Midnight wedding

I can tell you that I wouldn't contract one of my officiants to do this either. If they even would consent. I wouldn't want to be responsible for the myriad of things that could go...um...unexpected.

Why don't you do a symbolic handfasting or some other ancient ritual joining at midnight but do the legal signing before or after?

I once went to a wedding at "first light." This was about 4:30am at the time. The ceremony was followed by brunch at the brides father's house, everything was wrapped up by 9am when everyone was ready for bed again.

I mean, do you really expect your guests to stay up all the way to 8 am to have breakfast with you? Or if you keep them up until 3 am with this bonfire, that they're going to be awake to have said breakfast with you?

I'm a late owl, so midnight would be fine. But 8 am for breakfast? Or 10 am for leaving? I'll be sleeping til noon or later, especially after drinking through the wee hours of the morning.

I will look into gigmaster further. But just a quick glance as to officiants in my area the closest one is over 200 miles away

Also, OP, how far into the woods are we talking?

If someone wanted to leave after the ceremony could they? 15-20 people is a small crowd for a wedding, but a big camping party. I would excuse myself to go sleep in my bed as I kind of hate camping and come back at 8am for breakfast. Maybe. Trudging out of the woods at midnight with just a flashlight is very dangerous.

This sounds really sweet, and I'd have loved it at 21...but at 34? I'd skip it and send a gift. I'm tired by 8:30.

I cannot imagine a professional willing to do this for any reason.

If your "tradition" is so important to you and you have to be married at the arbitrary stroke of midnight, why not ask others who are involved in this group or religion or tradition or whatever it is for someone willing to do it?

I'd be flasking it until midnight. Can't do a party that late without booze.

Here- let me give you my thoughts.- bonus points if you read that last one as Lana

It sounds like the 15-20 people you inviting are accustom to this, however IMHO, I would be bored by 3 also I wouldn't be able to stay up all night ( my understanding?). How do you feel about starting the party later around 8 or 9 pm. Then having someone close to you and your FH (become ordained prior to the ceremony) officiant the wedding. IMHO, the most important part of this is the ceremony. Also, I would take into consideration your own limitations, will you have the energy to cook in the morning? I don't think it would hurt to discuss your plans with some of the guests attending and get their feedback since it is unique.

If you think of new years eve. Most people are up well past midnight. The way in the Woods will of course be well lighted. Since the pictures require more then flashlights. This is just one of the photos for inspiritation we have found. Plus the other big thing right now on the DYI circuit is Mason jar lights and paper lanterns.. It doesn't need to be scary.

No, I was asleep before NYE this year, so horrible logic, FYI.

And when she says scary, she means their are literally bears and mountain lions and other cats, coyotes, even aggressive owls, and I would NOT be in the woods at night without a pistol.

Do whatever you want, but don't use those arguments, they are false.

The DIY circuit?

seriously- how old are you?

I can't even make it to midnight on your average NYE.....

Omg, please don't use flammable paper lanterns in the woods. Please.

I'm sure it won't be scary Kimberly, it just sounds exhausting. What about the idea that you do a ceremony at midnight but handle the legalities earlier in the day? Possibly in private before your guests arrive or something?

You['ve got it all figured out, so what's the question??? Search for an officiate or have someone do it from group.

I was falling asleep on the couch on NYE! Haha!

Since you're fully committed, I think your best option is prob to have one of your friends/family members ordained online and do it that way.

I honestly think this idea is very sweet and look forward to your BAM.

Yeah, I'm not afraid of the dark. I'm afraid of animals that can kill me.