John Bazzo…The Wedding Officiant

Serves Mount Pleasant, MI

35244

Hired 262 times

1 employee

4 years in business

$350

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

John Bazzo
Completed on 5/24/2022

Introduction

I offer both faith based (please note that while I list that I’ll marry Catholics, I’m not able to perform Catholic rituals, services or sacraments) and secular wedding services ranging from elopements, simply having you both say I do in your dining room, to formal weddings. I can customize your service to suit your desires and help you with writing your own or use standardized vows. Backyard, beach, church, the possibilities are endless. I’m also licensed to perform weddings in Ohio and Indiana for my neighbors to the south and southwest. I'm passionate about making sure your day is special. I’m punctual, dependable and always available for phone conferencing if desired. I will gladly meet face to face prior to the ceremony depending on the distance. I'm ordained and also offer funeral and gravesite services and will gladly do baptisms. I encourage you to check out my reviews and to ask any questions that come to mind. Please let me know how I may serve you. Please read my payment policies and please understand that there are no refunds of retainer fees once paid.

Q&A

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

PLEASE READ AND NOTE: I will hold a date for 72 hours without a retainer payment. Please understand that until you make your retainer payment we do not have a firm commitment. Recently I have had several occurrences of people booking me on short notice of their wedding date and then canceling the day of the wedding. Some of these have canceled when I’m actually on my way to the location. Please understand, I put time and effort in to these like I would any other ceremony. Due to this situation I will now not hold any dates that are 72 hours or less away without payment in full for the ceremony. I will also no longer hold any date without a retainer once we have reached an agreement to work together. I hope you understand that this policy is just me protecting my interests. I try to keep my fee as low as possible. Travel and fuel costs do factor into the price

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

I make sure I have that date open and then we talk about the kind of ceremony they would like to have, how many people involved and then I’ll write a ceremony. I then send it to them for approval and then we’re ready for the big day.

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

I’m ordained and self trained!!

How did you get started doing this type of work?

My wife suggested she thought I’d be good at it and I took her suggestion.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Interracial, Christian, atheist, non religious, older folks, younger folks. It’s an honor to marry them all!!

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

They are all my favorites! I love what I do and when I say it’s my honor to marry people I sincerely mean it.

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

Make sure that your personalities match and that you feel comfortable working together. Read the reviews and let them be a guide for you as they let you see the character and work ethic of the officiant.

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

Will they be willing to work within their wishes, do they offer consultations, are they on time and reliable. Also, be aware of licensing requirements. Here are a few things you should know: The License If you live within the state of Michigan, you apply for your marriage license at your county clerk's office. Out of state, couples must apply for a Michigan Marriage License at the county clerk's office in the county where the ceremony takes place. A Michigan Marriage License is good for 33 days, however there is a three-day waiting period, so really it's usable for 30. Some county clerks will waive the three-day waiting period, for an additional fee. Michigan requires two witnesses that must be at least 18 years old. Prior to the wedding, I will need to see the license. You and your witnesses will need to have photo ID with you. I will hold the license and fill it out, making sure it's signed by all, and process the license for you. If you are changing your name, sign the license in your new name. I will file the license with the County Clerk by first class mail or hand-deliver if possible. In most cases, you must purchase a certified copy of your signed license (that your officiant turned in) from the county clerk you used. Once again, Michigan residents would contact their county clerks' office, and out of state couples would contact the county clerks' office in the county where their wedding ceremony will take place. Most counties take up to two weeks to process a completed marriage license. I am always available to answer any questions.