Flying Spaghetti Monster church gets OK to perform marriages

February 26: Members of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, otherwise known as Pastafarians, registered their first official marriage celebrant in New Zealand.

The group announced the news on its Facebook page, although the first couple that was set to be married by the new celebrant decided to call off their wedding.

“Our happy couple made the Wise Decision (after traveling together for several weeks) to NOT tie the noodley knot – a wise decision noted the Ministeroni: ‘Tis always better to be alone, wishing you were knotted, than to be knotted and wishing you weren’t.’ R’Amen!” they wrote.

The celebrant, referred to as the Ministeroni, will travel across the country to perform wedding services free of charge. Couples will only be required to pay for her travel expenses and make a donation of between $150-$800 to the church.

The group, whose members are known for wearing colanders on their heads, won the right to perform marriages in New Zealand on Dec. 10, 2015, and registered its first celebrant on Feb. 13.

New Zealand registrar-general of births, deaths and marriages Jeff Montgomery defended the group’s right to marry, citing its stances on human rights and spiritual diversity.

“Most approved organizations are faith-based and cluster around well-known religious views, however, a number have what might be considered an ‘alternative philosophy’. These include Yoga, Wicca, Scientology, Heathen, Druid, Humanist, Spiritual Healing and Reiki followers,” he said.