Like most faith traditions, Unitarian Universalists churches honor major life milestones, including marriage, birth and death. In developing ceremonies for these occasions, Unitarian Universalist ministers work closely with the people involved to honor their religious path. Please contact our office administrator for questions. There may be fees involved if you are not currently active in the congregation.

Weddings:

Wedding services are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the love of two individuals who have chosen to come together in marriage.
Because of our respect for each person’s beliefs and values, each wedding is custom-crafted with a couple to reflect their personalities and relationship. This respect and our flexibility enable Unitarian Universalist ministers to be skilled officiants for interfaith weddings, atheist weddings, and weddings for those with Unitarian Universalism’s diverse beliefs. In addition to blessing heterosexual unions, Unitarian Universalist congregations and ministers joyfully bless same-sex marriages. Unitarian Universalists affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people and have a long history of promoting equal rights of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer.

Child Dedications:

Rather than holding Christian-style baptisms or christenings, most Unitarian Universalist congregations have child dedication ceremonies for infants and children.
Child dedication ceremonies are usually crafted by the parents, the congregation’s minister, and religious educator working closely together. Many will include the following elements:

• A blessing for the new life of the child
• An expression of the parent or parents’ hopes for the child
• A promise by the congregation to support and nurture the child

Memorials and Funerals:

Services to honor loved ones who have passed on are often very personal occasions. In Unitarian Universalist congregations, these services are developed by the family of the deceased and the presiding minister to specially honor the memory of that individual. The service might include the following elements:

• A eulogy
• Poems and other readings
• Prayer or meditation
• A time to remember the deceased with stories and memories
• Hymn singing or other music
• A time for personal reflection