frequently asked questions

I would love to! I offer face-to-face meetings for my standard wedding package. If you are planning a vow renewal or civil ceremony and want a personal consultation, I am available for a small fee. But this is your call. Some couples would rather handle everything by phone or e-mail, while others would rather meet in person. If you live out of town, I generally do make all arrangements via the internet and telephone.  As to the meetings, I generally meet at a location that is close by--a restaurant or coffee shop. We can grab a table and I can show you ceremonies and answer all your questions. It will also give you the chance to meet me - see if I have the right look, voice, and personality for your very special day.

I am both a minister and an officiant. I was raised within the Catholic Church, and carry these and many other faith-based beliefs. However, I practice as a non-denominational Christian minister. I will work either as a minister or officiant for your wedding. No couple is required or expected to have a religious ceremony. Many of my ceremonies are either spiritual or non-denominational ceremonies with traditional vows. I custom write 90% of those ceremonies, although some couples want to write their own personal vows. I am happy to write or perform any kind of ceremony you prefer!

I want to provide whatever type ceremony you have always dreamed of. I also offer civil ceremonies and vow renewals that are more traditional and less custom. This is your wedding day - I want the ceremony I perform to be about you and your wants and feelings.

Most couples do. I generally write the 'ring ceremony' or 'ring vows', but to speak from your heart, you likely will want to write your own very personal wedding vows. Some couples write them from their hearts. Others need help and will want to research published vows. I will assist you if you need ideas, suggestions, or reference material to get started with your vows.

Some ministers will encourage you not to depart from 'traditional vows'. They state that the emotional turmoil, ease of repeating, length, and 'flow' of the ceremony are interrupted by custom vows. Nonsense!

You love each other - this is your day. If nothing else in your ceremony is custom - then your vows should be. I encourage you to do this, if nothing else in your ceremony is custom. And it's fine if you don't want to write your vows - it's your choice.

Also, if you are shy about saying them or become emotional during the ceremony - I will gladly step in and finish the reading. It happens at times and is never a problem.

Of course! This is your day, and I want to perform your ceremony your way! You can most certainly do this. You may already have a ceremony you like and want to use. It can be updated to personalize for your own use. We can also add and/or delete anything from a ceremony you provide - or I provide for you. If you have a ceremony or reading you would like for me to review, please contact me with any questions.

The average ceremony is about 5-10 minutes in length. Ceremony length is dependent on ceremony choices, special services and readings, and size and structure of the wedding party. A large number of bridesmaids and groomsmen can take 5-10 minutes to enter and exit the service. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. A couple things to consider are: 

• Bride and Groom, Bridal party - something about the excitement and adrenalin that surge during a wedding can make 5 minutes seem like 15. Knee lock, nervous tummys, dehydration - all can take a toll during a really long ceremony. Most couples find that they can have everything they want in a ceremony that lasts 30 minutes or less.
• Outside ceremonies - temperature can be a factor. Remember the comfort of your guests, who generally are seated outside well before the ceremony starts. Also, time of day, placement of the sun in the sky, and location specific items can be factors.

My belief is that the ceremony belongs to you, and should reflect what you want as a couple.

I am asked this question quite frequently. My beliefs are to help any couple seeking solace. You love each other, and the past is the past. I have no religious beliefs that allow me to discriminate against anyone who wants to get married - divorced or not. I welcome you at this new juncture of your life!

No, I do not require counseling. If you are seeking counseling prior to marriage, I would be happy to point you in the right direction. If you have a situation that requires a specialty in this field, I will assist you in finding the proper professional.

I marry people of all beliefs, faiths, or religions, as well as same-sex marriages (known by me as "marriages".

You will make a deposit to reserve my services for your wedding date. The remainder of my fee is paid after the wedding ceremony has been performed. We will also take care of the marriage certificate and witnesses sign after the ceremony. I can accept PayPal, Square, Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle!

Of course! Rehearsals are important for anything but intimate size or civil ceremony weddings. You want your wedding to go as smooth as possible. I know - some folks say that it’s "not important" or "way overblown". My experience has been that the only ceremonies that had problems didn't have a rehearsal. The rehearsal can be days before or hours before the ceremony. Out-of-town wedding rehearsals require special logistics. We will discuss your particular requirements when planning your ceremony.

If for some reason I am booked for a wedding on the date/time of your rehearsal, I can walk you though what you need to discuss and practice. Also, if you have a wedding coordinator, they will assist with the rehearsal. I will gladly participate and work with your wedding coordinator, as this should be a joint effort.

And if you don't want or need a rehearsal, that is ok, too!

I generally arrive 1 hour prior to your ceremony. This allows proper time to check with the bride and groom, best man and maid/matron of honor. I will get any last minute questions or instructions. I will also check with the wedding coordinator and facility planner (if applicable), the DJ, and anyone else that will be part of the ceremony.

At this time, I will also gather the proper witnesses, review and prepare all copies of the license, and properly complete the certificate and have witnesses sign.

This is also a great time to collect final payment. Cash is preferred - checks are fine too. I also accept credit cards through Pay Pal, Square, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle - but when using this method of payment, the service has to be paid in full at time of reservation.

I also need time to dress and prepare to give the greatest ceremony ever written--Yours!