Can I Have A Friend Perform The Wedding Ceremony?

Sometimes I am asked if a friend can officiate the wedding. Most states require that a person who officiates a wedding be a minister or judge. That officiant also must be registered to perform weddings in the place the wedding is done. The registration process is sometimes difficult and has legal issues. I have read on some web pages that you can have a friend "ordained" on the web, register, then perform the ceremony. That is a lot of paper work and risky at times so I offer to allow the friend participate in the ceremony avoiding the need to become a minister for a day. I find that when family and friends help out in a ceremony by either being a reader or master of ceremonies that the audience is more attentive. Just me standing there reciting things is not as entertaining as having a dear friend stand up and read a poem or tell a story. Grandparents are wonderful at that sort of thing. I do not think going through the paper work of an ordination for a day is necessary. The friend or family member can participate and assist in the ceremony and no risky web page ordination is necessary. I often tell couples be sure that the person doing the ceremony is registered and capable to avoid future issues like learning the friend gets too nervous to speak  or somehow discover the marriage was not legal. As I am a professional wedding officiant I do not assist in having people ordained on the web to perform a friend's ceremony. That is what I do, weddings, for a living. A friend can assist in the service if the couple desires they have a part to play.

 A recent news article says to be cautious with having a friend be ordained simply to do a friends wedding, it may not be legal see: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/18/fashion/weddings/making-sure-that-online-officiant-is-legal.html

Elope and save money and stress

Often couples contact me as I have a web page that says you can get married for under $300 at a historic spot or a beautiful public park. They do not desire to go through the stress and planning of a large wedding with a lot of expense so they call and e-mail me about details of something simple, nice, but cheap. Over the last 15 years I have tried to help those couples out by finding nice spots where up to ten people can gather and we do a small wedding. Most public parks allow picnics and most elopements are actually smaller than a picnic. We find a spot,  gather together and do a short legal wedding ceremony to comply with law and they are married. After that couples like to do something special. Some take a cruise or head to a nice restaurant or a carriage ride in the French Quarter. A simple elopement removes the stress and expense of a large wedding. I also do large weddings at many local places but have discovered a lot of couples would rather just get married in a nice spot but not a Court House.
 Several lovely parks, the lake front, and other spots are available in New Orleans for elopements. I also have used several nice areas in the French Quarter and along the river. If the public can gather for a family function then a simple elopement is also allowed. If you have any questions e-mail for details.

 See this web page for more details: http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/weddings.html

New Orleans Area Weddings Rental Halls

New Orleans
Weddings Rental Halls

Wedding Venues In New Orleans

Places to Get Married
Weddings In New Orleans

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Alphabetical List of Some New Orleans
Area Rental Halls, Hotels and Restaurants
That Have Weddings In New Orleans, Louisiana

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Chaplain Schwehm has celebrated a wedding ceremony at most of these locations. Ask him about them. Some rent out for weddings some for food service. There are a few that are free to use with purchase of food service. Some local parks have free spots for small elopements. Each has different levels of decor and service.  Some are easy to get to via streetcar. ChaplainSchwehm@figstreet.com

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American Legion Post 175

504-833-8775

2431 Metairie Road Metairie

LA 70001

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American Legion Post 267

504-833-7984

3001 River Road Jefferson

LA 70121

American Legion Post 350

504-835-3686

1023 Ridgewood Drive Metairie

LA 70001

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Andrea's Restaurant 504-834-8583

3100 19th Street Metairie

LA 70002

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Antoines Restaurant 504-581-4044

713 Saint Louis Street New

Orleans LA 70130

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Arnauds Restaurant

504-522-8767

French Quarter New

Orleans LA 70140

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Audubon Tea Room 504-861-5101

6500 Magazine Street New

Orleans LA 70118

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Audubon Cottages

(Part of the Maison D'Ville Hotel)

727 Rue Toulouse

New Orleans, LA 70130

T: 504.561.5858

http://www.maisondeville.com/

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Augie's Glass Garden Restaurant 504-835-3300

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Avenue Plaza Hotel & Spa

504-566-1212

2111 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans LA

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Bacco Restaurant

504-522-2426

310 Chartres Street New

Orleans LA 70130

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The Balcony 504-885-8001

4738 Utica Street Metairie

LA 70006

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Begues Restaurant 504-586-0300

