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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why don't your packages include rehearsal time?

    • My experience has been that most couples I work with do not want rehearsal time with me. Sometimes they hold rehearsals at home or in the back yard with their bridal party, and they don't wish for me to come. Sometimes, they just wing it, or have a plan "on paper" for their bridal party to follow.

    • Rehearsals can sometimes take up just as much time as the wedding day. Therefore, the time and effort put into that needs to be included in the fee. It is unfair for couples who don't wish to have a rehearsal to pay the same package fee. ​

  • What does a typical procession look like?

    • As with everything else, your procession can be conducted any way you would like.

    • If you choose to have a processional as part of your ceremony, your immediate family, wedding party and, finally, you and your partner walk down the aisle. Traditionally, if the wedding is for a couple of the opposite sex, the procession starts with the officiant and follows with the groom (who can walk down the aisle with their parents or alone), the best man, the groomsmen, the maid of honor, the bridesmaids, the flower girl, ring bearer and the bride (who can walk down the aisle with their parents or alone). While this structure is what's commonly adhered to, it is very heteronormative and can be adjusted, especially for LGBTQ+ couples who should feel empowered to customize the processional order as they see it.​

  • How is the recessional conducted?

    • ​After you are proclaimed married, the last step that signifies the end of the traditional wedding ceremony order is the recessional. Generally, the recessional follows the reverse order of the processional.

    • The couple leads the way while the best man and maid of honor pair up followed by the pairing of the other groomsmen and bridesmaids. The officiant is the last to leave after giving closing remarks and/or offering instructions to the wedding guests.

  • How long will the ceremony be? 

    • Generally, the ceremony that I prepare for you is designed to take about 10 minute to complete.​

    • The processional and recessional will add some additional time. Approximately 5-7 minutes for the procession and no more than 3-4 minutes for the recessional. 

    • If you choose to have a ritual ceremony included, this will had approximately 5-10 minutes on to your total ceremony time depending on which ritual you choose. 

    • Have you ever been to one of those weddings where the officiant just goes on an on recapping the couple's entire history? From start to finish (including procession and recession) you don't want your ceremony to take any longer than 30 minutes, or you tend to lose your guests. 

  • What happens if my wedding is cancelled? 

    • Nobody really likes it think about something like this happening, but unfortunately things happen and you need to be prepared with the understanding of our terms just in case. ​

    • All money paid within 3 months of your wedding date is non-refundable. This is because within that timeframe I have already put in the time and effort to plan for your wedding. Your date has been reserved an unavailable to anyone else, I have taken the time to prepare your personalized ceremony script, and within 3 months time it is unlikely that I will be able to fill your wedding date with a new client. 

    • If your wedding is to be rescheduled, all of your paid fees will be transferable to the new date and no additional fees will be incurred as long as no changes are made.

  • Can you assist me with securing a venue for the ceremony?

    • The short answer to this question is no. I am not a wedding planner and do not offer this as part of my services. ​

    • If you are planning a "Just Make it Legal" union, I will arrange for your marriage to take place at the Liberty Township Municipal Building unless you have made other arrangements and wish to pay the travel fee. 

    • I am happy to make suggestions regarding local parks, but I do not take part in securing the location or obtaining any permits that may be required. 

  • Should I arrange to have a sound system for the ceremony? 

    • Absolutely!​

    • If you are working with a DJ or band, you should inquire what is involved in having them provide a sound system. 

    • Please note that I am typically not equipped to hold a microphone, as I will be holding my portfolio that has your script and at some point I will likely be holding your rings at some point in time if you choose a ring exchange. Please confirm that your DJ/Band will be able to provide a microphone stand. If not, I can bring my own but that needs to be communicated in advance.

    • I do have my own small speaker and microphone that can be used if you do not have any other options, but this will need to be arranged in advance. I do not charge any additional fees for this service, but the speaker is not available for use after the ceremony. 

  • Should we plan for you to join us for the cocktail hour and/or reception?

    • While it is always deeply appreciated to be invited to continue to share in the joy of the day, the only time I typically spend after the completion of the ceremony is for a photo with the couple. ​

  • Are there any conditions under which you would not agree to perform a ceremony?

    • While I absolutely love weddings that are non-conventional, there are some things that my own personal limitations will not enable me to partake in.​

    • I am not your girl for anything that involves extreme heights (i.e. helicopters, planes, hot air balloons, skyrise roof tops, etc.).

