Can you perform weddings with a Doctor degree in Theology?

Answer 1

Yes and no. In many countries, such as the UK, anyone can lead a funeral service - it does not have to be an ordained minister. In fact, I have been to a couple of funerals where the family members alone took the ceremony, as the deceased was an atheist and did not wish to have a Christian burial. So, yes, a Doctor of Theology can take a funeral - but so can anyone else. The reason for this is that the funeral has no legal standing. The death certificate does have legal standing and that is why it has to be signed by a doctor, but a funeral is a formality that follows a death but has no legal standing at all. Weddings, however, are different as they are a legal as well as a spiritual union of man and woman. In UK law, for example, a registrar has to conduct the ceremony, or at least be present, if conducted in a church, so that the legal part of the wedding is performed according to law. The only exception is if the wedding takes place in an Anglican church (the established Church of England). because the vicar (priest) is a minister in the state church of England, and, because of his or her position, is allowed to conduct the service without the use of a registrar - in fact he or she takes the registrar's place and can conduct the legal requirements as well as the spiritual service. Whilst many vicars do have degrees and some may even have doctorates in theology, a doctor of theology who is not ordained (made into a priest in the Church of England) is not allowed to conduct such a marriage service.

Answer 2

You must be a legalized Minister or Preacher of the Gospel, same thing, in the United States in order to perform a wedding ceremony.