SC Midlands Wedding Officiant
About
My name is Samantha A. Leitner and I am an Ordained Minister and a Notary Public since 1989. An experienced & professional Wedding Officiant based out of Columbia, SC, I provide religious & civil unions, as well as vow renewals and travel all over the state of South Carolina. My services include providing personal customized ceremonies and unity ceremonies, vow renewals, rehearsals, as well as Wedding Director and/or "Day of Coordinator" services if needed. I process all of the legal filings of the marriage license and provide 8 copies of the executed license for legal purposes such as name changes, social security, and insurance.
You can see more information and photos on my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/scmidlandsweddingofficiant/
My fee depends on the date/time needed, type of services (Religious or Civil ceremony, Unity Ceremony, Wedding Director), venue address, and if there is a rehearsal on the same day or different day. A deposit is required to reserve your date & time, which applies towards your balance.
I offer my trademark "Short & Sweet"TM️ Ceremony in my office in West Columbia, SC, for only $50 for quickie elopements by Appointment Only.
I have always loved weddings and was previously a caterer and wedding cake designer for 15 years, as well as an Officiant mainly for family & friends. As my personal growth becane more spiritually oriented, I transitioned to a professional Officiant and Minister. it is my honor and privilege to help couples and families celebrate one of the most special days in their lives!
Specialties
Ceremony type
Service type / affiliation
Number of guests
Need help writing vows
Ceremony language(s)
Officiant needed at rehearsal
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We discuss my availability for the dates/times requested (wedding and rehearsal, if needed) and what type of ceremony they prefer (Religious, Light Religious, Alternate or "Short "Sweet"™️), as well as any Unity Ceremony that may be required. We discuss if a Wedding Director and/or Day of Coordinator is needed at the venue, and if coordination with other vendors is required.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Notary Public for South Carolina since 1989.
IAPWO - member International Association of Professional Wedding Officiants.
AMM - ordained through American Marriage Ministries.
ULC - ordained through Universal Life Church.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Cultural norms are changing around the world, and attitudes about marriage are shifting toward a world in which love, in all its forms, is celebrated and accepted. The wedding ceremony, once the exclusive domain of religious institutions, is a very important beginning to a legal and committed union.
As tradition gives way to more personal affirmations of love and commitment, the need for professional officiants who can bridge the gap between religious and cultural traditions and personal expression has become increasingly important. It is my desire to serve all living couples looking to make their union legal in a personal and memorable way.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Couples should decide what approach they both desire in sealing their union; religious, lightly religious or civil. As an experienced Wedding Officiant it is my desire that the wishes of both partners are addressed in this most joyous of days.