Marriage in the Liberal Religious Tradition 

Unitarian Universalists regard marriage as one of the most significant "passages" a human being will experience in his or her lifetime. It is indeed a momentous occasion and should rightfully be accompanied by both ritual observance and festive celebration. While we may not consider it a "sacrament” that requires ecclesiastical sanction, we expect that couples married in our tradition will take their commitment just as seriously. We believe a wedding should reflect the unique personalities and intentions of a specific couple, as well as accurately represent the faith tradition that provides the context for the occasion.

Certain legal requirements are satisfied when a couple is joined in wedlock by a Unitarian Universalist minister. A license must be procured from the County Clerk's office within a month of the ceremony, which must be duly signed and witnessed. At the very least, the law requires that an oral vow or oath also be exchanged by the couple. Yet a wedding ought to accomplish more than merely fulfilling the letter of the law. Equally important is that the couple recognize the spiritual dimension of this covenant and that they cherish the memory of the wedding day for the rest of their lives.

Couples seek out a Unitarian Universalist community to be married for many reasons:

1. We are more open and flexible about the design of the ceremony;
2. We will perform ceremonies for couples from different faith traditions;
3. Membership in our congregation is not required in order to be married by our clergy;
4. UU ministers often are willing to officiate "off-site" - in parks, private homes, and other venues;
5. We do not stigmatize couples who have been cohabiting prior to marriage, or because one or both parties have been married previously;
6. We are a "Welcoming Congregation" and perform Services of Union for gay and lesbian couples.
Why do we operate this way? Because ours is a liberal, non-creedal religion that places a high value on individual freedom and dignity. It is not for the congregation's benefit, or to satisfy the institution's standards, that you are getting married. Thus we do not think there is any single "right" way to plan a wedding. We are concerned about facilitating the growth of your relationship and helping to lay the groundwork for its next phase.

About Ministers

While requests for the services of a particular minister of the clergy staff may be honored, assignment of clergy is normally made on the basis of availability. UUC will not honor requests for officiants on the basis of age, race or gender preference.

Ministers of UUC are often willing to perform marriage ceremonies off campus. If the wedding is to take place locally (within 15 miles of the church), the officiant's honorarium is $350, inclusive of planning sessions and rehearsal. Travel further abroad may entail additional mileage fees, and the minister may not be available for planned rehearsals. The honorarium is due at or before the rehearsal.
On rare occasions, clergy, judges, and other legally qualified celebrants may perform weddings at UUC. Such arrangements are made in direct consultation with the Minister and should precede any request for the use of our space.

A Word about Services of Spiritual Union

For as long as men and women have walked on the earth, there have been some human beings who have shared their deepest expression of love with a person of the same gender. Our faith tradition has grown to recognize the validity and beauty of this special way of loving. Unitarian Universalism strives to address and assuage the prejudice and the consternation that homosexuals have had to bear for loving unabashedly by offering to perform "Services of Union." It is our hope that one day all true love partnerships will be legalized and fully affirmed, but presently Florida does not grant legal recognition to gay and lesbian couples.

In Closing

The Octagonal sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater is a serene and beautiful venue for a Wedding or Service of Union at any time of year. The traditions and values of the Unitarian Universalist movement are well-suited to many modern couples and to an array of serious, committed relationships. Planning for a ceremony at UUC affords each couple an opportunity for thoughtful reflection and joyful celebration. The staff and clergy of UUC welcome your inquiries and are eager to assist you in planning your Wedding or Service of Union. For more information or to schedule a ceremony, please contact "Rev. Abhi Janamanchi at 727-531-7704"