Our church, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, provides services to commemorate important transitions in the lives of our members and friends. Births, deaths and mutual commitments to life-long unions are among the events that we feel deserve some ceremonial observance.

As minister of this church, I officiate at child welcoming celebrations, weddings, same sex unions and memorial services for church members, and on occasion for others for a fee. For ceremonies conducted in our church we also charge fees for the use of our space.

In the case of weddings, please be aware that the state of North Carolina discriminates against gay and lesbian people by refusing to allow them to obtain a civil marriage license and therefore I have decided I will no longer sign marriage licenses. I enjoy working with same sex or heterosexual couples in crafting wedding commitment ceremonies, but I will refer heterosexual couples to the Buncombe County Magistrate’s Office to obtain a civil marriage license.

Please email me at LifeEventServices@UUAsheville.org or call my office at 828.254.6001 Ext. 203 if we can be of assistance.

The Rev. Mark Ward
Minister