Carole Davenport
About
I have much experience planning and leading worship services, weddings, and other rituals within Christian traditions especially the United Methodist and Lutheran churches. I am “ordained” in the (Internet) Universal Life Church in order to legally preside at weddings in Illinois. I’ve officiated at and enjoyed planning and leading both religious and non-religious wedding ceremonies in Illinois and New Mexico.
I work together with a marrying or covenanting couple to plan their ceremony including vows, readings, placement of music, etc. I have many resources to draw from to make planning the ceremony easy and appropriate. My basic fee includes 3 Google meets, 3 emails, leading an in-person on site rehearsal, presiding at the ceremony, and 1-2 trips to the wedding site within the Chicago metro area. Other communications and planning activities may be possible for additional fees.
I have performed wedding ceremonies on outdoor labyrinths and in gardens, and I know of some of both in the Chicago area that would be lovely warm weather wedding sites. Most do not charge anything. I will help verify availability and get fee information for you in most cases.
I am fluent in English. I would be comfortable working with a translator throughout the ceremony if an additional language such as Spanish or French is desired.
My goal is always to make the ceremony a relaxed, meaningful, and happy one.
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?
Talk on the phone or communicate via email about who's getting married, where, and when. Short Google Meet or phone meeting with both partners about their wedding ceremony wants and what I can offer. Following agreement to work together, schedule follow up meetings and email, texts and phone conversations as needed to learn more about the people, the venue, and the text/content of the marriage ceremony. At the wedding perform the ceremony. A day after the wedding mail the required info to the county.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Served several years as a lay speaker and local pastor in the United Methodist Church. Much experience planning and leading worship services. Masters degree in Adult and Continuing Education. Internet ordination from Universal Life Church. Labyrinth walks facilitator. Comfortable with performing weddings within a Protestant tradition or secular. Have collection of readings, poems, etc., suitable for a wedding. Happy to unite male-female, male-male, and female-female couples.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I do not have a standard pricing system and will be happy to discuss and negotiate until everyone involved is satisfied.
How did you get started in this business?
The daughter of my childhood friend wanted to be married in a particular church but not by the denomination's clergy, and they asked me if I would officiate. I did and loved it!
What types of customers have you worked with?
+ Young male-female couple, church wedding including a rehearsal
+ 2nd marriage, late 30s male-female couple, Western themed wedding involving bringing two young teens into the ceremony, including rehearsal
+ 2nd marriage, young senior male-female couple, on their patio, no attendants
+ 2nd marriage, young senior male-female couple, on an outdoor labyrinth, adult children attendants and musicians, including a rehearsal
+ Early 40s female-female couple, in their yard, no attendants
+ 2nd marriage, early 40s male-female couple, Merrick Rose Garden, Evanston