You are correct about needing the license, Gmartin. However, they are considered legally married between the time of the pronouncement by the clergy and the registration of the marriage at the courthouse. The words on the licenses that I sign say, On (date) at (place) I united in marriage the above named persons.” I always make it a point to get the license in the mail the very next morning, of course. But the young couple does have the legal right to consummate their marriage while the paperwork is being processed.
I used to always put the license in the streetcorner mailbox the same afternoon, I was always so worried I’d forget! Never did, though (at least not that I’ve heard!). I bet you this couple isn’t even worried about such niceties… and the poor preacher was probably too addled at being awoken at 3 a.m. with a gun in his face to worry about it, either! :)
Quite a few of us are pastors or retired. I “retired” six years ago, but I have been interim pastor on seven occasions since that time, helping them find a pastor. I have been in the ministry for 54 years.
My dad was a Methodist minister. During WWII, couples would come to the house wanting to get married before the man had to report for duty. We tried to make things as nice as possible for them. I don’t remember this part about objections being in the ceremony. In this case, I think it would very clear that someone is objecting and not holding their peace.
davidf42 over 12 years ago
You are correct about needing the license, Gmartin. However, they are considered legally married between the time of the pronouncement by the clergy and the registration of the marriage at the courthouse. The words on the licenses that I sign say, On (date) at (place) I united in marriage the above named persons.” I always make it a point to get the license in the mail the very next morning, of course. But the young couple does have the legal right to consummate their marriage while the paperwork is being processed.
Here’s the link to Annie 2003 .
Bibliomike over 12 years ago
I used to always put the license in the streetcorner mailbox the same afternoon, I was always so worried I’d forget! Never did, though (at least not that I’ve heard!). I bet you this couple isn’t even worried about such niceties… and the poor preacher was probably too addled at being awoken at 3 a.m. with a gun in his face to worry about it, either! :)
TruckerRon over 12 years ago
Just how many of us are pastors? Being a recently certified chaplain at a mental hospital I haven’t married anyone. Yet.
browngsa over 12 years ago
Quite a few of us are pastors or retired. I “retired” six years ago, but I have been interim pastor on seven occasions since that time, helping them find a pastor. I have been in the ministry for 54 years.
davidf42 over 12 years ago
Goodness. I had no idea it was so many of us!
marvee over 12 years ago
My dad was a Methodist minister. During WWII, couples would come to the house wanting to get married before the man had to report for duty. We tried to make things as nice as possible for them. I don’t remember this part about objections being in the ceremony. In this case, I think it would very clear that someone is objecting and not holding their peace.
Bibliomike over 12 years ago
So, is there a connection with pastors and comics (always looking for sermon illustrations!), and/or pastors and Annie?
Mynx, you are so right. Captain Kirk would never have tolerated such behavior. (Now, how many of us are Trek fans?) :)