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You’ve made up your mind. THIS is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. (I know the feeling.) Congratulations!
You need someone who is reliable, professional, and who performs your service the way YOU want it done. It doesn’t seem that much to ask, but it can be very hard to find. That’s where I can help.
I will help you make this day uniquely yours in the ways YOU want. While I am always willing to offer advice and guidance, YOU will dictate the amount of pastoral involvement and tone of your ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been doing this, and how many weddings have you done?
I was ordained in 2002 but did not perform weddings until 2006. I officiate between 15 and 30 weddings a year. This allows me to give them my full attention, rather than having a "drive through" mentality.
So… How does all this go? Do we need to meet?
We can meet and do an interview, but that is considered a consultation and there is a small fee. It simply became cost prohibitive to drive all over meeting couples that may or may not book me. However, the fee applies towards your deposit.
The simplest (and least expensive) way to handle the arrangements is this…
- You complete the Contact Form.
- I respond and let you know I am free on that date.
- You mail in the contract with non-refundable deposit. That locks in your date.
- We start emailing back and between us, we compile your ceremony script. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds.
- Rehearsal: I can be there, or I can send a stand-in if I have a conflict, or you can do without.
- Wedding day: I arrive a half hour early, collect the unpaid balance (cash or money order only please), check your ID’s, sign your license, and perform your ceremony.
- After: I file your certificate with the county.
Will I need sound equipment for my ceremony?
If you have less than 100 guests, we probably will not need sound equipment. However, if your wedding is larger, or outside, we’ll probably need a little help so everyone can hear clearly. I have a small microphone and PA system that is enough for most moderately sized weddings.
How long will my ceremony be?
Most ceremonies last around 15-20 minutes. I know, it seems so short! But a ceremony with one reading and a unity candle or sand ceremony only takes about 15 minutes or so. However, by the time it’s all said and done, you can plan on leaving the church about an hour after your start time.
We are very religious/moderately religious/not religious/mixed religions... how do you handle that?
You can specify your level of religious belief and I will tailor your ceremony around that. If there are specific rituals inherent to your religion, such as communion, I will include those as well. I am also respectful of atheist philosophy, so you needn't be concerned that I'll "sneak" a prayer or sermon in there.
I’ve done some comparison shopping, and it seems like all the officiants are in the same range, but it seems kind of high for a 20 minute ceremony. Why is that?
The local range runs from $75-800. Crazy, huh?
Officiants justify the fees by relating expenses of religious and marriage education, professional attire, mileage, gas, advertising, website design, maintenance, and hosting, association fees, blah blah blah. But it comes down to the value of the service we provide.
This is not a hobby for me, it is a ministry and I take professionalism seriously. If you want a $75 wedding, I'm sure someone out there is willing to provide it for you. But I'm not "that guy".
Are you open to personalized vows, readings, poems, or music?
Totally. However, the “bottom line” should be serious. It’s fine to promise to love each other through football playoffs and PMS, but it should be clear that you take your vows seriously. Music should not be vulgar.
Will I have input on the ceremony and/or hear it in advance?
Absolutely. We create this moment together. You will get a copy by email before the day of your ceremony.
What will you wear?
It’s up to you. While I’m game for theme weddings, such as Star Trek or Renaissance Fair etc, I will not participate in “skyclad” (nude) weddings. (No one should be subjected to that!) You may request what level of formal attire I wear for your wedding. Your options for my attire are casual, suit, evening dress, or clerical robe.
Would you (and your husband) like to come to the reception and rehearsal dinner?
I do not generally attend rehearsal dinners and receptions. Once your wedding is done, I have my own family to get home to. However, if it is important to you, it can be arranged.
With all the weddings you perform, if you were planning a wedding today, what would you look for?
My must-haves: live flowers, live music, traditional vows, a powerful reading, comfortable shoes, shaded seating for my guests, and a fabulous photographer. I want people who are professional from the word "go". It's a big day, and I have big expectations. You should too.
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Ready to book? Fill out the contact form!
More questions? Click to email me or call me: (269) 492-9986.
Wedding Officiant, Wedding Minister, Interfaith Minister, Wedding Officiants, Wedding Ministers,
Wedding Ceremony, Marriage Ceremonies, Wedding Services, Marriage Officiant, Wedding
Officiate, Wedding Pastor, Wedding Pastors, Wedding Celebrant, Reverend, Wedding Clergy,
Justice of the Peace, JOP, Priest, Rabbi. Serving Michigan, Indiana, Ohio. Elope, Elopement.
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