Marriage Officiant, Gail Olberg

Serves Hopewell, VA

35244

Hired 167 times

Not yet available

11 years in business

$250

5.0

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

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Credentials

Background Check

Gail Olberg
Completed on 2/25/2022

Introduction

I get to do what I love every day; I am a full-time professional Marriage Officiant; authorized to perform weddings by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and travel to perform weddings throughout the entire Commonwealth. I am one of Virginia’s most respected Officiants, and a Thumbtack Top Pro for 8 consecutive years 2016-2024. I offer my services to all couples who come to me with love in their hearts 💕 and I would love to be part of your happily ever after too. I marry couples in relaxed simple elopement ceremonies to large formal wedding celebrations with hundreds of guests, and every size wedding in between, in backyard home weddings and local parks to Theatres, Vineyards, Historic Estates, BnB’s and more. I’m honored to serve as your Officiant, and I offer a complimentary no-obligation consultation by phone to all Thumbtack couples to get acquainted and discuss your preferences and particulars for your wedding day, such as, venue suggestions, how and where to get your marriage license, and what style ceremony you would like. Because I travel throughout Virginia, I have a base fee plus an additional fee for travel that varies subject to venue location. Ask me about weekday discounts for elopement weddings.

Q&A

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

I am authorized to perform weddings throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Because I travel throughout the State, I have a base fee plus an additional fee for travel that varies subject to venue location. I am happy to provide a total price when I receive information about the selected venue. For couples who are in a hurry for their Certified copies, I am willing to travel to hand deliver the Marriage License to the applicable Court (as required by Virginia law) to expedite it's processing. I offer this service subject to availability with additional compensation required.

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

I offer a convenient complimentary consultation by phone to discuss everything to be included in your ceremony. We continue to stay in contact right up to the day of the event for any last-minute change request you may wish for your ceremony. My couples are encouraged to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, changes or additions regarding their wedding day. I’m only as far away as a phone call, text or email.

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

I specialize in Civil and Non-denominational wedding ceremonies throughout Virginia receiving awards and 5-star reviews for my ceremonies and services I provide. (Civil meaning non-secular and may or may not include mention of God and Non-denominational being of no particular faith but containing mention of God. For example: in a prayer). I marry couples with no guests in attendance (Elopements), formal ceremonies with 300 guests, and everything in between. Occasionally, my couples engage my services at the spur of the moment for an elopement or for other reasons, but usually my couples reserve my services between 3 – 24 months in advance of their wedding date. Even for elopements.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

For years I wanted to perform weddings. And finally, after many years of this being in the back of my mind but still in the foremost of my heart, I decided it was time that I pursue this desire to join two loving hearts 💕and lives as one. My father was a Minister. Perhaps that’s where it stems from. In addition, I had been married to my husband for over 20 years when I finally started marrying others and feel I am blessed he is the best partner I could be paired with. I want to give the opportunity to others to experience the same blessing of committing their love and devotion to that special person in their lives.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I consider it my privilege to marry all couples who have love and devotion to each other and want to make the commitment of marriage. My couples consist of a man and woman or LGBTQ+ couples. They come to me of various races, cultures and religious backgrounds, in blue jeans and extremely formal attire. It doesn’t matter who they are or how their dressed, if it’s a grand event or a small intimate ceremony. If they want to be married, I’m here to marry them with love in my heart.

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

Occasionally, my couples engage my services at the spur of the moment for an elopement or for other reasons, but usually my couples reserve my services between 3 – 24 months in advance of their wedding date. Even for elopements.

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

Very often the Officiant is the last person hired for the event. But keep in mind…none of this day is going to happen without the Officiant! So I suggest that couples not wait until the last second thinking they can always get an Officiant to perform the ceremony. Although that may be true. But the Officiant should be your Officiant of Choice vs. someone to fill the void. Not all Officiants are alike, any more than the results of photos taken by a professional vs. pictures from an iphone. Officiants should come with references just as any other Vendor of Choice selected for your special day. They should be dependable, competent, someone who is truly part of your wedding not just at the wedding, willing to make your day special for you, and most of all be someone you both feel comfortable and confident with.

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

Although the couple may likely have some idea of what they want their ceremony to be like…they don’t have to know everything they want prior to starting their search and selecting their Officiant. Your Marriage Officiant should have experience to lead the couple along the path of creating the ceremony that fits their vision. Helping the couple decide what to include and what is pertinent to their beliefs, sentiments and customs, and offer expertise and suggestions that will help make the entire process as stress free as possible.