300 Bourbon Street New

Orleans LA 70130

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Bella Luna Restaurant 504-529-1583

closed

914 N Peters Street New

Orleans LA 70116

www.bellalunarestaurant.com

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Benachi House 504-525-7040

2257 Bayou Rd. Street New

Orleans LA

http://www.nolabb.com/

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Bourbon Orleans Hotel 504-558-3807

717 Orleans Street New

Orleans LA 70116

Bourbon Vieux Room 504-566-0501

501 Bourbon Street New

Orleans LA 70130

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Brennan's Restaurant

504-525-7023

417 Royal Street New

Orleans LA 70130

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Broussard's Restaurant 504-581-3866

819 Conti Street New Orleans LA

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Cannon's Restaurant 504-891-3200

4141 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans LA 70115

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Caribbean Room 504-524-0581

2031 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans LA 70130

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Carlone's 504-838-9906

100 N Labarre Road Metairie

LA

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Carmelo Ristorante 504-586-1414

541 Decatur Street New

Orleans LA 70130

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Chart House Restaurant

504-523-2015

801 Chartes Street New

Orleans LA 70116

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Chateau East 504-241-3587

5740 Bundy Rd New Orleans

LA

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Chateau Sonesta Hotel 504-586-0800

800 Iberville Street New

Orleans LA 70130

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City Park

504-488-2896

1 Palm Dr. New

Orleans LA

http://figstreet.com/guesthouse/parks.html

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The Coulumns Hotel 504-899-9308

3811 St. Charles Ave. New

Orleans LA 70115

Crystal Plantation 504-467-1636

2716 Indiana Av. Kenner LA

70062

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Dauphine Orleans Hotel 504-586-1800

415 Dauphine Street New Orleans LA 70112

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Degas House 504-821-5009

2306 Esplanade Ave New

Orleans LA

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Dimaggio's Rose Garden 504-737-1300

5616 Citrus Blvd. Jefferson LA

70123

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Dominique's Restaurant 504-522-8000

New Management New Name

1001 Toulouse Street New

Orleans LA 70112

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Doubletree Hotel 504-581-1300

300 Canal Street New

Orleans LA 70130

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Elms Mansion 504-895-5493

3029 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans LA

70115

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English Turn 504-392-2200

One Clubhouse Dr. New Orleans

LA

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Fair Grounds 504-944-5515

1751 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans

LA 70119

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Fairmont Hotel 504-529-7111

New Roosevelt Hotel now

123 Baronne Street New Orleans LA

70122

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Farhad Grotto 504-737-0604

2310 Hickory Ave. New Orleans

LA 70123

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Fine Arts Center 504-269-3922

1733 Constantinople Street New Orleans

LA 70115

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Five Happiness Imperials Room

504-486-0820

3511 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans

LA 70118

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Food Art

504-524-2381

801 Carondolet Street New Orleans

LA 70130

www.foodartinc.com

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Gallier Hall 504-565-7457

545 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans LA

70115

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Hard Rock Café

504-529-5617

418 Peters Street New Orleans

LA 70130

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Historic French Market Inn

504-561-5621

501 Decatur Street New Orleans

LA 70130

http://www.frenchmarketinn.com/

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Holiday Inn/Chateau Le Moyne

504-581-1303

301 Dauphine Street

New Orleans

LA

70131

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Holiday Inn/French Quarter

504-529-7211

124 Royal Street

New Orleans

LA

70112

Hotel Chateau Dupre

504-569-0600

131 Decatur Street New Orleans

LA 70130

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Hotel Monteleone

504-523-3341

214 Royal Street New Orleans

LA 70130

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Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

504-561-1234

500 Poydras Plaza New Orleans LA 70113

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India Palace

504-889-2436

3322 Turnbull Drive Metairie

LA 70002

www.indiapalacerestaurant.com

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Jackson Square

French Quarter New Orleans, LA.

New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways

504/286-2100

http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/jacksonsquarewedding.html

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June El's Reception and Conference Center

504-246-4142

10901 Chef Menteur Hwy New Orleans

LA

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Jefferson Orleans South

504-454-6105

2536 Edenborn Av. Metairie LA

70002

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Kelsey's Restaurant

504-897-6722

3923 Magazine Street New Orleans

LA 70115

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Kenner Pavilion, Kenner City

Park

38oo Loyola Dr.

