration. Due to the negative connotations, it has been left out for the most part when Buddhism has been brought to the west.

Getting back to the marriage question, I am curious as to how many have actually performed a Dudeist wedding. I think it would be great.

Good post dude. Thanks for the info.
Welcome to the forum dude. Any rug in the place dude!

Thank You. Good to be here.

[meekon5]

The swastika has appeared in many cultures throughout history, including Hindi, Buddhist, Native American, Celtic, Roman, Greek, and others.

In some Buddhist sects, it is used to signify Buddha's heart, and his footprints. It can also be an auspicious symbol bringing good fortune. It can be found on many Tibetan monasteries, and even clothing as a decoration. Due to the negative connotations, it has been left out for the most part when Buddhism has been brought to the west.

Getting back to the marriage question, I am curious as to how many have actually performed a Dudeist wedding. I think it would be great.

Good post dude. Thanks for the info.
Welcome to the forum dude. Any rug in the place dude!

And the bars over there, welcome Dude.

[karmatso]

The swastika has appeared in many cultures throughout history, including Hindi, Buddhist, Native American, Celtic, Roman, Greek, and others.

In some Buddhist sects, it is used to signify Buddha's heart, and his footprints. It can also be an auspicious symbol bringing good fortune. It can be found on many Tibetan monasteries, and even clothing as a decoration. Due to the negative connotations, it has been left out for the most part when Buddhism has been brought to the west.

Getting back to the marriage question, I am curious as to how many have actually performed a Dudeist wedding. I think it would be great.

Good post dude. Thanks for the info.
Welcome to the forum dude. Any rug in the place dude!

And the bars over there, welcome Dude.

Thanks Dude!

[Pancake Waitress]

Oh wow, am I late to this party, Dudes! I'm hoping someone can answer my question, though...

My state says

Marriages may be performed by any ordained minister of the gospel who resides in the state and is in good standing with his church. Ministers not residing in the state may obtain permission to perform a marriage upon application to the Secretary of State. --- Ministers must send a copy of the marriage certificate to the town clerk. ---For questions see the town clerk.

While I know that Dudeism absolutely is "the gospel," do you Dudes know what "the gospel" means in this legal sense? I'm hoping it doesn't just mean gospel of Abrahamic religions, but I can't figure that out. 

[Busmum]

pancake waitress, i think it depends on the state in which you reside-- for example, california is very different from ohio:

snipped from http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/Pages/FAQforMarriageLicenseCeremonyInfo.aspx

What authorization do I need to perform a marriage in California?
In California, it is the ordination or investment by the denomination that gives each clergy member the authority to perform the marriage rite. Family Code, Sections 400-402 are the statutes pertaining to whom can solemnize a marriage in California.
What statutes do I need to know to perform a marriage in California?
The marriage officiant who performs the marriage ceremony must know the California laws regarding the performance of a marriage and the requirements for officiants. Family Code, Sections 420-425 are the statutes pertaining to the performance of a marriage in California. Please visit California Legislative Information for the full Family Code sections.
Can Captains of the Salvation Army perform marriages in California?
Yes. Captains of the Salvation Army are permitted to perform marriages in California.
Can the captain of a ship solemnize a California marriage?
It depends. Ships? captains have no authority to solemnize California marriages unless they fall into one of the categories listed under Family Code, Section 400-401.
Can a Medicine Man perform marriages?
Yes. Native American religions are recognized as ?denominations.? A religious leader or a Shaman is authorized to perform marriages. If the title of the religious leader is Medicine Man, then he is eligible to perform marriages.

also, from http://law.onecle.com/california/family/400.html

California Family Code Section 400
Legal Research Home > California Laws > Family Code > California Family Code Section 400
Marriage may be solemnized by any of the following who is of the age of 18 years or older:    
(a) A priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination.    
(b) A judge or retired judge, commissioner of civil marriages or retired commissioner of civil marriages, commissioner or retired commissioner, or assistant commissioner of a court of record in this state.    
(c) A judge or magistrate who has resigned from office.    
(d) Any of the following judges or magistrates of the United States:    (1) A justice or retired justice of the United States Supreme Court.    (2) A judge or retired judge of a court of appeals, a district court, or a court created by an act of Congress the judges of which are entitled to hold office during good behavior.    (3) A judge or retired judge of a bankruptcy court or a tax court.    (4) A United States magistrate or retired magistrate.    
(e) A legislator or constitutional officer of this state or a Member of Congress who represents a district within this state, while that person holds office.  

apparently, the authorized person needs only to be able to file the certificate properly, according to Family Code 420-425. so the question remains... are we an officially recognized religious denomination?

remember, this isn't official advice... you would want to check it out, mang!  

