An April Affair
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Portsmouth, VA
About
The Marital Minister is a wedding officiant service based in Hampton Roads. Whether you’re planning a last-minute elopement or a traditional wedding scheduled a year in advance, the Marital Minister can provide you with a special ceremony. Owner April N. Brown has a passion for creating wedding ceremonies that are rich in love and in life. April is an ordained Christian minister and a certified star member of the American Academy of Wedding Professionals. The Marital Minister welcomes all couples, regardless of backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences.
Specialties
Ceremony type
Wedding, Elopement, Commitment ceremony, Vow renewal
Service type / affiliation
Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Interfaith, Non-denominational (mentions God), Non-religious (no mention of God)
Number of guests
20 guests or fewer, 21 – 50 guests, 51 – 100 guests, 101 – 150 guests, 151 – 200 guests, 201 – 300 guests
Need help writing vows
I can work with couples who need help writing vows, I can work with couples who do not need help writing vows
Ceremony language(s)
English, Spanish
Officiant needed at rehearsal
I can attend rehearsals, I do not need to attend rehearsals
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We begin with a phone or in-person consultation. This is where I get to know you and your vision as well as you get to know me and my services. Based on your needs, you'll decide what packages best fits your needs. We will go into the details of planning your ceremony including preferences, traditions or activities to personalize your wedding ceremony.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I’m an ordained minister authorized to officiate weddings in Virginia and Washington, DC. I hold a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling with a focus in Life Coaching and am a certified life coach. My training allows me to support couples in creating meaningful wedding ceremonies while also helping them build a strong foundation for marriage.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, I offer structured pricing based on the type of ceremony and level of support couples would like. Options range from simple ceremony officiation to fully personalized ceremonies. I also offer packages that combine officiant services with premarital or marriage coaching to help couples build a strong foundation for their marriage. Pricing details are shared during a consultation so couples can choose the option that best fits their needs.
How did you get started in this business?
I started this work out of a desire to support couples not only on their wedding day, but in building strong and healthy marriages. With a background in pastoral counseling and life coaching, becoming a wedding officiant felt like a natural extension of my passion for helping couples begin their marriage with intention, connection, and a meaningful ceremony.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I’ve worked with many different types of couples—first-time marriages, couples blending families, vow renewals, and partners who simply want to be intentional about starting their marriage on a strong foundation. Every couple’s story is unique, so I take time to understand their relationship and create a ceremony experience that truly reflects who they are.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One ceremony I’m especially fond of was for a couple who wanted their wedding to feel personal and intentional. We integrated their love story and the promises they wanted to make for their future. Seeing them share those commitments in front of family and friends was a beautiful reminder that a wedding ceremony is just the beginning of a meaningful marriage.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
My advice is to choose someone who genuinely cares about your relationship, not just the ceremony. Your officiant will guide one of the most meaningful moments of your wedding day, so it should feel personal, authentic, and reflective of your love story. Take time to meet with them, ask questions, and make sure you feel comfortable and supported. When you find the right fit, the ceremony becomes even more meaningful.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Before meeting with a wedding professional, I encourage couples to ask themselves: What kind of ceremony feels authentic to us? What parts of our story do we want to celebrate? Who do we want involved, and in what way? And importantly, what kind of marriage do we want to start building together? Reflecting on these questions makes it easier to create a ceremony—and relationship guidance—that truly fits your relationship.
Services offered
Wedding Officiant
Wedding Coordinator