Kenner, La.

City of Kenner

http://www.kenner.la.us/recreation.html#events

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Lakewood Country Club

504-393-2610

4801 General De Gualle Dr. New Orleans

LA 70131

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Landmark Hotel

504-888-9500

2601 Severn Av. New Orleans LA

70002

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Landry's Seafood House

Also on the Lake Front

504-558-0038

400 North Peters Street New Orleans

LA 70130

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LePavillion Hotel

504-581-3111

833 Poydras Street New Orleans

LA 70112

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Louis XVI Restaurant

504-581-7000

730 Bienville Street New Orleans

LA

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Maison Dupuy Hotel

504-586-8000

1001 Toulouse Street

New Orleans LA 70112

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Hotel Maison de Ville

727 Rue Toulouse

New Orleans, LA 70130

T: 504.561.5858

http://www.maisondeville.com/

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Mardi Gras World

504-361-7821

233 Newton Street

New Orleans

LA

70114

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Margaritaville Café

504-592-2565

1104 Decatur Street New Orleans

LA 70116

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Michaul's Cajun Restaurant

504-522-5517

840 St. Charles Avenue

New Orleans

LA

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Mid-City Lanes Rock 'N Bowl

504-482-3133

S Carrolton Avenue New Orleans

LA 70119

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Mike Andersons Seafood Restaurant

504-524-3884

215 Bourbon Street New Orleans

LA 70131

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Muses Bed and Breakfast 504/522-7976

1455 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA.

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Monteleone Hotel 504-523-3341

214 Royal Street New Orleans

LA 70131

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Musee Conti Wax Museum

504-525-2605

917 Conti Street

New Orleans

LA

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New Orleans Yacht Club

504-283-2581

403 North Raodway Street

New Orleans LA 70124

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New Orleans Board of Trade Events Center

316

Board of Trade Place


New Orleans, Louisiana 70130,


(504) 915-0221

http://neworleansbot.com/

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Omni Royal Crescent Hotel

504-527-0006

535 Gravier Street

New Orleans

LA

70130

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Omni Royal Orleans Hotel

504-529-5333

621 Saint Louis Street New Orleans

LA 70131

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Ormond Country Club

504-466-8881

10 Villere Drive

Destrehan

LA

70047

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Ormond Plantation

504-764-8544

8407 River Road

Destrehan

LA

70047

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Partysist

504-488-4234

8020 Olive Street New Orleans LA

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Pat O'Brien Private Parties

504-561-1200

624 Bourbon Street New Orleans

LA 70130

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Pirates Alley Cafe

622 Pirates Alley, New Orleans , La.

http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/elopetopiratesalley.html

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Place D'Armes Hotel

625 St. Anne St. New Orleans, La.

1-800-366-2743

http://www.placedarmes.com/

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Poche Plantation

225-562-7728

6554 La Hwy 44 Convent

LA

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Pontchatrain Center

504-465-9985

4545 Williams Blvd. Kenner

LA 70065

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Presidential Palace

504-467-3500

1800 Vintage Drive Kenner

LA 70065

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Radisson Hotel New Orleans

504-522-4500

1500 Canal Street New Orleans

LA 70112

Ramada Hotel

504-566-1200

2203 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans

LA

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Red Fish Grill Banquet Sales

504-598-3474

240 Chartres Street New Orleans

LA 70130

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Rhythms

504-523-3800

227 Bourbon Street New Orleans

LA 70131

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Ridgeway Banquet Facility

504-833-2800

2431 Metairie Road New Orleans

LA 70001

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The Ritz Carlton New Orleans

504-524-1331

921 Canal Street New Orleans

LA

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Riverview Room

504-525-3000

Jackson Brewery New Orleans

LA

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Rose Garden of Jefferson

504-737-1300

5616 Citrus Blvd. New Orleans

LA 70123

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Rosy's Jazz Hall

504-896-7679

500 Valence Street New Orleans

LA

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Royal Sonesta Hotel

504-586-0300

300 Bourbon Street New Orleans

LA 70130

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Sclafani's Restaurant

504-241-4472

9900 Hayne Blvd. New Orleans LA

70127

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Shalimar Indian Cuisine

504-523-0099

535 Wilkinson Street New Orleans

LA

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Sheraton New Orleans Hotel 504-595-5578

