Getting Hitched With Shahbaz

I love to have an initial consult with the people looking to get married as this is not a light agreement into which to put oneself. I love to get an idea of the overall experience of the individuals involved. That consultation is 100% free if the couple chooses a different direction. If they choose to work with me, it's part of the non-refundable deposit to lock in the date.

As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church since 2002, I've had the luxury of training and developing myself as an engaged speaker and listener. Additionally, I focused my educational efforts in the world of interpersonal communication as well as building and developing relationships. This training has afforded me the unique skill of powerful interactions and incredible ceremonies for my couples!

Just paperwork, couple and their witnesses At my office: $229 Anything beyond 'just paperwork' Please contact me at 651-300-2120 for more details.

A co-worker mentioned he was getting married and didn't have an officiant. I had been ordained as a minister as part of a community of ministers. When I mentioned this, he said he'd check with his fiancee. I was hired by them a few weeks later and shortly after that a friend asked, after that another friend asked and after the fourth friend asked, I started charging fee to officiate weddings.

I'm open to working with all types of couples and here are some examples of couples I've worked with:

Traditional Couples - Couples who prefer a classic and traditional wedding ceremony with customary vows and rituals.

Non-Traditional Couples: - Couples who want to personalize their ceremony with unique vows, alternative rituals, or unconventional themes.

Elopement Couples - Couples who choose a private and intimate ceremony, often with a small number of guests or just the couple themselves.

Couples of Different Cultures - Couples from diverse cultural backgrounds who want to incorporate traditions and customs from both sides into their ceremony.

Second Marriage Couples - Individuals who are getting married for the second time, each with their own unique set of circumstances and preferences.

Bilingual Couples - Couples who speak different languages or come from different linguistic backgrounds, requiring an officiant who can conduct the ceremony in multiple languages.

Custom Ceremony Seekers - Couples who desire a personalized and customized ceremony, with specific readings, vows, or rituals that reflect their unique relationship.

One couple called on me looking for a ceremony that was meant to be secret. They couldn't share with anyone and they needed witnesses. I was really excited to be let in on the secret. That's what made it most fun. They arrived to my office and brought two witnesses! We completed the ceremony in about 10 minutes and their witnesses packed champagne for the event. It was truly an endearing experience. So happy to have been a part of it!

Confirm you have the marriage license in your hand when you reach out. Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions! Remember that this is a business and for some of us, it's our only source of income because we love what we do. It's OK to exclude us from the reception if you don't have room. We'll be OK!

****Not all of these questions apply to every situation and they are great things to consider.****

Choosing the right wedding officiant is an important decision for a couple, as the officiant plays a crucial role in the ceremony. Here are some questions that couples should think through before hiring me:

1. Availability and Schedule: - Is the officiant available on your preferred wedding date and time? - Are they willing to travel if you have a destination wedding?

2. Legal Requirements: - Are they familiar with the legal requirements for marriage in your location?

3. Ceremony Style: - What is their approach to ceremonies? Traditional, modern, religious, secular, or a blend? - Can they customize the ceremony to reflect your preferences and values?

4. Experience: - How many weddings has the officiant performed? - Do they have experience with specific types of ceremonies (e.g., interfaith, same-sex, cultural)?

5. Communication: - How do they handle communication leading up to the wedding? - Are they open to meetings or consultations to discuss the ceremony details?

6. Ceremony Content: - Can you review or provide input on the ceremony script before the wedding? - Are they open to incorporating specific readings, rituals, or personal touches?

7. Fee Structure: - What is their fee, and what does it include (e.g., rehearsal, travel expenses)? - Are there any additional fees or charges?

8. Flexibility: - How flexible are they in terms of last-minute changes or unexpected circumstances? - Are they comfortable with unconventional or non-traditional elements?

9. Rehearsal: - Do they offer a rehearsal, and is it included in the fee? - How do they coordinate and run the rehearsal?

10. Religious or Cultural Sensitivity: - If applicable, are they familiar with and respectful of your religious or cultural traditions? - How do they handle ceremonies that involve multiple faiths or cultural backgrounds?

11. Personality Fit: - Do you feel comfortable with the officiant's personality and style? - Will they be able to connect with you and your guests during the ceremony?