wedding ceremony options

Hello and congratulations on your engagement! Thank you for visiting my website. Finding the right officiant to marry you is an important decision - after all they will have a huge influence on the tone of your ceremony.

The one main thing that you as a couple, your wedding party, family, friends & guests will remember most about your entire wedding day is the ceremony - it is the heart and soul of your wedding day and will likely be your most personal memory of your special day. Far too often securing the right officiant to perform the right ceremony is left as an afterthought. Choosing an experienced officiant is more important than most people realize.

I have been officiating weddings for 4 years. I am experienced as a public speaker and wedding officiant, having solemnized the marriages of hundreds of couples! I have enjoyed each and every one of them! I love what I do and you will find that obvious by my enthusiasm. I will work with you to write your ceremony based on your personalities and what you tell me you want...whether you want a big, dream wedding, an alternative to a 'court-house-steps quickie', or an intimate elopement for "just the two of you". Of all the things you will have to worry about on your wedding day, one of them won't be me! I will return your phone calls and emails promptly. I am professional and punctual!

Please feel free to call me at any time during the process with your questions. Don't know what place to get marrried or need recommendations for a photographer, DJ, caterer, etc? I know many venues/places and dependable people to help make your day special! I'm happy to send you my list of venues & recommend vendors that I have worked with. Consider me a resource as you plan your "special day!"

Ceremony Options:

Religious - Holy Union
Semi-Religious - Traditional
Civil - Non-religious - Spiritual - Humanist -Intercultural - Interfaith - International
Elopement - You come to me, ceremony on beautiful Lake Hartwell ~ Least expensive option for those on a budget. (This option does not include a 'mini ceremony' or tradition.)
"Elopement Special" - Midweek - Sunday thru Friday only (pending availability) Includes everything you will need. (Venue - 6 choices, ceremony, officiant, photographer - just get dressed & show up!)
Contemporary - "Short & Sweet"
Write your own Ceremony or vows!
Vow Renewal
Affirmations of Love and Commitment

All ceremonies include the following services:

Optional 'get aquainted' visit with bride and groom to answer questions, discuss your 'vision'. (You come to Anderson, SC - Elopements are not included.)
I will officiate and file your license with probate - There is no need to return to the courthouse after your wedding.
Travel to the location of your wedding.
Unlimited email & telephone support - ceremony ideas, locations, vendors, etiquette - I am happy to assist!
Personalized, meaningful, memorable ceremony based on personal information that you give /we discuss. You have a choice of the ceremony options listed above.
Custom Marriage Certificate (or Commitment Ceremony) "Keepsake".
Your Marriage Ceremony will be emailed to you to approve before your date - no surprises! (Elopements not included)
Optional electronic Copy of your Marriage License emailed to you after the wedding.
Name Change Assistance - Information & form for Social Security Admin. Also DMV driver's license info for states I serve (GA/ NC/ SC).

~ Ceremony Format that I use unless one is provided by the bride and groom (except elopements)

The Processional of the Wedding Party
Words Of Welcome
Opening Prayer (religious & simi-religious ceremony only)
Family Blessing - (give the bride away)
Opening Remarks
Question of Intent
Readings & Music (Optional - if you want a poem, passage, reading or a special song played)
Wedding Vows
Blessing of the Rings
Exchange of Rings
Optional Mini Ceremony or Tradition - add a nice touch (see options/ suggestions below)
Benediction - Closing Wedding Blessing
Pronouncement of Marriage
And then, you kiss!
Presentation (of the new couple)
Ceremony Recessional

Optional Ceremonies ~ I am happy to include in your wedding at no additional charge. (Except Elopement Ceremony) They add a 'visual effect'- your guests are more likey to remember what they 'see'. I will explain any that you aren't t familiar with.

Unity Candle or Sand - Symbolizes the blending of your two lives/famlies into one.
Pass the Peace Candle (can be done in conjunction with Unity Candle - small weddings best).
Memory Candle to honor the memory of those that have passed.
Rose Ceremony - your first gift to each other - a single red rose means "I love you".
Breaking of the glass - Symbolizes "Life is fragile"
Blessing or Wish Stones - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessisngs in Stone."
Ring Warming - works well with small, intimate weddings.
Parental Honoring - Say thank-you to your parents in a special ceremony.
Blended Family Ceremony - Join your 2 famlies . Parent & children "vows".
Wine Ceremony - Drink from the "Cup of Life" - Symbolizing the journey of life before you.
Jumping the Sword and/or Broom - Sword symbolic of cuting ties with the old life./ Broom represents the remnants of old life being swept away.
Breaking of the Plate - Czech Tradition - By jointly cleaning up the glass, your mariage will be harmonious.
Hand-fasting - A symbolic ceremony to acknowledge that your lives & fates are now bound together.
Bread, Salt, Honey & Wine - Ukraine tradition - gifts from the earth to bless your union.
Ceremony of the Hands - Bride & Groom view the hands of the other as a gift.
Water Ceremony - Pour 2 different colored waters into a 3rd vessel creating a third color & blend your lives.
Any other ceremonies, traditions, readings, poems, etc. that you want included.

Cost - My fees are based on the professional quality of the services you receive. It also depends on the location of the ceremony and whether there will be a rehearsal. Please call me for rates. Thank you!