FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

I know you must have questions. Here are some of the most common concerns and my answers. Enjoy!

Q: We’ve never done this before. Help!

No worries! Many couples ask me to be their guide in helping them develop meaningful weddings. In our planning meetings, I ask a lot of questions, make suggestions, and help you put together a personalized, one-of-a-kind wedding.

Q: Why should I choose you instead of another officiant?

When it comes to hiring an officiant, you get what you pay for. I have 35 years’ experience creating one of a kind, personalized and creative ceremonies.

You need to find the officiant that is right for you. I am lighthearted, creative and easy going. Some of my strengths are a background in public speaking, a love for romance (including weddings) and writing custom ceremonies. For me, this is not just a job – it is something I am really passionate about.

Q: How much advance notice do you need in order to book your wedding officiating services?

I try to be as flexible as possible and have been called upon with as little as 1 days’ notice. With more advance notice, and up to 6 months for the prime wedding months of May-September, we can plan your wedding in a more relaxed way.

Q: Where do you perform your service?

I have officiated as far north as Rhode Island and as far south as Virginia. I am also open to destination weddings. I am a registered officiant serving Virginia, DC and Maryland, among other states. For services outside the local area, travel and lodging expenses are paid by the client. I travel up to 15 miles (30 miles roundtrip from Howard County) without a mileage fee.

Q: Do we meet with you?

Of course! Developing a relationship with my couples is my number one priority. We will meet as many times as necessary via Skype, phone or face-to-face, depending on the distance. I am your guide who will make suggestions, but I want you to be comfortable with every choice as we plan your ceremony. I want nothing more than what you desire.

Q: Do you only perform religious ceremonies?

I am a Christian pastor, but do not require any ceremonies to be religious. I have married people of all different faiths, as well as people who have no religious affiliation. I want what you want, nothing more, and nothing less. You will get the same effort from me regardless.

Q: What do I need to bring to the wedding ceremony?

The most important thing to bring is your wedding license. I will fill out my portion and then you mail it to your county clerk’s office.

Q: Do we select from several different ceremony templates and you just insert our names?

I believe that everyone is different and the love that brought you together is unique. We start by talking over the phone and, if possible, we meet in person so that I can “interview” you and find out more about you as a couple. From there, we go through some ideas together and form a customized ceremony. The flow of the ceremony is emailed to you and is agreed upon in advance for wedding program purposes.

Q: We have creative ideas… Are you okay with that?

The wedding ceremony is yours! The only rule I have is that I must sign your wedding license to make you legally married. I say… Go for it!

Q: We only want a simple wedding with less than 10 guests. Do you officiate those types of ceremonies? 

I have performed weddings with two people in a chapel and 500 guests at an upscale venue. It doesn’t matter to me. I pour my heart and soul into every wedding I officiate.

Q: We have children from previous marriages/relationships and want them included. Can that be done?

Absolutely! Children of the bride or groom can easily be included into the ceremony. There are several options for this, and we will do everything possible to make your family feel special if that’s your desire. This is not uncommon and always a touching moment in the ceremony.

Q: Who writes our vows?

That’s up to you. I have examples of traditional “I DO” vows, as well as “repeat after me” vows. I usually suggest that you either write your own vows or that we do a combination of the traditional (repeat after me) vows followed by your own personal statement to each other. This helps to personalize your wedding experience.

Q: Should we have a rehearsal?

A rehearsal is not necessary if you have a small wedding party. However, if you have a processional that includes family members, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and ring bearers, it would be wise to have a rehearsal.

Q: Are you normally invited to the rehearsal dinner/reception?

Many of my brides and grooms have invited me to dinner, which I truly appreciate. Due to having 2 young children, I typically do not attend and you should feel no obligation to invite me.

Q: Is there a contract?

Yes. I take care of all the business of your wedding in a professional, 1st class manner. The contract is very simple, but takes care of the important issues.

Q: Do you need a deposit?

Yes. A 50% deposit is taken to reserve the officiating date. The balance is given immediately following the ceremony when the marriage license is signed.

Q: What about tipping?

Gratuities are an extra amount which says, “Job well done!” I graciously accept them, but they are not solicited.

Q: Are there any travel fees?

I travel up to 15 miles (30 miles roundtrip from Howard County) without a mileage fee. Travel and lodging expenses for services further than 30 miles roundtrip, outside the Howard County, MD area, would be $50 per hour for the drive and paid for by the couple.

There may be instances where I want to stay overnight at a hotel because of the distance. This expense is paid by the couple.

Q: What are the wedding officiant’s travel expense fees for a destination wedding?

I offer my services throughout the United States and am available to travel to long distance wedding venues. Travel fees vary depending on the distance and accommodations.

Q: What about Relationship Coaching?

As your coach, I work with you to construct a custom designed plan to help you get from where you are to where you want to be. My role is to teach you skills, motivate you to incorporate those skills into your daily life, and help you be accountable for the positive changes you decide to make in yourself, your relationship and/or marriage.

Research has shown that for positive behaviors to occur and become a lifestyle change,it takes at least 12 weeks. During our first session, which is complimentary, we will discuss the number of sessions that will suit your unique situation. Sessions will be paid for in monthly packages.

Coaching Session Cancellation Policy

If you know you will need to cancel a coaching session, please call or email me before 24 hours until the scheduled session. Aside from emergency situations, there will be a full fee charge for sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

Q: What is your Refund Policy for Coaching Sessions?

I offer 100% Happiness guarantee or your money back.