Celebrating Your Life Wedding & Funeral Officiant

Serves Angleton, TX

35244

Hired 48 times

1 employee

7 years in business

$280

5.0

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

Next Service

Hours

Sun 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Mon Closed

Tues Closed

Wed Closed

Thurs Closed

Fri Closed

Sat 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Karena Valkyrie
Completed on 1/17/2024

Introduction

Hi, I am KT Valkyrie, and with Shirley, my sister's help, we started Celebrating Your Life five years ago and made it through the pandemic. Shirley touched a lot of our brides and grooms. I am sadden to share that she had a massive stroke last year and she is learning how to deal with her "new normal." I miss her terribly. THANK YOU, HOUSTON AND WEDDING RULE PUBLICATION, FOR PLACING KT AND CELEBRATING YOUR LIFE IN THE TOP 14 OFFICIANTS IN THE HOUSTON, TEXAS, AREA. WE ARE PROUD AND APPRECIATE ALL WHO THOUGHT ENOUGH TO PLACE THIS HONOR ON US. We respect all diversity, traditions, cultures, and your vision for your wedding, renewal, and elopement ceremony - and your life tribute/memorial service as well. You ask, "Why should customers hire us"? We didn't start with Thumbtack, so we look like we haven't been active with couples. We have made dreams come true for over 50 couples. Please take a look in the Look Book section of our website. You will see many of the ceremonies KT has performed, including handfasting, superhero weddings, and several sunrise mornings on the beach of Galveston Island. We have also included some of our reviews from these weddings. We are proud of our couples and hope these tributes convince you we're worth a look! Our base rate for my services is $300. This fee covers consultations, creating a ceremony of your vision, travel, attendance at rehearsal as needed, returning the license to the appropriate county office by certified mail, and guiding the rehearsal, if needed, and ceremony. See the payment options below. We offer discounts for seasoned citizens 65 or older, first responders, teachers, and those who serve in the military. Please ask. We are TDCJ approved, and recently we were nominated as a candidate for Best Wedding Officiant in the annual OutSmart Magazine Gayest and Greatest 2022 Readers Choice Awards. I believe a wedding is a shout-out for Hope and Love! We intend to be around for a very long time and will be with you every step of the way, promise! I also believe a life lived needs to be celebrated. So I am ordained minister who works with family in grief as they prepare the life celebration of a loved one. I work with the entire family as desired, I create a life tribute that celebrates the loved one's life respectfully. I walk through the preparation, conduct the service and, if applicable, guide the gravesite or internment service. Life Tribute Memorial is a type of end-of-life ceremony where people come together to celebrate the unique life of the deceased. These services can be created to fit a "traditional funeral" venue or can be created to celebrate your perfectly imperfect loved one. Please reach out for a free consultation no matter wedding or funeral.

Q&A

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

My base pricing covers consultations during the planning, travel and other expenses, and attending the rehearsal, if there is one, as well as the ceremony.

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

We get together via zoom or phone. I start taking notes and getting to know them. We may visit a couple of times so that I get a really solid understanding of their dream ceremony and they refine their vision of their dream ceremony.

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

I have three degrees, which came with lots of active communication and presentations. I worked as a professional counselor for decades, which helps me to be very comfortable no matter what the situation. I am a ordained minister who conducts weddings and funerals (Certified Celebrant). I truly enjoy what I do.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I realized that there was a need for someone who embraces and respects diversity and cultural values and who can meet the clients where they are and see what they want. You want a fantasy ceremony, a "hand-fasting," non-denominational or humanistic - no problem. Without an officiant, all you have is a very fancy, expensive and, hopefully, fun party. With a so-so officiant you are married, but what will your memories of the day be? Your special day calls for a special officiant.

What types of customers have you worked with?

A wide range of age, cultural, remarriages, blending new families, sexual orientation and spiritual values.

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

The Catholic - Muslim couple who wanted to please their elders, but also have a ceremony that reflects their contemporary faith - a blend of the Bible and the Koran. The Harry Potter focused ceremony. Services are 15 - 30 minutes.

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

It's all about "interface" and hitting it off. Ask yourself did you enjoy the conversation? Did you feel connected? Did you feel heard? The last thing you should make a selection on is money. Generally all of us charge fair prices given the thought, time, and creativity involved. Trust yourself.

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

Details are important (experience, approach, how many consultations, availability, etc.) but the sense of connection you have with the officiant even after one visit is important.