Memorable Officiant Services

Because I know the planning process for a wedding can be stressful for some, I start by sending one comprehensive email that details a suggested order of ceremony, including optional elements that the couple may or may not choose to include. I have found this to be a very calming and reassuring approach. I also include roughly 5 to 7 questions that help complete the picture and ensure that the ceremony meets the hopes and needs of the couple. This email is then followed by one Zoom call with the couple to get acquainted and answer any questions. If we have at least one month to prepare, my services include scheduling two additional "interview" calls, one with each individual. These conversations help me to craft a highly personalized set of remarks that the couple and their guests will find touching, funny, endearing and very memorable. If the advance timeframe is shorter, we would dispense with the two interviews but I will still prepare a meaningful and memorable set of remarks.

I am a spiritual person who is accepting of all cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities and faiths (and those with no faith tradition). I have performed numerous non-religious ceremonies (no mention of God) as well as those based in Christianity. Some have included prayer and scripture readings; others have included neither. I have been an effective public speaker since my teens, writing and delivering inspirational remarks on a wide range of topics. This helped to advance my 44-year professional career and my success as a business owner for more than 33 years. As a Wedding Officiant and Minister ordained by the Universal Life Church, I have consistently received high praise for the unique and personal ceremonies I have conducted over the past decade.

The truth is that I invest far more time into every ceremony (before, during and after) than most might imagine. If I actually charged for all of those hours, I'd probably not be selected to officiate very many weddings! So, I charge a fee that I believe is reasonable to the couple, consistent with the marketplace and acceptable to me.

Nearly 10 years ago I was asked to officiate the wedding of dear friends. The reaction I received from them and from nearly every guest in attendance was essentially this: "I've never witnessed such a personal ceremony before in my life. I feel as though I know this couple so much better now. I feel included in their life story. And I am so moved and inspired by their commitment to each other." The response was so overwhelmingly positive that I have agreed to do it again... and again... and... the rest is history. It has become a labor of love - literally!

This is an odd question, right? I've worked with all sorts of people with widely diverse backgrounds, heritages and professions. As you might expect, most have been young people, though I have also been asked to officiate the renewal of vows for a 25th anniversary celebration in Italy in 2025! I am happy to perform a religious, faith-based, spiritual or non-religious ceremony, and will adapt to your needs.

Honestly, I hold great and special fondness for each ceremony but the first one will always have special meaning to me... the beautiful couple, the setting, the tears and laughter, the attentive guests, the embrace of everyone gathered... and the validation that my words resonated so powerfully with everyone there. And even to the most recent ceremony in 2024... I, too, am inspired to continue to invite wedding guests into the powerful circle of love that each marriage represents.

You want this highly meaningful moment to be something you will remember and cherish for the rest of your life. And you want your family and friends to carry a piece of this special day with them, too. Crafting a ceremony with words that touch every heart takes time AND thoughtful effort. Anyone, at any price, can "officiate" a marriage (we've seen it done at the courthouse, right?). Don't shortchange your wedding with quick and cheap. Choose the Officiant who has the heart and passion to craft remarks and officiate a ceremony that will stay with you and your guests for years to come.

>>>>> 1. Unless this is an Elopement, you will want to provide the date, time and location of the rehearsal, since you will want the Officiant there (but the Officiant does NOT plan to attend the rehearsal dinner). >>>>> 2. The date, time and location of the wedding (but the Officiant does NOT plan to attend the reception). >>>>> 3. Do/Will you have a marriage license that is valid for the planned wedding date? The license must come from the Clerk of Court for the county where the wedding ceremony will be held, which may be different from the county where you live. >>>>> 4. Are there any traditions or rituals (e.g., ethnic, family, faith, other) that you specifically want included in the ceremony? >>>>> Once you have selected me as your Officiant, I will provide a short list of additional questions to help finalize ceremony planning. I look forward to speaking with you!