Frequently Asked Questions
| Do we have to follow the "wedding rules"?
The rules are yours, it is your wedding and event, so it will be as you choose. |
| What kind of Wedding Ceremonies do you offer?
Traditional, nature-based, a special themed wedding, Wiccan/neo-Pagan, or that one-of-a-kind customized wedding ceremony that you have in mind, I will assist you in creating your special ceremony. |
|
What are your fees? Below are the fees for all ceremonies:
|
| Do I get to decide what will be said in my ceremony?
Unquestionably. You have complete control over what is said during your ceremony. It’s your wedding ceremony and you decide what you want! You can choose your own vows, readings or poetry, prayers or blessings. You just need to provide a written copy of anything that you would like to use! You can be as involved as you decide to be in the creation of the ceremony, or you can just approve suggestions made by me. It is totally your choice. |
| Will you incorporate elements from another culture or religion?
Yes. I find the wedding customs and traditions of other cultures and religions fascinating, and would be happy to learn about, and incorporate, appropriate elements into your wedding ceremony. Please feel free to discuss this with me. |
| Are we required to meet with you?
Meeting with me ahead of time is not a requirement, but I would be happy to meet with you and answer any questions that you have and start the planning. I am also available to “meet” by email and phone. There is no charge for the initial meeting. I suggest that the three of us meet in a coffee house (like Starbucks) or other local café to chat and see if it's a good fit. If we all feel good about one another, then the next step will be a deposit from you to reserve your wedding date in my calendar. With the deposit I will also ask for all of us to sign an Agreement, so that we all agree upon who is responsible for what details of the wedding (i.e. location, marriage license, etc.). One copy will be for me, the other copy for you. You may also mail the agreement and deposit to me if you both need time to think about it. With a deposit I will provide you with a copy of our wedding planning packet to help you note your selections. You may also use material not found in that packet. |
| Is premarital counseling required? No, it is not required nor do I offer premarital counseling services although I can assist you in finding a counselor if you so desire. |
| What geographic areas do you primarily serve?
I primarily serve Northern and Eastern King County and the surrounding area, including Seattle, however, I am willing to travel further if my schedule permits. Additional travel fees may apply. |
| Are you available on short notice?
Yes. Most weddings are planned well in advance, but I can be available on short notice as my schedule permits. To ensure that I am available, please reserve your wedding date and time as soon as you can. |
| What do your prices include? Prices include a fully customized wedding ceremony, assistance and suggestions with the planning of the wedding ceremony, at least one in-person meeting (depending on distance) and as many telephone and email discussions and interactions as you need to be comfortable with your wedding ceremony plans. |
| How long are your ceremonies?
That will totally depend upon the degree that you customize your ceremony. Typically they will last up to 20 minutes. While the choices and decisions are yours, ceremonies that last much more than 20 minutes tend to lose focus and your ceremony may be remembered for how long it ran on for rather than how special it was. |
| What do you wear?
I generally wear a conservative charcoal grey suit, with a subdued tie and white shirt. I dress to blend into the background of the wedding, so that the bride and groom are clearly the focal point of the event. However, I am very willing to dress as part of your themed or "special dress" ceremony (special costume/clothing at your expense). |
| How do we begin creating our wedding ceremony?
If we are meeting, I will hand you the wedding planning packet, otherwise the packet is emailed and arrives in a Microsoft Word document. Couples choose which sections they want to include and also choose from several suggested wordings in each section, or suggest new wordings or elements of their own. There are no limits to creating your ceremony. I also have additional materials, such as more suggestions for vows or readings, and, of course, I am available for any questions or concerns. When we are done, your wedding ceremony will be a personal, joyful and memorable event. |
| We don’t want to be married
in a church building.
Is that okay? Yes indeed! Any clean and safe location will do. I officiate weddings and marriage ceremonies indoors or outdoors. It can be at hotels, golf courses, country clubs, restaurants, private homes, parks, chapels, beach, poolside or most anywhere you choose. Local ordinances or laws may apply and are the responsibility of the couple. |
| What about rehearsals?
There is no additional fee for rehearsing just prior to your ceremony as many smaller weddings do not need a rehearsal on a separate day. I generally arrive early for weddings and I am available to review the positions and motions with the couple just prior to the ceremony. Rehearsals on a different day are option for an additional fee. |
| Do you attend the rehearsal dinner or reception?
Generally speaking, no. While I am deeply honored to officiate your wedding ceremony, I believe that the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception is celebration of family and friends and I therefore generally do not attend either event. |
| If you are not available, do you have other officiants you recommend?
Yes, there are other officiants whom I can recommend, should I be unavailable. |
| What about unity or sand ceremony supplies, do you provide them?
No. There are supplies in numerous specialty stores and on the internet. Colored sand for unity sand ceremonies can also be purchased at craft stores and I can suggest several. |
| Why would anyone do a vow renewal?
Vow renewals are wonderful events that not only honor the commitment between two people, but also the lives they have made together and the community of friends and family that have grown up around those lives. Vow renewals can include stories about memorable moments in the couple’s lives, or about their children or their parents. |