One For Life Weddings

My pricing is pretty straightforward: $275 base fee* for the wedding - including the ceremony preview conference or meeting, communication, preparation of your custom ceremony, early arrival and handling of wedding certificate. A surcharge of $100* will be added for directing (or participating in) the rehearsal. A surcharge of $50 will be added for Bilingual (English/Spanish) weddings. No charge for assistance in writing vows *Prices based on 20-minute one-way travel time from my Castle Rock office. Additional travel fees apply for weddings/rehearsals outside the home area.

Our process is simple and aimed at taking the pressure off of you! 1) We schedule a no-strings-attached introductory phone chat for a time that is convenient for the two of you, during which you can share with me your desired “feel” for your wedding and ask me any questions you have regarding the process listed below or any questions in general. 2) You receive (via email) a ceremony planning guide that helps you think through the elements you may want to include in your ceremony. 3) You have the option to complete a 1-page background questionnaire that allows you to share with me whatever you want me to know about you and helps me tailor your ceremony in a more personal way. 4) We schedule a ceremony planning session (Zoom or in-person) where we work through the ceremony planning worksheet, the various parts of the ceremony and the options and choices you have. YOU decide how you want your ceremony to feel and what elements you want to include as we discuss it together! 5) If you are confident we are a good fit, you can secure my services with a $75 non-refundable deposit payable via Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Zelle, cash or check. 6) We work together via phone or email on any remaining elements or details as I craft your special ceremony 7) OPTION: If you desire, I may be available to lead or participate in your wedding rehearsal for an additional fee (we will have discussed this at our meeting). 8) OPTION: If you desire premarital counseling, I am certified with SYMBIS and Prepare-Enrich (both being premier marriage enrichment programs), and am happy to schedule sessions with you before (or even after your wedding) for an additional fee. 8) On your big day, I arrive 30-40 minutes before your ceremony start time, check in with you or your wedding coordinator (or groom or whomever you designate), and conduct your custom ceremony. 9) We sign the marriage certificate you bring (must be secured through your county clerk's office beforehand) and ensure it is properly mailed to the county clerk. 10) I remain available to you to provide support or counsel as you build your lives together!

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies from what is now New Hope College in Eugene, Oregon, and have been serving couples and perfecting this craft through officiating weddings since 1997.

Officiating weddings has been a component of my role as a staff pastor for many years. Recently, I realized there were many couples in the community who for various reasons were in need of the type of service I provide. Helping people lay a foundation for lifelong, committed love is truly gratifying. Seeing the joy on their faces when they feel truly cared for during this milestone in their lives is priceless! I cherish the relationships I've been able to develop (even in a short time) with the couples I've officiated for, and hope to be a source of encouragement and a safe person they can reach out to for years to come.

I count it a privilege to have been able to meet and serve a variety of couples from various cultures, nationalities, demographics and walks of life, as they celebrate their love and seal their marriage covenant. From young couples just getting started in life to more mature couples who have lost the love of their youth, to those hoping for a different outcome the second time around—I love learning each story and having the privilege of being woven into it and helping make it meaningful and memorable for a lifetime! Each couple's vision for their ceremony is unique, and its fun to help craft it and see it come together. The variety of venues and styles is also invigorating. I’ve officiated in numerous venues from from 8-person chapels to country clubs, from botanical gardens to pond shores with best friends, from Garden of the Gods to backyard family gatherings, harpists to Mariachi bands, have enjoyed the way each can be made beautiful and unique.

If I were choosing an officiant, I would look for someone who is willing to get to know you as a couple and allow your personalities to color the ceremony. I've been requested to lead everything from a traditional (formal) service "Dearly Beloved... we are gathered here today..." to an impersonation of the officiant in the Princess Bride "Mawwiage..." (to the great surprise some of the audience but the delight of the bride and groom who had requested it of course). I would remind couples that it's YOUR day... don't be afraid to have fun and make it special for you. Everyone else is there to join in your joy, and they'll be happiest when you are happiest!

Know what you want your ceremony to feel like and be true to who you are as a couple. Ask an officiant the following questions: - How they will tailor and personalize the wedding to express your personalities and celebrate YOUR love story. The last thing you (or your guests) want is a cookie-cutter ceremony that sounds exactly like every other ceremony no one remembers! - What they do during your kiss (this will help you know if they’re seasoned and professional). - How long do you expect the ceremony to last?