Pastor (Dr.) Mike Gilbert Ministries

Serves Phoenix, AZ

35244

Hired 501 times

1 employee

54 years in business

$160

4.9

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Mon 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Tues 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Wed 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Thurs 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Fri 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sat 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Michael Gilbert
Completed on 1/21/2022

Introduction

Wedding officiant -- I have been a pastor for 48+ years (licensed and ordained). I am doing what I do not to make a bunch of money but because I enjoy helping couples get off to a great start and "personalizing" the ceremony to being what the couple wants, and only what the couple wants. I have officiated weddings in churches, homes, parks, backyards, and even one in a hot air balloon. I charge $160 total, and although the procedure and price can be modified to fit the situation, that total normally includes a planning meeting with the couple, leading the rehearsal, leading the wedding, and filing all the paperwork for you that the state requires. I ask for a $80 non-refundable deposit to secure the date up front and then the other $80 to be paid at the rehearsal (freeing you up up from having any additional stuff to worry about on the day of the wedding) or at the ceremony. If you would like to hire me I just need to know, and I will, in turn, notify the Thumbtack folk. Then, in most cases, you and your fiancee and I will meet together at a time, place, and date you choose. At that meeting I will bring samples of ceremonies and vows to simply help us get started. Whatever is decided upon will be completely your decision and nothing else. In light of coronavirus, we might choose to hold our meeting over the phone, but I am open to whatever you feel most comfortable with. I also want you to know that I am fully vaccinated (4 shots) for the Corona virus and I am taking every precaution to insure that I am keeping myself "safe" for you amid all the health concerns going on right now. I stand ready to help put together with you YOUR ceremony. What is decided upon to include or not to include will entirely be up to you. Also, I do offer a discounted price if you're merely wanting to renew your vows. Let me know. As a Platinum Award Thumbtack Pro (the highest level), I look forward to meeting with you and getting started in putting together exactly what you want in order to make your special day just as special as you want!

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

I have deliberately set my pricing lower than other officiants because my focus is not so much about me making money; I am primarily interested in helping couples get off to a great start. I ask for a $75 non-refundable deposit to secure the date and then a final $75 to be paid to me at the rehearsal or day of the wedding. (Doing so at the rehearsal eliminates one more thing you need to be concerned about on your wedding day.) I also provide a discounted price for vow renewals if you're already married.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I ask for a $75 non-refundable deposit to secure the date, and then ask the bride and groom to choose a time and location that works best for them for the three of us to meet for about 30 minutes (the sooner the better) to allow me to assist them with designing the ceremony they want (that's the key: what THEY want, nothing else). I provide sample ceremonies and sample vows, but whatever is chosen is entirely up to them, including writing their own vows, creating a unique ceremony (I have performed weddings in a lot of different places and in a variety of formats -- in churches, homes, parks, even one in a hot air balloon!) specifically designed by them with my help. Then, I assist them in leading their rehearsal (at which time I ask that they present me with a final $75, bringing the total fee to $150 for everything), performing the ceremony, and filing the required paperwork with the county and state.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have a Bachelors' Degree in Business Management, two Masters' Degrees, one in Christian Education, and the other in Theology, and I have an earned Doctor of Ministry degree. However, the biggest asset I bring is that I have is 48 years worth of serving in the ministry, twenty of those as a youth minister, and the last twenty-eight as a senior pastor. In addition to all of that, my wife and I have been married for more than forty-eight years, so I have a little experience in what it's like being a husband.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I began serving in the vocational ministry in 1971, but performed my first wedding in 1974. Over the years I have performed more than 1000 weddings, most of which have occurred since 1991 when I began serving as a senior pastor. Once I saw the joy a wedding can bring to a couple I wanted to do more and more weddings, and I have continued delighting in helping couples get off to a good start.

What types of customers have you worked with?

All types. I love people, and that includes even those that some might think a Christian minister might find it difficult to work with. I don't mind tattoos, nose rings, spiked hair or body piercing, I don't require your membership in a local church, I don't discriminate between races, etc. If you love your fiancee and want to get married, let's talk.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I recently led a wedding with 8 bridesmaids, 8 groomsmen, 12 "sponsors," two ring bearers, three flower girls, two sets of grandparents on both the bride's and groom's side, four sets of step-parents, that also involved a sand ceremony, a cord and veil ceremony, three special music soloists, and it was all live-streamed on Facebook so the bride's friends in the Philippines could watch. The ceremony itself, with all its bells and whistles, lasted about forty minutes, which is much longer than most. Most last about twenty minutes. I have also done weddings that are simply a prospective husband and wife standing up in a room, speaking vows, exchanging rings, and signing papers afterwards with two witnesses. Every "project" is one I am fond of. I enjoy providing for the couple exactly what they want, as simple or elaborate as they desire.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Look for someone who is doing this as a ministry, not just a money-maker. Look for someone who cares more about you than about himself or herself. Look for someone with some experience to assist you as you move forward.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Availability, cost, type of ceremony desired, why the officiant is doing what he/she does. Is the officiant able to help you in writing your vows and planning your ceremony or is he or she merely someone granted authority by the state to pronounce you husband and wife? Is the officiant willing to travel to your location, and is he or she willing to meet with you and listen to what you want? After all, it's YOUR wedding, not anyone else's.