Rev. Joe Hassler

I like to spend time with the couple asking questions and getting to know them so I can really get a feel for how I can give them the ceremony experience they are hoping for.

I'm an ordained minister. I was previously a youth pastor for five years in Texas, and a chaplain for the DOCRR for three years. I'm was also a regular guest preacher for small local churches, and a volunteer chaplain for the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. I am currently the lead pastor of a local church in Mapleton Mn. I have my undergrad in Christian Leadership with an emphasis in Pastoral Ministry. Currently working on my Master's of Divinity degree.

I charge a flat rate of $450. This includes: A meeting with the couple before the wedding to ask and answer questions and get a better understanding of what they are looking for (can be in-person or via Zoom) Assistance choosing vows (if needed), Being at the rehearsal (if requested) Performing the wedding ceremony. Depending on location, there may be an additional charge for travel time, which we could discuss in our initial meeting. My policy is to collect an down payment of $100.00 of the payment at the end of our first meeting (if we decide to move forward with working together), and the rest on the day of the ceremony.

As a pastor for the past 10 years, I've gotten to be part of births, baptisms, weddings, and other milestones; I really enjoy helping people celebrate their special occasions. Weddings are especially enjoyable to me because they are filled with excitement and joy.

In regards to dating and marriage, I've helped ages 16-60 process the beginning, middle, and end of relationships. Most of the couples I work with in the pre-marital stage are deeply committed to one another, have often been in a long-term relationship, and are ready to step into this next phase of life. I perform first time weddings, weddings post-divorce, and both religious/non-religous weddings. I enjoy working with couples who enjoy each either, have a good sense of humor, and like to have fun.

Tony & Michelle are a couple that I got to do some pre-marital counseling with, so getting to also perform their outdoor, intimate ceremony was really enjoyable for me. (I also helped the groom do some surprise planning, which was great!) I appreciated that they were able to laugh, connect more deeply with one another, and express their heartfelt feelings for each other both before and during their ceremony.

If you haven't received pre-marital counseling, ask your officiant if they're able to provide a few sessions to get you started in your married life on the right foot. Tell your officiant the style/mood you're going for: funny, serious, sentimental, with or without a short message, your religious preferences, if any, and traditional or non-traditional are all things to communicate so you can both be sure you're comfortable with what's happening. Many officiants (myself included) have experience running the ceremony portion of the rehearsal, assisting in selecting vows, and providing guidance on what to include in the ceremony. If you need help in that area, ask!

1. Do you need/want pre-marital counseling? 2. Do you need/want help with your vows? 3. Do you need/want assistance in creating your ceremony? 4. How formal or informal would you like the officiant to be dressed? 5. How traditional or non-traditional would you like the ceremony to be? 6. Will you be the primary point of contact, or would you prefer the officiant be in communication with someone else (wedding planner, etc)?