500 Canal Street New Orleans

LA

70130

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Smilies Plantation Room

504-733-3000

5725 Jefferson Highway New Orleans

LA 70123

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Southern Oaks Plantation

504-245-8221

7816 Hayne Blvd.

New Orleans LA 70126

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Spanish Plaza Fountain

Canal St. at the River

http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/spanishplazawedding.html

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St. Charles Restaurant & Catering

504-522-6600

333 St. Charles Avenue New

Orleans LA 70130

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Stonebridge Country Club

504-394-8896

1500 Stonebridge Drive Gretna

LA 70056

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Venusian Gardens (504) 943-7446

2601

Chartres Street


New Orleans LA 70117

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The Walnut Room 504-241-2561

New Orleans Lakefront Airport New Orleans

LA

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University Park Lions Home

504-466-9031

523 W Esplanade Avenue Kenner

LA

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W Hotel New Orleans 504-525-9444

333 Poydras Street New Orleans LA

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Windsor Court Hotel 504-523-6000

300 Gravier Street New

Orleans LA 70130

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Woodland Plantation

1-800-231-1514

21997 HWY 23 Myrtle

Grove LA 70083

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New Orleans Fig Street Weddings

Jerry Kenneth Schwehm served as as Justice of the Peace in 1990 to 1994 in Slidell, La. and was ordained in 1989 as a Lay Minister after serving as Elder and Deacon in his church for many years. He has a BA and JD from Louisiana State University (1972) and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from a local Bible Church in 1990. He has performed numerous wedding ceremonies and is available in the Greater New Orleans area to perform your personalized marriage ceremony. He will go to your location or at his office in Fig Street Studio, or a park in Slidell, LA.. He may be contacted at www.figstreet.com/weddings

Copyright © 2003 [Fig Street, LLC]. All rights reserved.

Poems At A Wedding

Nothing set the mood at a wedding ceremony better than a poem. Couples should choose a poem that represents them, what they feel about marriage, or a sentiment they share. There are many poems on the web at several links and a few favorites listed below.

A Marriage
By Michael Blumenthal

You are holding up a ceiling
with both arms. It is very heavy,
but you must hold it up, or else
it will fall down on you. Your arms
are tired, terribly tired,
and, as the day goes on, it feels
as if either your arms or the ceiling
will soon collapse.

But then,
unexpectedly,
something wonderful happens:
Someone,
a man or a woman,
walks into the room
and holds their arms up
to the ceiling beside you.

So you finally get
to take down your arms.
You feel the relief of respite,
the blood flowing back
to your fingers and arms.
And when your partner's arms tire,
you hold up your own
to relieve him again.

And it can go on like this
for many years
without the house falling.

