APPENDIX  II GUIDELINES FOR WEDDINGS IN AN RMF NOTE:  The following guidelines are general in nature and are intended to be used in conjunction with command,  chaplain,  and  faith  group  policies  and procedures. GENERAL  REQUIREMENTS As  with  almost  all  military  facilities,  there  are general requirements associated with the use of the RMF for weddings. These requirements may include the couple’s eligibility to use the RMF, the availability of the RMF, the state or local government requirements or laws, special security requirements for guests and visitors,  and  the  various  faith  group  conditions,  laws, and doctrines. As an RP, you must be able to advise potential  users  of  the  RMF  in  regard  to  these requirements. ELIGIBILITY You  will  find  the  requirements  regarding  a  couple’s eligibility to use the RMF in a command instruction. Basically,  the  RMF  may  be  used  by  the  following persons: Active duty military personnel Retired  military  on  full  benefits  and  their dependents Others  approved  by  the  commanding  officer  on an  exceptional  basis AVAILABILITY The RMF staff is accountable for the scheduling and coordination of all events that will take place in the RMF.  Your  first  obligation  is  to  accommodate  the regular worshipers. This means that the chapel should not be available for weddings during high holy day periods.  The  dates  and  times  you  can  provide  for wedding  ceremonies  must  be  worked  around  the schedule   for   worship   services   and   other   regular activities of the RMF. Ask people requesting to use the RMF for weddings to be understanding about the demands upon the limited chapel staff and encourage them to select a date and time you can reasonably provide. STATE  OR  LOCAL  GOVERNMENT Understand the laws and regulations of your state and  local  government  and  advise  couples  accordingly. Identify and discuss any applicable requirements such as the l l l l l l l following: Waiting periods for marriage licenses Blood  tests Documentation  showing  proof  of  age Documentation showing proof of marital status Witnesses  or  notaries Filing  fees Offices  (location  and  hours  of  operation) Make  certain  you  cover  all  the  necessary information so there will be no surprises for the couple to deal with later. FAITH GROUP Many faith groups have specific requirements or laws that must be observed for weddings. For example, the laws of the Roman Catholic Church require that certain conditions be observed regarding counseling, jurisdiction,  verification  of  baptism  records,  disparity  of worship,  second  marriages,  widow/widower  status, interfaith  marriages,  and  banns  publication. You must be aware of each faith group’s special requirements. OFFICIATING  CLERGY Military chaplains and civilian clergy are ordained by their churches and are normally licensed by the state to officiate at marriage ceremonies. It should be the policy of your RMF not to approve any wedding request until the officiating clergyperson(s) can be identified and the church laws and requirements can be followed. AII-1