Questions you may have

Q. How long have you been performing weddings?
A. I have been a minister since 1979, but have been performing over 1000 ceremonies outside my parish for the past 10 years. Advice: Experience matters when you only have one wedding day.

Q. I have spoken to others and they outsource their weddings. Do you do that also?
A. Absolutely not! I personally officiate my weddings. The only time I would not officiate it is if I was already booked for that day and time, or as a pastor have an unexpected emergency situation. In either of these circumstances I will give you the option to have a different officiant, I have a couple ministers that I would recommend to you, so I know you will be in good hands.

Q. How do we book our wedding? How far in advance should we confirm with you?
A. As soon as you set your date you should book your clergy. It is amazing how often two or more people want the same date. Once you have confirmed that I am available for your event, I require a signed contract and deposit for the services requested. It is very important to immediately return the contract with payment; occasionally couples that delay are disappointed to find that I have in the meantime been booked by someone else. I cannot hold a date and time for you without your commitment of a signed contract and deposit. It’s amazing how many couples want my services for the same date and time.

Q: What do your typical services include? How much contact will we have with you before the wedding? When and where do we meet with you? What are your rates? Do you charge extra for consultations?
A: I like to meet with you initially to get to know both of you so that you are certain I am the right one to perform your ceremony. Some charge a fee for a consultation but I do not. I feel it is important to get acquainted with you so that I can make sure your wedding day is truly unforgettable. I also like to meet with you 2-3 weeks before your ceremony so that you are fresh in my mind and go over the details of the ceremony. We usually meet in my home during the evening, but I will work with you for a mutually convenient time and place if I happen to be in your area performing another wedding ceremony. I am available for any other consultation needed by phone and email. Some couples finish everything themselves then send it all back and others want to talk about all the options for every decision they make. Most couples fall somewhere in between. All calls and emails are answered as soon as possible; please note that on weekends I am very busy performing services and other weddings. On the day of your ceremony I arrive 30-60 minutes prior to the ceremony to check in with you, your coordinator, and anyone else taking part in the ceremony, see if there are any last minute changes, and just to put your mind at ease that I am there for you.
My fee is a set rate based upon location and traveling distance for me to your location. It does not include valet. That is your responsibility, either to pay me in advance for it or make arrangements with your hotel. It does not include rehearsal. Most weddings that take place at a hotel or country club will have a Catering Manager to coordinate this. Rehearsals primarily deal with how the bridal party walks in, where they stand, and how they walk out. However, weddings taking place on a beach or in a park may require my presence or a wedding planner. I would be happy to attend the rehearsal, based upon availability. There would be an extra fee for my time and travel.

Q. Do we get to choose our vows or write our own?
A. Absolutely! There are several here on the website that you can use as is, or adapt to reflect the two of you and your commitment to each other. I know my ceremonies well enough that it does not sound like I am reading, but speaking from the heart–because I truly am. I highly recommend that you write something specific to say to your spouse during the ceremony.

Q: What kinds of ceremonies do you perform?
A: Religious, Interfaith and Multi-Cultural Weddings, Baby Baptisms, Vow Renewals, and Memorial Services, using traditional elements to make it meaningful to you and your respective families. I often will work with a Rabbi in a Jewish-Christian ceremony.

Q. Should I have a beach wedding? Will there be people on the beach during our wedding? What should I do if the weather is bad?
A. It is easier to have a sunset, rather than sunrise, wedding since it gives you the day to prepare. I do not recommend a wedding midday in the summer; it is extremely hot and humid, as well as there is a good chance of rain. And of course, that is prime hurricane season. You have to plan on people standing around and watching your ceremony; you cannot block off any section of the beach. You should always have a backup plan. I suggest a ceremony location close to your reception site, so that you have a backup. I recommend making the decision to move early; it can be very stressful for a bride, hoping that the sun is going to shine when it is threatening rain; you and your guests are not going to want to be drenched with no place to go for cover.

Q: Is there any pre-marital counseling required?
A: No, but I highly recommend it. You have spent months preparing for this special day which will be over in a matter of hours. Value your marriage enough to spend time with a professional counselor; it can save you much misunderstanding and frustration in your first year of marriage.

Q. Do you file the marriage license after the wedding?
A. I am happy to mail the marriage license after the wedding for recording. You will then receive a certified copy in the mail approximately 4-6 weeks later. Most couples are now opting to take it in themselves in order to receive a marriage certificate immediately.

Q: Do you have other professionals that you recommend for music, flowers, venue, photographer, DJ, etc.?
A. I have done hundreds of weddings and have met some fine wedding vendors over the years. I have listed several of my favorites here on the website, but can recommend others if these are not available.

Plan to enjoy your day! Things happen beyond your control, don’t let it spoil your happiness. Have a planner or friend coordinating so you don’t have to worry about all the details, so YOU can really focus on the meaning of the day–your love for each other!