    • Anything that might involved underwater diving or vessels is also outside of my comfort zone. 

    • Most definitely, nothing illegal. If you do not have the proper marriage license, your marriage will not be legal or legitimate. I will not forge signatures or put a false date on your paperwork. In the state of NJ you must have 2 witnesses present during the ceremony in additional to me. Those witnesses must be willing to complete the marriage license with their full legal name, address, and signature. 

  • What happens if I forget to bring the marriage license to the wedding? 

    • The marriage license is the MOST commonly forgotten item. Please be sure to bring it, or ask a trusted family member, friend, or member of the bridal party to bring it for you. ​

    • If you forget your marriage license and it is not possible for someone to get it for you on the date of the wedding, arrangements will need to be made for another date/time for everyone (including witnesses) to meet and complete your paperwork. This will require an additional fee of $75 if you meet with me in Liberty Township. If I have to travel, the fee will be $75 plus $1.65 per mile from Liberty Township. 

    • If you would like to send me your marriage license ahead of time, that is an option but I would highly recommend sending it via Priority Mail with tracking. 

    • Please keep in mind that each service/package includes a specific amount of my time. If I have to wait additional time for someone to retrieve your license, additional fees will be incurred as per my terms and conditions. 

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  • Can you provide all of the supplies needed for our ritual ceremony?

    • I am happy to assist you with obtaining the items needed to complete your ritual ceremony, but there will be a 20% upcharge for this service. For example, if the cost of the items for your sand ceremony comes to $100, your total bill will include tax and $20 for convenience of having me obtain everything and bringing it to the wedding for you. ​Everything is yours to keep afterward. 

    • If your wedding is being held at a venue, please confirm with them that a proper table will be provided if you are choosing to have a sand ceremony, unity candle ceremony, or any other ritual that will require a space for items to be held. 

    • If needed, I can provide a 2.63-foot round granite white plastic folding table and white cloth table covering with or without a tulle skirt. Please note, these items will not be available for use after the conclusion of the ceremony. 

  • Can you provide decorations?

    • This is typically not something that is included in the service I provide. ​

    • As mentioned above, I do have a table and cloth that can be utilized if needed. I do own some white artificial wisteria decor, small mason jar lanterns, some short strands of fairy lights, and tea light LED candles. These items can be utilized if needed for the ceremony only, and there will be an upcharge if I am expected to decorate on your behalf unless you have chosen and paid for the "Over the Rainbow" package, which includes that type of service. 

  • What happens if you are sick and are unable to fulfill your obligation to perform the wedding ceremony? 

    • This is another one of those things that nobody likes to think about, but life happens and it's best to be prepared. ​

    • I have established my own network of fellow officiants who I would reach out to as a back-up. I would make payment arrangements directly with them. 

    • If for some catastrophic reason I am unable to find my own replacement, all of your fees would be reimbursed in full. 

  • Do you allow children to attend or be a part of the wedding?

    • Absolutely! This is really your decision. ​

    • I love kids and have no problems with them attending, being part of the bridal party, being incorporated into the ceremony, where they stand (or don't stand), or even if they are slightly disruptive.

    • My only recommendation is that if you have small children of your own, please coordinate with a family member or friend to be designated as their caretaker for the duration of the ceremony. 

  • How will you dress? 

    • This is also mostly your decision. ​

    • I typically like to wear dresses to perform ceremonies, but I will occasional wear black dress pants with a blouse if we will be outside in cold weather, if I am asked to walk through the woods or any other "messy" terrain, or if I feel it is warranted for the type of wedding or environment. 

    • While I typically like to avoid wearing all black, if that is your preference I am happy to do that. 

    • If there is a color you would like me to avoid, please let me know.

    • I don't wear heals, so if you are hoping to match me with your bridal party in terms of footwear I will not be able to accommodate heals. 

    • I do have a stole that I can wear if you wish.  

  • Can you assist with the marriage application process? 

    • Unfortunately, there is a limited amount of assistance I can provide with this step in the marriage process. 

    • I am happy to research information for you with the specific town or county in which you will be applying for your license, and relay the information to you.

    • I am unable to serve as a witness for your marriage application.

    • I am unable to pickup your license for you. 

    • I am more than happy to submit your final paperwork for you. 

  • Do you have a checklist of things I am responsible for? 

    • Yes, in terms of the ceremony and contract between us. 

    • I have created a list that outlines my responsibilities as your minister/officiant, and your responsibilities. 

    • You can find that list by clicking here. 

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