Step One:
If you are interested in having me officiate your wedding or, if you are interested in meeting me first to see if I am a good fit, then start by contacting me via email or telephone. I am text friendly, so feel free to start there if that is more comfortable for you. I can’t always guarantee I can answer my phone because life is full of surprises, but I will certainly do my best to get back to you quickly.
Step Two:
We will agree on a good time and place to meet for a free in-person consultation where we can discuss the details of what you want to happen or brainstorm a few if you have no idea. I certainly understand that this is probably your first time getting married and I am happy to lend the knowledge I’ve gained to help you build a ceremony perfect for you. It’s also a chance to get to know one another, so I ask a lot of questions about your history and experience together. That helps me build a ceremony about you two and offers you a chance to compare me with your needs and expectations.
Step Three:
Should you want to officially contract me, I require a retainer of 50% up front to guarantee your date, time and a written draft. I will mark off my calendar for you and begin writing up and sketching out some ideas for your ceremony. You can have as much or as little input on the proceedings as you like. Some couples don’t want to worry about it because they have so much else to get situated for the wedding and some already have a list of great ideas they would like to incorporate. I am happy to work with both types of couples.
Step Four:
I’ll keep in regular contact with you and have a full wedding ceremony draft ready for you between 2 and 4 weeks out from your wedding day. Be aware that because I am writing your ceremony from scratch, it takes a little bit longer; creativity isn’t something I can measure with exactness. But once the ceremony is written, you get a chance to edit it and make suggestions or requests in order to make the ceremony exactly what you want it to be. This is also when the other half of my fee is due.
Step Five:
Then we can practice everything at a rehearsal or not. It’s up to you. I prep my end either way, but getting everyone’s timing and placement can provide a lot of comfort and ease to the wedding day. And finally, the big day happens! I’ll perform the ceremony for your friends and family, take care of all your paperwork, and wish you two a happy life together. I’ll mail your wedding license in and you can start the process of changing names or joining health insurance plans right there after. 🙂
Yes, but know that I charge $50.00 extra for the background check required to enter and perform at any given correctional institution. Know also that most of these facilities are a fair distance from my home, so a travel fee would be incurred as well.
Like with wedding receptions, the answer is generally no. However, there are 2 schools of thought here. My perspective has always been that rehearsal dinners are a family affair; a chance for the two families to spend some time together and get to know each other in a new intimate way before the wedding. So out of respect, I opt not to attend as I would not want to invade. The other school of thought, is that I am performing an important or intimate service and it may be the case that members of the family want to get to know me a little bit before I do that. If your family happens to be of the 2nd variety, I will once again do what I can to attend.
The quick answer is: not usually. I’ll stick around for part of cocktail hour to take care of the paperwork and maybe eat a cheese cube or two, but I typically make a quiet exit before the introductions. Weddings are expensive enough and I don’t like burdening my couples by asking them to feed me. If it is the case that a couple really wants me to stay, I will attempt to make that happen. Sometimes I’ve have other weddings to get to and am committed to being early for the next wedding/ceremony, but I’ll do what I can to hang out for a bit.
Absolutely. I believe Love is Love and happy to join people in love in marriage. I am well versed and comfortable LGBTQ weddings.
The marriage license is obtained from the Probate Court and must be obtained before your wedding. The marriage certificate is obtained after the wedding from the Probate Court. The marriage certificate is the legal proof of your married status.
Yes, you may always book my services no matter where you are (in my service areas) if I have the date available. If we cannot meet in person, I will do a full consultation meeting with you via telephone or Skype and we will discuss all aspects of the ceremony.
Payment by: Cash, Venmo, are preferred, however ACH or Credit Card are also accepted
We offer several complete wedding/renewal packages, please email with details about your ceremony to get a specific cost quote. We require a 50% non-refundable retainer fee to reserve a date/time.
Information on marriage licenses may be found here.
Absolutely! The vows that you say may be your own words or you may use a complete ceremony that we will provide.
Definitely! A consultation meeting is complimentary.
Yes, it is included in the wedding ceremony fee (see travel info if long distance and overnight stay is required)
Yes, but for ceremonies outside the central Ohio area, there is an additional surcharge based on distance.
After completion of the ceremony, we will sign the marriage license. I will then return your marriage license to the Probate Court. The Probate Court will then certify the document and record the marriage. Your marriage certificate will be available for order from the Probate Court after about 5 business days. There is a $2 fee for your marriage certificate. You will need original copies of this document for changing your name on driver's license, credit cards, bank accounts, etc. Following your ceremony, we'll send you a detailed email describing the steps in the order that makes the name change process easiest. (Please see listing of links for your county website for marriage license, name change information)
Our availability changes very frequently as I book new weddings. Most couples book with me anywhere from 6 to 12 months in advance while others do it only a month or two before the wedding. I do try to be flexible in accommodating you.
Once I have worked with you to create or customize your ceremony, I will be able to give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of time, however, usually a ceremony lasts between 10-20 minutes.
Unless otherwise requested, a standard black outfit of dress or pantsuit is worn.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know as soon as possible. The retainer fee is non-refundable, but I will work with you to find another date if needed.
Yes, rehearsals are included in the Custom Ceremony service. Rehearsals help couples feel confident and prepared for the big day. If the rehearsal is the night before the ceremony and outside my service area, mile age fees may apply. If ceremony is further than 2 hours from my location, mileage and overnight stay accommodations would be added - details are listed in Officiant Agreement (reviewed more in detail during free consultation meeting).
The "Sign and Go" service is for couples who need to sign their marriage license and exchange basic vows, but do not require a full ceremony. It’s a quick and simple way to legally marry without a ceremony. We can meet at a nearby location such as a park (weather permitting) or the local Courthouse etc.
I strive to accommodate as many couples as possible, even on short notice. However, it’s always best to plan ahead to ensure availability. Feel free to reach out, and I will do my best to make arrangements.
Yes, I offer services to couples in Union County and surrounding areas, including Delaware and Franklin counties. Travel fees may apply depending on the location.
Yes! I encourage couples to write their own vows or choose meaningful readings or rituals to include in the ceremony. Custom vows are available for an additional fee, and I will help you through the process.
I recommend booking as soon as possible to secure your desired date, especially during peak wedding seasons. A 50% retainer fee is required to hold the date once the agreement is signed.
I offer a variety of wedding officiant services, including personalized custom ceremonies, traditional ceremonies, elopements, and the "Sign and Go" marriage license signing. I work closely with each couple to create a ceremony that reflects their unique love story.
All services include a free consultation, unlimited support through texts and calls, and the filing of your marriage license by mail in the county where it was obtained. The cost varies depending on the type of ceremony you choose, whether it's a traditional, custom ceremony, a micro wedding, vowel renewal, commitment ceremony, elopement or a simple sign and go.
Champaign County – https://www.ccfamct.us/court-services/probate-court/documents
Delaware County - https://probate.co.delaware.oh.us/formsservice/marriage/
Franklin County - https://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/departments/marriage
Hardin County - https://www.hardincountyprobatecourt.com/marriage.php
Logan County – https://www.logancountyohio.gov/marriage-license.html
Madison County - https://www.co.madison.oh.us/departments/court_system/juvenile_probate/marriage_application_2.php
Marion County - https://nvweb.marioncountyclerk.org/MLKiosk/LicenseMarion
Union County - https://www.unioncountyohio.gov/MarriageLicenses
I’d love to hear about your vision for your special day. Fill out the form below, and I’ll help you craft a personalized ceremony that’s as unique as your love.