I seem to have piqued Ian's curiosity with some of my posts. He invited me to introduce myself here on this forum.
I'm 55 and a lifelong resident of NJ. Eleven years ago I became an ordained non-denominational minister. Since that time, I've set up my own business as a mobile wedding officiant. I travel throughout NJ, PA, NY, DE, MD & Washington, D.C. performing weddings, civil unions (same-sex weddings) and commitment ceremonies. I also perform baptisms/christenings, baby blessings and provide funeral services.
I would love to move to NH to pursue more liberty, but I'm not sure it would be financially possible for me with the type of work I do. I would have lots of competition from the Justices of the Peace there, and the marriage laws in NH's neighboring states are too restrictive for an out-of-state minister to cross state lines to perform weddings services. Where I'm located now, Southern NJ near Philadelphia, PA, is ideal for my business. Neighboring states place few or no restrictions on out-of-state ministers to perform weddings and it's more populated down here, so I get lots of business.
But I can certainly offer advice and assistance via the forum if I see a topic on which I have some knowledge. If there's anything else you'd like to know about me, just ask. 
I've had the same aspirations. I've been an ordained non-denomination minister for about 10 years and I've considered starting a business performing the same services. I think a lot of Free Staters would like a like minded minister to officiate their major life events.
Welcome RevDeb!
[quote author=RevDebbie link=topic=883.msg7697#msg7697 date=1241156824]
I travel throughout NJ, PA, NY, DE, MD & Washington, D.C. performing weddings, civil unions (same-sex weddings) and commitment ceremonies. … I would love to move to NH to pursue more liberty, but I'm not sure it would be financially possible for me with the type of work I do.
[/quote]
New Hampshire just passed a bill allowing same-sex marriages, by the way. HB436. Move shortly after 2010-01-01 and you’ll probably find lots of new business.
wow this is exactly the type of person I was talking about to my girlfriend. I'm trying to convince her that there are other ways other than baptism and marriage licenses to satisfy her statist (and my statist) family someday.
[quote author=AntonLee link=topic=883.msg8293#msg8293 date=1241961204]
wow this is exactly the type of person I was talking about to my girlfriend. I'm trying to convince her that there are other ways other than baptism and marriage licenses to satisfy her statist (and my statist) family someday.
[/quote]
Yes, there are alternative ways to get married without involving the State. One way is described in this pamphlet, written by a Christian minister:
http://www.mercyseat.net/pamphlets/marriagelicense.html
Since ministers are usually fined and/or jailed for performing a marriage without a state marriage license, I could perform a ceremony this way as an act of civil disobedience.
Another way to marry without a state marriage license is to obtain a Marriage Certificate via the World Service Authority. This is a simple process which involves both consenting parties (straight or gay) to sign and have notarized a form, and submit it along with the required fee to the World Service Authority. They will send you a Marriage Certificate with a raised seal which you may then use as you please. My husband and I were married this way. We presented the Marriage Certificate to his employer as proof of our marriage and I was placed on his health insurance and received spousal health benefits. More info on this certificate may be found here:
http://www.worldservice.org/docmar.html
Yet another way to form a partnership without involving the state is outlined in the book "Money Without Matrimony" by Sheryl Garrett and Debra A. Neiman. This book would be helpful to both straight and gay couples who are looking to protect their assets without going the route of a state marriage or civil union license. This book may be purchased here:
http://www.amazon.com/Money-Without-Matrimony-Unmarried-Financial/dp/1419506889/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241966638&sr=1-1
And, last of all, couples (both hetero and gay), may choose to be married by a minister from the First Nation Church. I am one such minister. The First Nation Church is a Native American church. Their ministers can perform your marriage ceremony and the church will register your marriage with the United Red River Cherokee Nation and issue you a Marriage Certificate. For more information on this way to be married, go here:
http://firstnationchurch.org/
So, as you can see, there are many options to marry without involving the state. Choose one and follow through.
this is all very informative and great to read actually. Thanks so much I'm going to pass this on to my girlfriend. We've talked and talked and talked and talked about the "issues" regarding the time when we will get married and have kids.
I don't particularly want a marriage license. She wants our marriage to be "legal" if for nothing else to keep her mom happy.
her parents would be disappointed if we didn't get our future child "baptized". . .and I continue to ask her "why their opinion matters"
Thanks again for the information Reverend Debbie!
That's awesome, Rev. Debbie. 
Thanks so much for sharing.
M.
Yes, the LCL Report is where I got the information about the "Money Without Matrimony" book, which I am currently reading.
C4L just posted and interesting article on the subject.
The Separation of Marriage and State
By Jerry Salcido
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/article.php?view=84
[quote]Thanks to the state, marriage is no longer a covenant between two people or between two people and God. No, marriage is a state classification, which connotes state-provided benefits or detriments. Marriage is married to the state imposed tax structure and the state created probate system, and in many instances marriage defines the powers of the state over the married individuals.
This unholy union between the state and marriage has transformed marriage from an inalienable or natural right in which government's only place was as protector of that right, to a civil right in which the state became the creator of the right. [/quote]
Super article! Thanks for that, LibertyTiger!
That reminds me of a case of a tax resister who was soundly trounced because she was married under the state. Simply, the tax code states that married couples are required to pay income taxes. She was asked if she was married, which she was, and then she was pointed to the section about how married couples are required to pay income taxes.