So many traditions, so many beautiful prayers, promises and wishes, rituals and sacred objects - a ceremony could fill hours and in some cases they do.

Rev. Elisabeth Oakes in Topanga

"So thus Eternity is in God, the cosmos is in Eternity. Time is in the cosmos. Becoming is in time. And while Eternity stands still in Gods presence, the cosmos is in motion in Eternity. Time passes in the cosmos and 'becoming' comes to be in Time."
~Hermes Trismegistus


Most people hand pick a few cherished traditions, which are close to their heart or beliefs. Often a New Age candle ritual is followed by a Jewish "breaking of the glass" as religion and spirituality mingle like the cultures of this world.

Photo by: Avery Helm

Reverent Elisabeth Oakes
The name of Elisabeth Oakes company - marriage to go - does not seem to promise peace and quiet and loving attention - but that is what the open-minded and warm-hearted officiant has offered for all the ceremonies we had the pleasure to witness.

A Ceremony Designed for You
Rev. Robert E. Coté, Rev. Connie A. Poggiani & Rabbi Barry Tuchman officiate weddings without a prefixed program. They listen to their brides and grooms and create a unique ceremony with remarkable flexibility and - humor.

Marriage License for a Day
Fathers, family members or friends seem to become more involved in the modern wedding world. To create a very personal, intimate ceremony they become ordained for a day. All is possible though the Internet.

Your dog as a ring bearer - not only possible at the beach - natural locations like at the Inn, the Theatricum or the Wright's property let your pooch take part of your ceremony.

Pepperdine Stauffer Chapel (Malibu)
A beautiful, non-denominational chapel featuring extensive stained glass and unmatchable ocean views.
Contact Sally McIlwain
(310) 506-4264 tel
(310) 506-4327 fax

Vedic Tradition at the Lake / Pacific Palisades
The ten-acre site, with its gardens and natural spring-fed lake, is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including swans, ducks, koi, and lotus flowers. Ceremonies are held in ancient Vedic tradition.

Aldersgate Retreat Center and Buerge Chapel
Carob, fig and olive trees, palms and papyrus surround the chapel. It has an ageless quality, thanks to its simple design and thematerials used in its construction: cedar wood, fir, stained-glass skylights windows. Rows of pews face the altar, which features a handmade river-rock fireplace with a massive quartz boulder mantle.
(For small weddings up to 48 guests)

One of the most amazing men of our time, Chief Michael Twofeathers has done many wedding ceremonies but not as a commercial act. It is a great honor to be married by this loving and harmonious Native American leader.
Native American ceremonies are ancient, sacred and are deeply spiritual. If we as white people truly feel that we can share their connection to nature and spirit we might have a chance to invite a Chief to celebrate our wedding with us.
“The power of our ceremonies is perpetuated by discipline and our integrity. Ceremonies come to us, from the spirit, with instructions to maintain that doctoring, curing and healing power. It's up to us as humans to follow those instructions to be able to receive the blessings as they have intended. I try my best to follow the guidance of the spirit and our elders to keep that power and purity so our children and their children, for seven generations and more, can also receive the blessings through our ceremonies to live life in a good way. “
~ Michael Twofeathers about ceremonies, October 19, 2004

Lee Standing Bear Moore is a licensed Officiant from the Manataka American Indian Council.