Frequently Asked Questions
What officiant services do you provide?
Are there limits to whom you will marry?
What kind of ceremonies are you willing to perform during your service?
Who are you ordained through?
What religious affiliations do you serve?
Are you willing to travel?
Do you accommodate people with disabilities?
Are you willing to perform a ceremony at a non-religious venue?
What is your attire for the ceremony?
Are you flexible in the wording used throughout the ceremony, including the vows?
Do you allow the couple to write their own vows, if desired?
Do you have a list of readings pre-selected, from which the couple must choose?
How long are your ceremonies?
Do you require that premarital counseling be done?
Are you willing to perform pre-ceremony rehearsals?
Do you supply a sound system?
What is the difference between an Elopement and a Wedding?
If our ceremony requires additional people to perform, do you have an assistant?
If my significant other wants to bring in an additional officiant to speak on their behalf, are you willing to work with that officiant to create a cohesive ceremony?
We are VERY alternative and have been turned down by other officiants because of it. Are you sure you will be willing to work with us?
What officiant services do you provide?
I officiate weddings, vow renewals, and commitment ceremonies. I can also run rehearsals.
My focus is on wedding services; however I am authorized to conduct all ceremonies for the church, so I can also officiate baptisms, funerals, and various blessings.
Are there limits to whom you will marry?
I do not discriminate, but I am bound by law. If the state where the marriage is to be performed issues you a legal marriage license, I am happy to perform a wedding. Without a license, I can only perform a commitment ceremony. Both partners must be capable of consent, and under no coercion at the time of the ceremony.
What kind of ceremonies are you willing to perform during your service?
All variations of joining ceremonies are welcome, be they handfasting, oathing stones, collaring, honey, red-yarn, bread & salt, blanket, wine, lasso etc. I love to learn about different kinds of ceremonies, so I’m always adding to my knowledge. If you have a type of ceremony I haven’t heard of, wonderful! I will learn all I can and provide a polished ceremony to meet your needs. Want to make up your own type of ceremony? I would be delighted to perform it.
Who are you ordained through?
The Universal Life Church – A multi-faith religious institution, whose ordinations are legally recognized in all 50 states and many countries worldwide. You can find out more information through the Universal Life Church Seminary.
What religious affiliations do you serve?
My background is Christian (non-denominational), but I am happy to serve couples of all faiths, as well as those who are non-religious. Your ceremony will honor your beliefs.
Are you willing to travel?
Yes! I love to travel. My ordination is legally recognized in all 50 states and many foreign countries. If you would like me to travel outside of Florida though, please let me know as early as possible. Some states require officiants to register with them, and the paperwork can take some time for approval, so we need to be sure we have time to get through the red tape before your ceremony. Also, if you are outside of the Jacksonville, FL area, I do ask for reasonable travel reimbursement, which we can determine in advance.
Do you accommodate people with disabilities?
Yes, to the extent I am able. For example, I do not speak ASL so I cannot sign your ceremony myself; but if you want me to work with your ASL translator, I am happy to coordinate with them.
Are you willing to perform a ceremony at a non-religious venue?
Absolutely yes! I’m happy to officiate in a church, museum, garden, stadium, park, bar, carriage ride, theme park, canoe, elevator, whatever you like.
What is your attire for the ceremony?
As long as the basics are covered, I will be glad to wear whatever is appropriate for your type of ceremony. I typically wear clerical garments, but I’m happy to be in a suit, dress, ball gown, or even a costume for a themed wedding. It’s your day!
Are you flexible in the wording used throughout the ceremony, including the vows?
Yes! When I say custom ceremony, I mean it. It can be as traditional or off-beat as you want.
Do you allow the couple to write their own vows, if desired?
Yes! I am also glad to help you write your own personal vows, and I’m great at keeping them secret if you are trying to surprise each other.
Do you have a list of readings pre-selected, from which the couple must choose?
No. I’m happy to provide readings for a couple to review if they aren’t sure what they want, but the choice is always theirs. I have many samples at my website and on my Pinterest if they are looking for ideas. They can use something from my list, or bring me their own. Also, if they have a theme they need help with, I’m happy to research readings for them along their interests (Irish, Cherokee, Sci-Fi, Physics, Baseball, Disney, you name it!)
How long are your ceremonies?
That is customizable depending on the desires of the couple. I have done elopements that were 5 minutes, and full wedding ceremonies that were closer to 30 minutes. I could go all day, with enough time to plan, it’s all up to you!
Do you require that premarital counseling be done?
No. However, the State of Florida will give you a discount on your marriage license if you take counseling from one of their approved providers. I am not a premarital counselor at present, but I’m working on becoming certified to provide this service in the future.
Are you willing to perform pre-ceremony rehearsals?
IF I am not already booked for that time, I may be able to attend your rehearsal if you would like; and if so, I can run the rehearsal for you if you do not have a wedding planner to run it. If the rehearsal will be on a weekday (M-F) they cannot be before 6pm in Jacksonville, FL. If your event is outside of Jacksonville, please ask for the earliest weekday availability. IF I am available, there is no extra charge.
Do you supply a sound system?
No. However, I have 10+ years of experience as a public speaker for an international non-profit organization. I know how to take charge of an audience and project my voice, so unless I’m speaking to a football stadium, your guests will probably have no trouble hearing me, microphone or not. I am experienced using microphones, so if you want to have your DJ or Videographer provide a hand-held or wireless mic, I have no problem using either.
What is the difference between an Elopement and a Wedding?
An elopement is an informal ceremony with simple vows. A few witnesses may or may not be present (in Florida witnesses are optional). A wedding is a more formal event. The ceremony may include a procession, readings, unity ceremonies etc. A wedding will generally include a wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen), music, decorations etc., that are not found at an elopement. To learn more, visit my page: What is an Elopement? I have limited availability for Elopements, as my wedding schedule is usually full; but you may contact me for a custom quote if you are looking for an elopement package.
If our ceremony requires additional people to perform, do you have an assistant?
Yes. My husband, who is also ordained, can assist me if you have an intricate ceremony requiring extra hands.
If my significant other wants to bring in an additional officiant to speak on their behalf, are you willing to work with that officiant to create a cohesive ceremony?
Yes. I respect all faiths and will gladly build the interfaith ceremony with both of you and the other officiant.
We are VERY alternative and have been turned down by other officiants because of it. Are you sure you will be willing to work with us?
Yes. I have met and worked with all sorts of folks from all sorts of backgrounds and lifestyles. I’m even listed with Kink-Aware Professionals. I do insist that I not be asked to participate in anything that is illegal, but otherwise, as long as SSC/RACK is observed, I will probably not have any issue with your requests.