The fountains mingle with the river, and the rivers with the ocean; The winds of heaven mix forever, with the sweet emotion; Nothing in the world is single; all things by a law divine in one another's being mingle. Why not I with thing? All love is sweet. Given or returned. Common as light is love. And its familiar voice wearies not ever. They who inspire it most are fortunate, As I am now but those who feel it most are happier still A- Percy Bysshe Shelly But to see her was to love her, love but her, and love her forever Robert Burns Come when my heart is full of grief, Or when my heart is merry; Come with the falling of the leaf, or with the reddening cherry Paul Laurence Dunbar Look not in my eyes, for fear They mirror true the sight I see, And there you find your face too clear, And love it and be lost like me A. E. Housman Thou wert my joy in every spot, My theme in every song, And when I saw a stranger face Where beauty held the claim, I gave it like a secret grace The being of thy name. And all the charms of a face or voice Which I in others see Are but the recollected choice Of what I felt for thee John Clare What love is, if though wouldst be taught, Thy heart must teach along-, two souls with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one Friedrich Halm Just because I love you- That's reason why. My heart's a fluttering aspen leaf, When you pass by. Langston Hughes O my luve's like a red, red rose. That's newly sprung in June; O my luve's like a melodie That's sweetly play'd in tune. As fair art thou, my bonnie lass, So deep in luve am I; And I will love thee still, my Dear, Till a' the seas gang dry. Till a' the seas gang dry, my Dear, and the rocks melt wi' th the sun: I will luve thee still, my Dear, While the sands o' life shall run. And fare thee weel my only Luve! And fare thee weel a while! And I will come gain, my Luve, Tho' it were ten thousand mile! Robert Burns Fame, wealth, and honor! What are you to Love? Alexander Pope Were I as base as is the lowly plain, And you, my Love, as high as heaven above, Yet should the thoughts of me, your humble swain, Ascend to heaven in honor of my love. Were I as high as heaven above plain, And you, my Love, as humble and as low As are the deepest bottoms of the main, Wheresoe'er you were, with you my love shouuld go. Were you the earth, dear Love, and I the skies, My love should shine on you like to the sun, And look upon you with ten thousand eyes Till heaven waxed blind, and till the world were dun. Wheresoe'er I am, below, or else above you, Wheresoe'er you are, my heart shall truly love you. Joshua Sylvester We cannot kindle when we will The fire which in the heart resides; The spirit bloweth and is still, In mystery our soul abides. Matthew Arnold Our state cannot be severed, we are one, one flesh; to lose thee were to lose myself John Milton So shall a friendship fill each heart, with perfume sweet as roses are, That even though we be apart, We'll scent the fragrance from afar. Georgia McCoy If a thing loves, it is infinite William Blake Kisses are better fate than wisdom E. E. Cummings That old miracle-Love at first sight- Needs no explanations. The heart reads aright Its destiny sometimes. Owen Meredith They sin who tell us love can die; With life all other passions fly, All others are but vanity. Robert southey I do not know what it is about you that closes and opens; Only something n me understands the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses. E. E. Cummings There is not a breathing of the common wind that will forget thee William Wordsworth The more of my poor heart you take, The larger grows my heart! And, since some target I must show for cupids cruel dart, Oh, if mine own you deign to keep, Then give me your sweet heat! Edmond Rostand O, thou art fairer than the evening air clad in the beauty of a thousand stars Christopher Marlowe Love! the surviving gift of Heaven, The choicest sweet of Paradise, In life's else bitter cup distilled Thomas Campbell Long after moments of closeness have passed, a part of you remains with me. And warms the places your hands have touched and hastens my heart for your return Robert Sexton Listen, I will be honest with you I do not offer the old smooth prizes But offer rough new prizes These are the days that must happen to you: You shall not heap up what is called riches, You shall scatter with lavish hand all that you earn or achieve. However sweet the laid up stores, However convenient the dwelling, you shall not remain there. However sheltered the port, however calm the waters, you shall not anchor there. However welcome the hospitality that welcomes you, You are permitted to receive it but a little while Afoot and lighthearted, take to the open road Healthy, free, the world before you the long brown path before you, leading wherever you choose. Say only to one another: Camerado, I give you my hand! I give you my love more precious than money; I give you myself before preaching and law: Will you give me yourself? Will you come travel with me? Shall we stick by each other as long as we live? Walt Whitman Living the Good Life To live content with small means, to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy not respectable, and wealthy not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to the stars and the birds, to babes and sages with open heart; to hear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common. Reverend William Henry Channing

wonder, by my troth, what thou and I did till we lov'd

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Love, all alike, no season knows, nor clime, Nor hours, days, months, which are the rage of time

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Twice or thrice had I loved thee, Before I knew thy face or name; So in a shapeless flame angels affect us oft, and worshipped be; Still when to where thou wert, I came. Some lovely glorious nothing I did see, But since my soul, whose child love is, Takes limbs of flesh, and else could nothing do, More subtle than the parent is Love must not be, but take a body too; And therefore what thou wert, and who, I bid Love ask, and now. That it assume thy body, I allow, and fix itself in the lip, eye , and brow

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Love's mysteries in soul's do grow. But yet the body is his book

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My face in thine eyes, thine in mine appears, And true plain hearts do in the faces rest; Where can we find two better hemispheres, Without sharp north, without declining west? Whatever dies, was not mixed equally; If our two loves be one, or thou and I. Love so alike, that none do slacken, none can die.

