What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My base price $150, which includes initial phone interview, initial meeting, writing the ceremony, revising ceremony per your request, performing the ceremony, and taking care of the marriage license. Fees may be discussed for elopements, for larger wedding, or extended distances
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After initial contact, I will arrange a meeting with the couple to get to know them, get an idea of their personality and observe how you relate to one another, and obtain details of exactly what they would like to have their ceremony to be. The meeting also gives you the opportunity to make sure you are comfortable with me as your Officiant. When writing the ceremony, I try to inject the couples personality into it, along with specific details requested by the couple. I have the couple review and edit the ceremony and make any adjustments needed. After that, I perform the ceremony and take care of the license.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
49 years as a nurse has made me a people person. I love doing weddings. I took a course and obtained a certification for being an officiant.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
My brother in law obtained his certification to marry his brother and myself. I loved what he did and jumped in with both feet. I also feel that 2 people who truly love each other should have the right marry and choose an officiant that meets their needs and believes the ceremony should be special enough to become a treasured memory.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Elopements, same sex, combined families, bikers, naturists, spiritual, casual beach, formal outdoor, commitment ceremony, renewal of vows.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I did a Renewal of Vows ceremony for friends of mine.It was held at their home with quite a few of their close friends, and in a casual setting. The couple have a wonderful sense of humor. The ceremony went as follows:
September 24, 2017
On behalf of Ron and Ginny, thank you all for coming to witness and celebrate the 25 years of commitment it has taken to bring this couple to renew their marriage vows. Think about this, it has been 25 years since their marriage, and they want to do it again! Their love has bound the through all of life’s changing circumstances and challenges. There are few who are adept enough to put up with each other for more than a couple of years, let alone the 25 that Ginny has endured…………………..Ron, too. May their love inspire and encourage use all.
There always seems to be a common element when a couple meet for the first time; the glance across the room igniting a spark, friends who introduce them, even online dating has been known to bring couples to the point of commitment. In Ron and Ginny’s case, it was……………Oh this is so romantic (sigh), a burrito.
On that note;
Ron, please repeat after me:
I, Ronald ask you, Ginny, to re-up as my wedded wife, promising you my continued love, respect, support, compassion, and terrific sense of humor, as long as we both shall live.
Ginny, please repeat after me:
I, Ginny, ask you, Ronald, to re-up as my wedded husband, promising you my continued love, respect, support, compassion, and tolerance for your terrific sense of humor, as long as we both shall live.
Ron and Ginny, I wish for the rest of your lives to be filled with the best love can offer you, good health, prosperity, happiness, laughter, good friends, loving family, and a future of peace and serenity.
Ginny, you may now kiss Ron, or make him go mix drinks, your choice.
Ladies and gentlemen, I now introduce Mr & Mrs...., Part 2."
The entire room laughed so much we had to pass out tissues. The remainder of the evening was light hearted, loving, and very loving.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Get to know your officiant, make sure you are comfortable with them. Make sure they will provide the type of service you wish to have.
Ask if they will negotiate if money is an issue.
Be willing to cover the travel time if it will take more than an hour for the Officiant to drive.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
What do you want the ceremony to be; humorous, straight forward, mix?
Will children be involved in the ceremony?
Do you wish a prayer to be read, such as Corinthians?
Do you want to say something to one another during the ceremony?
Will you be exchanging rings?
Will there be a name change?
Will the wedding be formal, dressy, casual, themed?
Will you have attendants?