I was wondering about marriage prep classes. We are having a non-denominational wedding in a historical heritage church that has been restored. It didn't come with an officiary, but we don't want a justice of the peace. Everyone that I have gotten a hold of says that we need marriage prep classes, but we live out of the town in which we are getting married. Do we have to take these classes in order for them to marry us?

It's really up to the officiant if he/she will marry you without the classes. Many require them before they will perform a service, however I expect you will be able to find someone who would do it without the classes. As a compromise, see if one meeting before the wedding day (perhaps the day before) will suffice. You will probably be in town by then and could spare an hour or two. It would also help you get familiar with the officiant and any special church service requirements before the wedding service. Perhaps explaining the distance problem will help. You could also consider a university chaplain or military chaplain who can perform weddings and may have looser requirements.