We specialize in creative, customized ceremonies for couples of mixed religious backgrounds, no particular religious connection, or others who want a nontraditional, humanistic ceremony.
Commitment ceremonies are for gay or lesbian couples who want to celebrate and honor their mutual commitment. Ceremonies are similar to weddings, but at this time are not the legal equivalent of marriage in Virginia or Maryland.* In the District of Columbia, we happily perform full legal weddings regardless of the sex of the partners.
Values are the foundation of an Ethical Culture commitment ceremony: respect for the worth and uniqueness of each person and the importance of making and keeping commitments are two key values that an Ethical Culture ceremony stresses.
Call or email us to arrange to meet one of our five officiants. She or he will work with you to plan your creative, customized ceremony centered on ethical commitment and human values.
*In 1996, the National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union unanimously passed the following resolution: "We support the legalization of same sex marriage under state and federal laws."
In 2004, the National Leaders Council and the Board of the American Ethical Union passed the following resolution:
- Resolved, that within Ethical Culture's religious context, we recognize same sex marriages as fully valid marriages. When jurisdictions in which Ethical Culture Leaders perform such marriages do not recognize the legality of such ceremonies, we urge that such laws and regulations be changed.
