NAWM Certified Wedding Minister (CWM)

CWM Advisory Board Members:

Melissa Alvarez – Interfaith Minister – PA
Scott Carpenter – Christian (Unity) Minister - NC
Enid Kessler – Interfaith Minister - NY
Kevin Knox – Methodist Minister – FL
Penelope Morningstar – Interfaith Minister – NC
Carolyn Neithammer – Secular Celebrant – AZ
Irene Swain – Spiritual Minister - NM

CWM Purpose Statement:

Certified Wedding Minister (CWM) designation was established to fulfill a growing desire by ministers who specialize in wedding ministry to create an industry standard to verify a minister has the basic legal, education, training, knowledge and experience necessary to meet the needs of the bride and groom in a professional, competent and legal manner. CWM designation is intended for those ministers who want to”go the extra mile” and have their credentials verified by an independent third party. Brides and grooms can be confident that the CWM Seal represents the industry’s highest quality standards to ensure their minister will help deliver a beautiful heartfelt ceremony on their wedding day.

All CWM recipients have met the following basic requirements established by the CWM Advisory Board for certification:

1. Active member of National Association of Wedding Ministers.
2. Performed a minimum of 10 weddings and provided verifying information.
3. Provided a custom written ceremony accompanied with a short 250 word essay describing why ceremony elements were chosen and how they reflect the unique relationship of the bride and groom.
4. Provided a copy of ordination to verify legality in the state/s where services are provided.
5. Successfully completed a multiple choice, general knowledge, test of 25 questions on ministry and wedding ceremony/day knowledge.
6. Provided copies of credentials, transcripts and diplomas to verify education and training. College education is not a requirement for CWM designation, but those credentialed who show education on advertising must have it verified.