More poems at this link- http://www.foreverwed2.com/Religious_Ceremonies/Poems.html

SAVE THE DATE- personalized party and wedding invitations

Fleur De Lis French by figstreetstudio
More Fleur Invitations

Save The Date customized notes and custom wedding invitations are easy to order off the web. Using resources found on the web, (yes you can Google most anything now days), a great looking Save The Date wedding or other party notice or invtation to wedding and rehearsal dinner can be created. Several artists are available to help via e-mail and several web based printers allow you to add or edit text right over the web. For example Fig Street Art Studio at its Zazzle Shop has several already made designs ready to add date, time and particulars. If you like the Fleur De Lis there are many to choose from but a lot of other artists at Zazzle have customized wedding invites and save the date cards available. Just follow the links to see all of them.

Why stop with note cards? Personalized wedding Save the Date, wedding Invitations, party gifts are available. The artists also have customizable refrigerator magnets you can send, cards, shirts, and ceramic tiles. Take a look at these links for other products. Fig Street Studio Cafe Press and Fig Street Studio Zazzle.

Jackson Horse Sepia by figstreetstudio
Browse other Jackson Invitations

Starry Night Mississippi Queen by figstreetstudio
View more Starry Invitations

Blue Tile Pirates Alley by figstreetstudio
Browse more Blue Invitations

Starry Night Jackson Square by figstreetstudio
Make a custom invitation on zazzle

Jackson Square at Night Tile by figstreetstudio
Create customized invitations at zazzle.com

Garden, City Park, New Orleans by figstreetstudio
Make an announcement and invitation using zazzle

Fancy Fleur Shield,edit text by figstreetstudio
Browse other custom invites at Zazzle

New Orleans West End Lighthouse by figstreetstudio
make an invitation online at Zazzle.com

Art Deco Frame Green Brown by figstreetstudio
Make personalized invites on Zazzle

Questions to ask about your wedding Officiant.

Important Questions to Ask Your Wedding Officiant Before You Book The Wedding

Are you registered to perform weddings in my location?
How long have you officiated weddings?
About how many weddings you do per year?
What training have you had?
Will you go to my location to do a ceremony?
What type of ceremonies will you perform?
What are your rules as to photography ?
Is pre-marital counseling required?
Do you have ceremony samples?
What are the fees charged?

If it is possible see the officiant performing another wedding. Ask if they are members of any religious or professional organization, like the American Association of Wedding Officiants.. Some officiants have no formal training but just got ordained on the web to perform weddings. Be selective and get references if possible. Be sure to know if who you contact is an officiant in your state and not a referral agency who sends your request to an officiant for a fee.

Get Married in Pirates Alley New Orleans

Weddings In New Orleans

You can elope to New Orleans and get married in a famous spot in the French Quarter as easy as showing up with a proper marriage license. Pirate's Alley, as many call it, was originally named Orleans Alley but locals always called it Pirate Alley as Pirates were always ending up there. The St. Louis Cathedral is to the right. On the left, is the Cabildo (the Old Spanish Governor's Mansion), and directly behind the Cabildo was the Spanish Jail. The alley is one block long, and extends from Chartres St. at Jackson Square to Royal St. Halfway down the alley, a lamppost marks its intersection by Cabildo Alley, which extends (the width of the Cabildo) to St. Peter St. near the Gumbo Shop. This is likely one of the most famous lampposts of the French Quarter, as it has been photographed and painted many times. Read about the first wedding and Ghost in Pirates Alley here: Pirates Alley Wedding History

You will meet Dr. Schwehm at Pirates Alley Cafe where we can secure 2 witnesses if necessary and proceed to the famous Pirates Alley Lamp Post and then conduct a simple wedding ceremony.

Pirates Alley Elopement Package with Dr. Schwehm Officiating is $295.00

Additional locations are available for simple elopements just ask.

MAP to Pirates Alley, French Quarter, New Orleans---



View Larger Map


New Orleans Marriage License Information

It is possible to get married in New Orleans in one day as long as all of the State Offices are open. Either the bride or groom before may obtain the license from the State Office of Vital Records or other Parish Clerks of Court offices before the ceremony is conducted. The New Orleans Office is no longer open on Saturday. Identification is required along with authentic copies of birth certificates and any divorce judgments. An application for marriage license form is found on the web. In some cities there is a three-day waiting period. In New Orleans a Minister or Judge can waive the waiting period in writing for non-residents when good reasons exist. No medical tests are necessary. The license is good for 30 days. You must present the license to the person doing the ceremony in advance as it requires the officiant to complete some portions in black ink only. A ceremony must be conducted before 2 adult witnesses who also sign the certificates. The cost of the license is just under $30.00 paid to the State. For further information contact the office located near the New Orleans City Hall:

