The Say I Do! Diaries: Spotted Award Winner: Bethel Nathan of Ceremonies by Bethel

What are the Spotted Awards?

The Say I Do! Spotted Awards is our way of recognizing and bringing attention to those businesses that stand on the side of equality and love. We feel that all too often those businesses who refuse service to gays and lesbians receive more attention (though negative) than those businesses that have always stood in alliance with the LGBT community. We want to change that by highlighting businesses who stand for love and equality. It also serves to provide examples to other businesses on how they can be more diverse and inclusive.

We are so excited to announce our second of 3 Spotted Award winners, Bethel Nathan of Cermonies by Bethel of San Diego, CA!

About Ceremonies by Bethel...

Since launching in 2009, Ceremonies by Bethel, Ordained Officiant Open to All, has celebrated nearly 500 couples and families, with ceremonies that celebrated their relationship in the way they deserved to be celebrated. Bethel’s couples usually are looking for a ceremony that is fun, personal, meaningful, and non-traditional/non-religious. For her it is about celebrating what they share in front of those who matter most to them (or, in the case of elopements, just with the words that speak to how they feel about each other and about their commitment).

From the very beginning, Bethel has been a supporter of, and advocate for, marriage equality. Until Prop 8 was removed, she regularly celebrated couples in commitment ceremonies, and always promised that when the day returned, she would happily legally marry them. Once marriage equality returned to California, nothing made her happier than not having to distinguish between any of her couples or their commitments. Now she gets to enjoy celebrating couples coming in from all over the country to get married in San Diego, in celebrations big and small!

As Bethel puts it, "I want to be part of your special day. As a celebrant unaffiliated with any specific religion or organization, I will design, create, and perform a unique ceremony just for you, as it will be about you. Your ceremony can be simple, traditional, contemporary, or as elaborate and eclectic as you desire. Regardless of the style, it will be perfect for you. I believe your ceremony should be a personal reflection of your current relationship and of your future years together. Ultimately, it should celebrate your union, touch your hearts, and inspire your loved ones with a ceremony that is special and meaningful to you, whatever that may be!