While a certified copy of a marriage license is its own valuable keepsake, can you imagine having one signed by funnyman, actor, writer, and television host Stephen Colbert? We know of at least one couple who had the honor of having their union solemnized by Colbert on an episode of his popular show, The Colbert Report. Not everyone can say that their wedding was officiated by a celebrity, especially one who was a presidential candidate both in real life and in the fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Mike Cassesso and MaiLien Le certainly can!
Networked Nuptials
In 2013, Cassesso and Le had plans to say “I do” at the Jefferson Memorial; however, due to a federal government shutdown at the time, they would’ve had to postpone their nuptials or hold them somewhere else. Despite his support of the shutdown, Colbert sympathized with the couple and officiated their wedding on the October 3rd episode of his show. Billed as “The 2013 Government Shutdown Wedding of the Century,” this two-part segment featured a “weekend” of activities condensed into 15 minutes, including a bachelor and bachelorette party. Ever the entertainer, Colbert pulled double duty as an officiant and as a stripper for the bridesmaids in his red ministerial robe.
Colbert didn’t just walk the couple through the requirements, including the declaration of intent to marry and a pronouncement. He also played counselor and bestie as Le became apprehensive about going through with the ceremony. Colbert went backstage and reassured her that if marriage wasn’t right for her, it was ok to walk away. Colbert then also joked that it was a big moment for him too and that he’d dieted for 15 minutes for this moment, giving Le a pep talk that encouraged her to proceed.
You might call Cassesso and Le’s union a star-studded event. Actors Mandy Patinkin and Audra McDonald were present, offering a non-denominational Jewish blessing and a ballad-style rendition of Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” respectively. Even Smokey the Bear showed up as a stand-in for Cassesso’s best man. Every couple deserves to have a wedding day to cherish for the rest of their lives, but it’s safe to say that Cassesso and Le’s nuptials are one for the record books!
To Have and To Ha-Ha
If you’re familiar with Colbert’s brand of humor on his current show, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” and “The Colbert Report,” you might know what to expect with someone like him officiating your union, especially on a TV show. Colbert is known for being a down-to-earth person who excels in satire and smart, relatable comedy. While you don’t need to be a comedian to officiate a wedding as a ULC-ordained minister, you can appreciate an officiant who can inject some levity into a wedding celebration.
Humor can be a great way to welcome people to such an occasion, and more importantly, put the couple at ease about the step they’re about to take. Colbert was able to use his humor and relatability to help a bride overcome wedding-day jitters. Thoughtfulness and kindness are two qualities to look for in someone who’s going to solemnize your union.
Motivated To Marry
You might want to become ordained through the ULC to legally marry consenting couples of age within the United States. Some people seek ordination to marry those who are unable to find an officiant to marry them. Others look for ministers who can offer something different. A government shutdown is not the most common obstacle to marriage, but it’s wonderful to see how a ULC-ordained minister, even one as funny as Stephen Colbert, can fulfill an important need.
Stephen Colbert is one of several celebrities who have become ordained ministers through the Universal Life Church, and because he is ordained he was able to help a couple formally and legally marry back in 2013.