1450 Poydras St.
Benson Towers
New Orleans, LA

Hours: Mon.- Fri 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

NOTICE: Vital Records Central Office will offer walk-in services at Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras St, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA. Vital Records Customer Serivce Call Center can be reached at 504-593-5100 . You can also get a marriage license at Second City Court, Algiers or the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Courts Office or any Clerk of Court in Louisiana.

New Orleans City Parks and Weddings

Weddings In New Orleans
Easy To Elope

Many little park like spots to have an elopement in New Orleans.

New Orleans has many City Parks with many beautiful acres to offer wedding couples a taste of the city’s historical past in its natural settings with old oak trees, bayous, bridges, walk ways, gardens, and art. City Park once the site of Allard Plantation facing Bayou St. John, located at the intersection of Carrollton and City Park Avenues in the Mid-City area of New Orleans is the largest park.. Hurricane Katrina has damaged some areas of the Park and some places have not re-opened. It is best to see the location you want to use in person to determine if it meets your needs. Many intimate spots in City Park are available to do weddings. There are also beautiful places in the Park to rent for a large wedding like Pops Fountain and the Botanical Gardens. The City Park Commission should be contacted for rental fees. For a small weekend elopement or before a cruise departing from New Orleans there are other little out of the way places where a small wedding can take place, lovely walkways, large oak trees, fountains, small bridges, and statues. Most open public places can be used for a small simple elopement. If you desire a larger wedding and a reserved spot you can contact City Park at their web page or call them. New Orleans has many little parks and places that are free to use for a small wedding. Parks along the lake front, spots in the French Quarter, along the river, and small parks throughout the city. Just e-mail me for a list of nice places for a small elopement.

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New Orleans Marriage License Information

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It is possible to be married on the same day you get your license. Either the bride or groom before may obtain the license from the State Office of Vital Records at 1450 Poydras St, New Orleans, or other Parish Clerks of Court offices before the ceremony is conducted.  Identification is required along with authentic copies of birth certificates and any divorce judgments. In some cities there is a three-day waiting period. In New Orleans a Minister or Judge can waive the waiting period in writing for non-residents when good reasons exist. No medical tests are necessary. The license is good for 30 days. You must present the license to the person doing the ceremony in advance as it requires the officiant to complete some portions in black ink only. A ceremony must be conducted before 2 adult witnesses who also sign the certificates. The cost of the license is just under $30.00 paid to the State. For further information contact the office located near the City Hall:



ORLEANS PARISH MARRIAGE LICENSE OFFICE

The Orleans Parish Marriage License Office is 1450 Poydras St at Super Dome. -- just a short drive from the French Quarter, Uptown, Garden District and the CBD. The phone number is

504-539-5116

Another close to the French Quarter the Second City Court at 225 Morgan Street on the west bank in New Orleans. It is a nice ferry ride across the Mississippi River (pedestrians ride for free, automobiles only $1.00) from the Canal Street Ferry Landing,by River Wall MAll. It is a half city block to the court building with a clock tower. This office closes at 3:00PM, so arrive no later than 2:15PM. Phone number is (504) 368-4099 to verify times.

World Largest Stand Of Oak Trees

City Park has over 14,000 trees that are greater than 4 inches in diameter.  The oldest between 600 -800 years old.

 Along with the largest stand of Live Oak tress in the USA City Park has the Dueling Oaks where men fought duels. For details see http://www.duellingoaks.com/

"    " The Duelling Oaks in City Park have seen some of the most colorful scenes in New Orleans' history. For years sword clanged against sword and bullets streaked between the ancient trees.

     An article in the Times-Democrat, March 13, 1892, said, "Blood has been shed under the old cathedral aisles of nature. Between 1834 and 1844 scarcely a day passed without duels being fought at the Oaks. Why, it would not be strange if the very violets blossomed red of this soaked grass! The lover for his mistress, the gentleman for his honor, the courtier for his King; what loyalty has not cried out in pistol shot and scratch of steel! Sometimes two or three hundred people hurried from the city to witness these human baitings. On the occasion of one duel the spectators could stand no more, drew their swords, and there was a general melee."

