Robert Carr Chapel
Texas Christian University

BELIEFS

Our Goal - A Fuller Life for Everyone
Our Objective - Eternal Progression
Our Slogan - To Live and Help Live

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

Rev. Dr. Russell K. Elleven is an ordained minister and owner of Reverent Rituals: A Professional Wedding Service. He earned the bachelor’s degree in History and Religion from Texas Christian University, the Master’s degree in Theological Studies from the Divinity School of Vanderbilt University, and the doctorate in Education and Counseling from the University of North Texas. He is a member of the American Counseling Association, the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, The Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education, and the Association of Bridal Consultants. He is by far the best credentialed wedding minister in the metroplex.

The person you choose to officiate your ceremony will have a lasting impact on your wedding memories. Because of this, it is crucial that you interview prospective officiants carefully to make sure you are in one accord with the minister you choose.

• Where do I find an officiant? Ask your wedding consultant who he or she recommends to perform your wedding ceremony. Many times your wedding consultant will have worked with several ministers and will be able to make a referral from personal experience. If your wedding consultant is unable to recommend an officiant you may want to look in the yellow pages under “clergy” or under the various "WEDDING" sections. Many of these ministers are very flexible in their scheduling and can accommodate your wedding date. If you are marrying in your home church you should always ask your own minister to perform the ceremony.

• What should we talk about? Unfortunately, it is often difficult beginning a conversation with a minister. There are certain ideas, notions, and attitudes that are often associated with clergy. We may think to ourselves, “What if s/he knew I’ve not been in church for several years?” or “What if s/he knew I’ve been living with my fiancee for many months?” What we forget is that ministers are just people too. They have the same doubts and fears as anyone else. Talk to your prospective officiant as you would with anyone else. However, remember that you will be paying for the celebrant’s services. Make sure you know what you will be getting by asking specific questions.

• What should I ask? First of all, ask if the officiant will have any problems coming to your wedding site if it is not in a church. Find out if the ceremony is written in stone or if you can change, edit, or amend it to suit your tastes and beliefs. Ask if there are any special celebrations that might be incorporated into the ceremony. Ask if s/he will be giving a sermon during the ceremony. It might also be advisable to ask where the officiant attended seminary or divinity school. Ask to see diplomas or their ordination certificate. Unfortunately, there are many ministers in the area who have obtained "ministerial credentials" by clicking a button on the internet.

• How do I know if I am choosing the right officiant? It is always difficult to know for sure that the officiant you choose will be the best available on your wedding day. Above all, make sure that you are completely comfortable with the person and the answers you received from your questions. Also, ask to see referrals from other couples the officiant has worked with recently. Do not be pressured into making a decision at that time if you do not feel comfortable in doing so. If a minister pressures you to decide at that very moment you may want to seek out another officiant.

The decision you make will last a lifetime of memories. Be sure the memories will be happy ones by choosing the right wedding officiant. And remember, the couple should be the focal point - not the celebrant.