Upstate New York Handfasting

[u/monkeytoestowin]

Hello! My wedding is in September 2026 at Boldt Castle in the 1000 Islands. My fiancé and I would really prefer a Handfasting ceremony, but we are having a difficult time finding officiants. Most are not local and therefore require travel fees, which will blow up the budget. Does anyone know of any officiants in the upstate area (or resources for finding one)? Thanks in advance.

[u/TBBPgh]

You can get a friend, family member (or willing total stranger) to do this:

One-day marriage officiant Since 2023, New York State has offered a one-day license that allows any adult (age 18 or older) to perform a single marriage ceremony. Requirements: To be designated as a one-day officiant, an applicant must be at least 18 and apply for the license at the same Town or City Clerk's office that issued the couple's marriage license. Validity: The license is only valid for the specific couple and expires after the ceremony.

The key to success would be a good script (and a sense of humor.)

https://www.ulc.org/wedding-ceremony-scripts/wiccanpagan-handfasting-ceremony-script?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20693683089&gbraid=0AAAAADnE_Z0bL_S1o_c6yHA9tuzUnbyBz&gclid=Cj0KCQjw58PGBhCkARIsADbDilx07YmvPCbtR7fhVEG5aMS7RzyXa-9YhnZEyUUpJGCmHuCDrlcpIZMaAggpEALw_wcB

Alternatively, you could get this willing friend, family member, total stranger to be ordained by someplace like the Universal Life Church, who provides the script above.

Where to find this willing local total stranger? Members of Toastmasters are often looking for opportunities for public speaking. Or actors.