Nuptialz: Bringing People Together in Marriage

Serves Alexandria, VA

35244

Hired 21 times

1 employee

22 years in business

$250

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Venmo.

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Credentials

Background Check

John Bell
Completed on 1/5/2022

Introduction

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! My name is John. As a licensed wedding officiant, my specialty is smaller, intimate, nonreligious marriages. I can also work with you on incorporating religious elements, and I can work with a larger-scale event that has the traditional order of service. Please consider me in your search for an officiant. I conduct civil wedding services in addition to holding down a regular job. Officiating at weddings is a way for me to do something good for my community. Some close friends asked me to perform their wedding ceremony many years ago, which led other friends to request this of me, and so on. I discovered that I really enjoy the experience. A wedding represents a very happy occasion and also one of the most important events in a person's life. You want professionals to help you with something so precious. Allow me to craft a ceremony that is meaningful to both of you. We can incorporate literature, quotes, poetry, whatever represents who you are and what you believe in. Once I get an idea of who you are, I can seek out what best reflects your personalities. If you'd like to have spoken vows as part of your ceremony, an exchange of rings, a procession, I can help work that out. Family and friends want to read something or sing? We can integrate that. Want a sand ceremony, or a symbolic tree (seedling) planting, or some other meaningful ritual? Sure thing. Got a wedding coordinator or photographer? I can work with him or her as well. We can work on it together. You should have a ceremony that reflects who you are. It is my pleasure to officiate for anyone who wants to create a legal marriage bond, regardless of your religious background or sexual orientation. I am licensed in Virginia and the District of Columbia; most other jurisdictions in the United States honor my credentials as well. A wedding is important, not only for you two but also for your family and friends. The memories should last a lifetime. Let's make some.

Q&A

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

My base rate is $250. Very simple ceremonies with just the couple and a few guests (and few extras) on the wedding day are the least expensive. For participating in a rehearsal before the actual ceremony, I charge n additional $25 or $50, depending on distance. Regardless of any extras, I always perform the three most *important* tasks: working with you to create the wedding ceremony that fits you, officiating at the ceremony, and then forwarding the signed marriage license to the appropriate county office for recording.

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

We correspond or talk at first, and I learn a little about you and what makes you unique. Then I draw up a draft of the service with your input and help with writing vows and any other elements that you would like. I hope to meet the couple at some point before the wedding. I like to walk everyone through the service once to increase their comfort level, often preceding a rehearsal dinner, if that is part of the event (you are under no obligation to invite me to your rehearsal dinner, though). I can work with wedding planners and photographers to make sure that everything goes smoothly.

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

At this point (2025), I have performed well over fifty ceremonies, and I have received very positive reviews. I do this for the joy of it more than for the money. I feel that it is a good service to my community, and it allows me to accrue good karma and make up for any wrongdoing on my part in the past. :)

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I fell into it when some friends asked me to officiate for them years ago in California. I realized that I really enjoy it. I don't do this as a job, but for personal enrichment, and as a service to others. I decided to keep doing it, on occasion, for my own spiritual growth. I have officiated at ceremonies in the District of Columbia, California, Virginia, Maryland, and Texas. I am licensed in Virginia and the District of Columbia, and as long as there are reciprocal agreements to honor that license in other states (sometimes I need to check with the appropriate Clerk of Court), I can officiate at a wedding almost anywhere. As of 2019, I have performed about fifty ceremonies. I do prefer to stay close to home in Arlington, Virginia, and the metropolitan Washington, DC, area.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Pretty much anybody who is reasonable. I'm easy-going and a good listener. I have officiated at weddings between men and women and at same-sex weddings. If you love someone, I will be happy to join you two in marriage.

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

One couple asked me, half seriously, to ensure a beautiful afternoon for their outdoor ceremony in late summer. On the big day, we were drowned out by cicadas in the trees all around us. I explained that this was a case of approval of the union by Mother Nature.

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

Ask a lot of questions of your prospective wedding officiant. How much experience do you have in this? Do you enjoy your work? Do you have references? What can we expect in your role? What are your legal credentials? How do I get the needed legal paperwork after the wedding? You should get a sense of who the person is, and you should feel comfortable with them.

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

What would you like, ideally, in your wedding? Have a plan in mind, or at least have in mind what you have liked about other weddings you have attended. Write it down so that you can show it to the professional and update it as needed. Then refer to it and ask the professional to describe how your preferences could be worked into the plan. Will there be bridesmaids and groomsmen? Will there be any songs or readings from family or friends? If you have favorite sayings, prayers, or quotes or passages from literature, offer those and we can weave them into your ceremony. Can the prospective wedding officiant project his or her voice well in social settings? (Can he or she work either with or without a microphone and still be heard clearly?)