Below are the most asked questions concerning weddings. Click on the question to see my answer.
Please feel free to ask me any other questions you may have about what I have to offer.
Some officiants do not list their fees. Why do you?
It is important for me to be upfront with my potential clients about all aspects of what I offer, including the price. There are no hidden fees and I do not base my fee on how many weddings I had or did not have during a particular month. I find by listing my fees openly, it is fair to the couples who are searching so they have all information at their fingertips without having to meet with me before getting a price. Planning a wedding is time consuming and it is my intention to help make the process as smooth as possible for a couple during the search for their Officiant.
Are you an “internet” minister or a real minister? What is the difference?
After attending 2 years at The New Seminary in NYC, I was ordained as an Interfaith Minister. The education and insight I received while at the seminary was an important part of my process and are an asset to the services that I offer. Some internet ministers are not recognized by their state, whereas, as a legally trained and ordained minister, I am able to perform weddings in the United States and its territories.
Do I have any input in the ceremony that you write for us?
Absolutely! A couple’s input is very welcomed and is what helps to make the ceremony personal. When the writing process begins, I use the information that was gathered from our conversations and from a form that each couple is asked to fill out. From there, the ceremony is written and revised until it has blossomed into YOUR vision of the most important day in a couple’s life.
Can you write a ceremony that is not religious? What if we want to blend religious and non-religious?
As an Interfaith minister, I welcome religious, non-religious, spiritual, earth-based and blended faiths. The ceremony will be created to reflect your views and preferences and is sure to leave your hearts smiling.
Can we include our children?
Yes, family vows are just one of the beautiful ways to include your children, which can be written to accommodate any age.
What are the “rules” about a wedding ceremony? I have some ideas that I would like to use, but maybe they won’t be allowed.
It’s YOUR wedding. There are no rules except for me to get your consent, hear you state your vows and then I pronounce that you are indeed married! The sky is the limit to how the rest of the ceremony takes shape.
If we want to have the rehearsal on our own, how do we go about it?
Upon request, I will happily provide a guideline free of charge so you can conduct the rehearsal on your own.
Do you attend the reception?
It is always appreciated to be asked to stay for the reception. Normally though, I leave after the ceremony has concluded and I’ve said my congratulations so you may celebrate with your loved ones.
Have you ever been late or had to cancel your attendance at a wedding?
I have never been late to a wedding and have not had to cancel. I take the responsibility of being a minister and wedding officiant very seriously and take careful means to be able to fulfill my duties.
When and where do we get our marriage license? Does it have to be from the county where we live or where we’re getting married?
For a wedding in Pennsylvania, your marriage license is valid on the 3rd day following the application, with the license being valid for 60 days from issue date. It can be obtained at any Pennsylvania county courthouse.
Do we get an official marriage license after the wedding?
Each county in Pennsylvania has it’s own rules about the official license. For more information, it is best to check with the courthouse where you obtained your license.