Wedding Officiants in Indianapolis, IN

Rev. James Semmelroth Darnell, MDiv I am an ordained minister specializing in officiating weddings suited and created for each couple. I officiate weddings, civil unions, commitment ceremonies, as well as baby dedications, christenings, vow renewals, memorials and other rites of passage. Unlike many officiants, my ordination was not purchased online or via a celebrant agency. I am ordained in the United Church of Christ, a historic progressive denomination. I also have extensive experience with Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, and United Methodist traditions. I was trained at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. I will work with you to craft a ceremony to suit your needs and interests, no matter how formal or informal. I offer a free consultation to any couples interested in my services. As an officiant I will meet with you to make your ideas for your ceremony come to life, as well as offer sessions of pre-marital counseling. I love being able to celebrate the joy of marriage with all kinds of couples. It is a profound privilege to accompany you as you begin your lives of love and happiness together.

Planning your wedding ceremony should be one of the best experiences in your life. However, because you only do one (or two...) in your lifetime, it can be a bit nerve-racking. Because I have served people from a wide range of backgrounds and personalities, I have gained the experience to help you navigate this extraordinary moment in your life with ease and confidence. I am an ordained minister and can officiate your rehearsal and wedding, assist with writing your vows, and provide pre-marital counseling if desired. I can also provide everything you need for your total wedding experience. Whether you are looking for a "day of" coordinator, a wedding concierge who can provide options and connections for every detail, or a wedding coordinator who will help you get "everything" done, I have the experience. Some people are hesitant to consider a man for these roles; however, I am also a dad of 3 daughters and have walked this path with their weddings. For most of today's busy couples, having the time to research all of the available options for all of the elements they want in their experience (rehearsal, ceremony, reception) is overwhelming. In my initial consultation with a couple, I help them formulate a big picture of their wedding experience and then map out the options and decisions they will need to make to create it. I can provide multiple options to consider for each element or do the research for them that will meet their expectations. As a pastor, I have walked with people through a variety of life's circumstances and events. A wedding ceremony is one of those life moments filled with joy, passion, and hope. I truly enjoy helping people celebrate this special moment by providing a reassuring presence and confident leadership for the couple and the wedding party.

I am a former Catholic Priest of 16 years and taught high school as well as counseled couples for marriage. I am a retired Special Education teacher and providing wedding services here on Thumbtack and through Facebook as well. I have officiated for colleagues at my school and within these past years a number of weddings on Thumbtack. It is important to me to offer couples I prepare the option of designing and developing the type of ceremony they want in having a memorable celebration that you can make special and unique to yourselves. We will work together to make it as personable as possible and meaningful for all your family and guests to remember such an important occasion. In those 16 years of priesthood experience, I loved helping people prepare for marriage and assisting them in being as ready for their responsibility as possible. Marriage is an important part of our lives and giving 100% to each other is a goal we all aspire to when it comes to loving another that we wish to spend our lives with. With all of these thoughts in mind, it causes me to look forward to being a part of your life's celebration if you give me the opportunity to assist you. Thanks for listening.