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Marriage licenses will not be issued on Saturdays, but you can obtain your marriage license in any Louisiana Parish as you drive into New Orleans.

Visitors can go to the Algiers Court House to get a license using the Canal St. Ferry.

504-368-4099
Hours: 9 am - 3 pm Mon.- Fri


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The 'Peristyle' at City Park.

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New Orleans Wedding Minister Information

Jerry Kenneth Schwehm served as as Justice of the Peace in 1990 to 1994 in Slidell, La. and was ordained in 1989 as a Lay Minister after serving as Elder and Deacon in his church for many years. He has a BA and JD from Louisiana State University (1972) and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from a local Bible Church in 1990. He has performed numerous wedding ceremonies and is available in the Greater New Orleans area to perform your personalized marriage ceremony. He will go to your location or at his office in Fig House. He may be contacted at the below e-mail.

Fig Street Weddings
 New Orleans, La. 70125

504/617-6359

weddings@figstreet.com

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Mailing address: 65115 Highway 41, Pearl River, La. 70452
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More info at www.figstreet.com/weddings


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Helpful Links


New Orleans Marriage License

Elope To Pirates Alley

More Information On City Park

Fig Street Art Studio Prints

How To Get A Marriage License In New Orleans, LA.

The New Orleans Marriage License Office is now conveniently located in Downtown New Orleans. The Louisiana Office of Vital Records, New Orleans Marriage License Office opened at 1450 Poydras St., Suite 400, New Orleans, La 70112.  Parking is also nearby on street with meters or in a paid parking lot for those with local transportation.. Office hours are posted as 8 AM to 3 PM weekdays only, but licenses are not issued after 3 PM due to the time it takes to complete the paper work. The office is closed weekends and holidays. Couples must bring with them proper identification, a drivers license, Passport, or suitable picture id with certified copies of a birth certificate and divorce. One person can apply if they bring the others documents and information. The Marriage License Office has on its web page details of their policy and forms. Sample information and forms can also be found on this web page- New Orleans Marriage License Information

Couples from out of state can get the license and also get married on the same day in New Orleans if they also obtain a waiver of delay from a judge or Minister registered in New Orleans. This makes New Orleans an easy place to elope to with plenty of pretty places to have a wedding. Some couples book the honeymoon at a French Quarter Hotel or cruise out of New Orleans and get married the day they arrive in the city.
Well over 5,000 marriage licenses were issued in 2003 in New Orleans, and many couples visit New Orleans in the spring to get married from other states.

Biloxi, Gulf Port MS Weddings

Elope to Biloxi Beach Gulf Coast MS see http://ow.ly/1tB1Y

Since Katrina the Mississippi Gulf Coast is all cleaned up and ready for fun and weddings. Recently I had the pleasure of returning to perform several weddings. The beach is great and so to are several restaurants and hotels. Just e-mail me for details on a beach wedding. I am usually so busy in the French Quarter every Saturday that my days are mostly limited to Sunday for a wedding in Biloxi, Gulfport, or Bay St. Louis, but e-mail as I will help as much as I can.

info@figstreet.com

Elope In Jackson Square

Elope to Jackson Square in New Orleans, it is easy. All you need for a small ceremony is to contact Fig Street weddings for details on how to rent the Square or use a free spot by one of the gates. Get a marriage license at the Marriage License office at 1010 Common St. New Orleans. Set up a time and date and even select a photographer like Kathleen K. Parker,www.kathleenkparkerphotography.com, who took the above photograph of a couple who eloped to New Orleans. (Photo By Katheleen Parker®)
See for more details- http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/jacksonsquarewedding.html

Write Your Own Wedding Vows

Writing your own wedding vows together as a couple can make your marriage more meaningful and fun. Sample guidelines and how to books are on the web yet it is easy with this guideline http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/simpleweddingceremony.html. There are traditional elements to a wedding ceremony but a lot of good things to add in making you day special. You can add a poem, song, or personal words to bride, groom, or a special person like a child. Add in parts for children allows them to be a part of the new family and can make them feel special that day.
Here is a page with some helpful hints, Sample Wedding Vows, but there are a lot more available on the web.