Chaplain Assistants: Authorized To Perform Military Weddings?

Military weddings are steeped in tradition, patriotism, and pomp and circumstance. Military chaplains are ordained ministers who can perform weddings both on and off base, provided they do not conflict with their scheduled duties. Chaplain assistants are not mentioned in the sources, but it can be assumed that they are not authorised to perform weddings as they are not ordained ministers. Military chaplains perform weddings in accordance with the religious organisation that endorses them, and they are not required to officiate if it conflicts with their beliefs. Premarital counselling is often required, and while their services are free, donations to the chapel are customary.

Chaplain availability

Military chaplains are available to perform weddings, but their schedules can fill up quickly, so it is important to plan ahead. Some chaplains require an application to be submitted three months before the wedding date. It is also worth noting that chaplains may perform ceremonies off-base, as long as they do not conflict with their scheduled duties.

Chaplains are typically available to active-duty and retired service members and their dependent children, as well as National Guard and reserve service members while on active duty. To be eligible for a chaplain-led wedding, it is generally required that the wedding ceremony takes place at a military installation chapel. However, there are some instances where a chaplain may be willing to travel to a private, non-military venue, especially if it is not too far from the base. In such cases, it is customary to compensate the chaplain for their time and travel costs.

It is important to note that military chaplains are independently ordained ministers of their respective churches and are not legally required to officiate weddings. The religious portion of the ceremony is for the benefit of the couple, but the legality of the marriage is determined by the paperwork signed according to state and local law. If a chaplain is unavailable or unwilling to perform a wedding, the couple can request a referral to a clergy member of their desired religion.

Premarital counseling is often required by chaplains before they will agree to perform a marriage ceremony. This typically involves one or more sessions with the chaplain, who may advise involving both sets of parents in the process. During these sessions, the chaplain can provide guidance on ceremonial dos and don'ts, as well as offer support in navigating the unique challenges faced by military couples.

Chaplain requirements

Military chaplains play a crucial role in promoting spiritual and faith-based support for service members and their families. They are responsible for nurturing the soul of the Army and providing emotional guidance as spiritual counselors.

To become a military chaplain, there are specific requirements and steps to follow:

• Age: Be at least 17 but under 31 in the year of commissioning as an Officer.
• Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen by the time of commissioning as an Officer.
• Education: Hold a graduate degree in theology, religious studies, or a related field. The degree must include at least 72 graduate credit hours or 108 quarter hours. This requirement can be met through an equivalency process, combining multiple degrees to meet the 72-hour requirement.
• Ecclesiastical Endorsement: Receive an official endorsement from your faith tradition's endorser for military ministry.
• Physical Fitness: Meet the Army height and weight standards and pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
• Security Clearance: Complete a background check, questionnaire, and interview, providing the necessary documentation for security clearance.
• Ordination: Be ordained in your respective faith tradition.

Additionally, military chaplains must promote religious diversity and observe their own faith's distinct doctrines while honouring other denominations. They are not issued weapons and are protected by Religious Affairs Specialists during combat situations.

It is important to note that military chaplains perform wedding ceremonies free of charge, although donations to the chapel are customary. Premarital counselling is often required before the wedding ceremony, and chaplains conduct the service in accordance with the religious organization that endorses them.

Premarital counselling

There are two types of counselling available to service members and military spouses: non-medical and medical. Non-medical counselling is designed to help with everyday concerns and is usually short-term, while medical counselling addresses long-term issues such as psychological concerns, addiction, and abuse.

The Defence Department offers free counselling support for married service members and their families, and nearly every military installation has a family service or support centre where spouses can get help. Military OneSource and the Military Family Life Consultant program also offer free, non-medical counselling.

Chaplain fees

Military weddings are like no other, steeped in tradition, patriotism, pomp and circumstance. One of the most defining differences between a military and civilian wedding is the impressive archway of swords, sabers or rifles that the newly married couple may exit the ceremony under.

Chaplains perform wedding ceremonies free of charge. Military chaplains are prohibited from accepting monetary donations, but it is customary to make a small donation of $50 to $60 to the chapel as a show of appreciation.

Before the ceremony, couples may be required to attend one or more premarital counselling sessions. During these sessions, the chaplain will discuss the importance of mutual respect and consideration in a marriage. Couples can also discuss the ceremonial dos and don'ts.

If you are holding your wedding in a military chapel, you will need to get the chaplain's permission to have your own flowers in the chapel and to play your own music during the ceremony. You will also need to get the chaplain's permission to have a photographer present during the ceremony.

Other Costs

If you are planning to get married at the U.S. Naval Academy, the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD) will assess a fee for services rendered. This includes scheduling, rehearsal, vehicle access, and other event-related actions.

If you are planning to have a reception, you will need to lock in a locale. Options on the military base include officer, enlisted or joint-ranks community clubs, chapel meeting halls, and billeting/hotels. Off-installation reception location options are varied and limited only by your imagination.

Same-sex weddings

Military chaplains are allowed to perform same-sex weddings, but only if allowed by law and the chaplain's beliefs. In 2011, the Pentagon issued new rules allowing military chaplains to perform same-sex marriages, provided that the ceremony is not prohibited by applicable state and local law. The memo also states that a chaplain is not required to participate in or officiate a private ceremony if doing so would conflict with their religious or personal beliefs.

The guidance is in line with the previous decision by Navy Chief of Chaplains, Rear Admiral Mark L. Tidd, who clarified that individual chaplains are permitted but not obligated to officiate weddings for gay and lesbian service members at base facilities in states that allow same-sex marriage.

When planning a same-sex military wedding, there are several things to consider:

• Eligibility and Availability — All active-duty and retired service members and their dependent children are generally eligible to use their military installation's chapel for wedding ceremonies. Schedules for military chapels and chaplains can fill up fast, so it is essential to plan ahead and contact the local chaplain's office for specific requirements and availability.
• Ceremony — Chaplains conduct ceremonies according to the religious organization that endorses them. If the available chaplain is not of your faith, you can ask for a referral to a clergy member of your desired religion to perform the service.
• Premarital Counselling — Many chaplains require premarital counselling before they will perform a marriage ceremony. This is also an opportunity to discuss ceremonial dos and don'ts.
• Fees — Weddings conducted by a chaplain are typically free, but it is customary to make a small donation to the chapel as a show of appreciation.
• Marriage Retreats — There are chaplain-led programs designed to strengthen your relationship and help you maintain a strong marriage, such as Army Strong Bonds and the Navy CREDO Marriage Enrichment program.

Same-sex military weddings, like all military weddings, have unique traditions and protocols. Military chapels may have specific rules regarding flowers, music, and photography during the ceremony. The display of an American flag and the colours of the service member's unit may also be allowed with the chaplain's permission. Military weddings often feature an archway of swords, sabers, or rifles, symbolizing safe passage into marriage.

In conclusion, while military chaplains are permitted to perform same-sex weddings under certain conditions, it is essential to plan ahead, be flexible, and coordinate with the chaplain to ensure that your wedding ceremony aligns with your wishes and the military's traditions and protocols.

Frequently asked questions