[Pancake Waitress]

Thanks, Busmum!

I live in NH - a quick Google didn't turn up exactly what's meant by "of the gospel," but perhaps I'll try again when I have a leetle more time. I have a feeling it would be fine for Dudeist Priests to do this, but it's those three words that are confusing.

I really should just ask my Town Clerk, who is awesome, but this is a small town and I'm a little nervous it'd set tongues to wagging (liberal though it mostly is).

[Busmum]

Thanks, Busmum!

I live in NH - a quick Google didn't turn up exactly what's meant by "of the gospel," but perhaps I'll try again when I have a leetle more time. I have a feeling it would be fine for Dudeist Priests to do this, but it's those three words that are confusing.

I really should just ask my Town Clerk, who is awesome, but this is a small town and I'm a little nervous it'd set tongues to wagging (liberal though it mostly is).

oooooH! a real-live town clerk? awesome! you could always say, "well, i've got this FRIEND, see.." 

definitely ask-- even small town talk dies down after about 100 years, and more than a few witch burnings, lol... 

keep us updated!

[Busmum]

you know, i was thinking... some states offer a "deputy for the day" type of deal... and then there's always these people:

http://www.theamm.org/become-a-minister

if states accept it as a legal denomination... well yeah. and you can perform your ceremony in any style you wish, as long as the proper paperwork is done. a handy work around, maybe, until we can gain our own legal standing?

[Yvelysse]

Sadly most states do not recognize common law.
Texas, the state I current reside in does. . . HOWEVER this does not make anything legal. I would do with Dudist marriages like I did with Homeschooling, I would make my own certificate for the wedded couples.
(My children have Homeschooling certificates of completion. They have been offered jobs with this and can still get a GED if they desire to legalize it.)

If the state recognizes it voila, all is good. If the state doesn't then they can go through other hoops.
(For legality purposes only.  I won't mention them here because it might cause a flood of other issues. Private me if you MUST know.)

I truly believe we have the right to perform a wedding/marriage for people who are willing to become a couple on their own volition. If I feel one of the pair, REALLY does not want to be bound to the other or sense any coercion I would not perform the ceremony. PeRoId

[BigBossMan]

In Maryland, any adult can sign as clergy, as long as the couple who are getting married agree that he is a clergy. The celebrant doesn't have to be a resident, register in advance, or fulfil any other requirements.

Maryland changed the law in 2005.

2010 Maryland Code
FAMILY LAW
TITLE 2 - MARRIAGE
Subtitle 4 - Licensing and Performance
Section 2-406 - Performance of ceremony.
Share |

? 2-406. Performance of ceremony.


(a)  Authorized officials.- 

(1) In this subsection, "judge" means:

(i) a judge of the District Court, a circuit court, the Court of Special Appeals, or the Court of Appeals;

(ii) a judge approved under Article IV, ? 3A of the Maryland Constitution and ? 1-302 of the Courts Article for recall and assignment to the District Court, a circuit court, the Court of Special Appeals, or the Court of Appeals;

(iii) a judge of a United States District Court, a United States Court of Appeals, or the United States Tax Court; or

(iv) a judge of a state court if the judge is active or retired but eligible for recall.

(2) A marriage ceremony may be performed in this State by:

(i) any official of a religious order or body authorized by the rules and customs of that order or body to perform a marriage ceremony;

(ii) any clerk;

(iii) any deputy clerk designated by the county administrative judge of the circuit court for the county; or

(iv) a judge. 

So long as you have the Letter of Good Standing, you're good to go in Maryland.

[TulsaDudeistChick]

Not sure if anyone has shared the Oklahoma experience so here goes....

All I needed was my official letter of good standing & a pulse. Seriously. I went to the Tulsa County Court House, presented the letter, gave them a copy I had already Xeroxed to speed up the process & I was given a voided Marriage License with instructions on how to complete it following the ceremony. I have an official book & page number -- and by the power vested in me by the State of Oklahoma, I am legally certified to perform marriages! I was shocked that there was no fee for me, I wasn't required to sign anything and I wasn't even ID'ed.

[RevKev]

That's cool, man! Funny, I live in Tulsa and I was doing the research on the whole license thing just last week! I am glad to know they like, just take it easy on us, man.....     

Keep the faith

[RevMattson]

Anybody ever tried in Michigan.  The laws stated are really confusing.  I don't want to pay ant fines.  Any fellow Dudeists in Michigan with incite?