Please reach us at perfectforyouceremonies@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Do you have experience speaking in public and are you comfortable in front of crowds of varying sizes?
I have been a theater performer for over thirty years and have appeared in front of crowds of varying sizes. My passion for being an officiant is evident during the ceremonies I perform.
How are you eligible to officiate weddings?
I am an ordained minister through the American Marriage Ministry and the Universal Life Church.
Can you officiate in any state?
Requirements vary by state. I can perform ceremonies in Connecticut and Rhode Island without additional steps. If I officiate in Massachusetts, I obtain a special non-resident clergy solemnity certificate. This is merely a formality and can be done easily. If you are getting married outside the tristate area, I would research requirements before you hire me.
Do you meet with prospective clients?
The opportunity for couples to meet with me is crucial in the process. I meet with couples via Zoom initially which offers a chance for the couple to get to know me and determine if I am the right officiant for them. If hired, I will meet with the couple in person (if possible) to get to know them and start crafting their ceremony.
Are couples obligated to hire you at the first consultation?
Absolutely not and I encourage couples to think about it before deciding. The person who officiates a couples’ wedding must be trusted by the couple, have good chemistry, and should be the right person to bring them together in the way they envision.
Are you offended if a couple does not hire you?
No. The couple needs to choose the officiant that is perfect for them, and different couples want different things in the officiant.
How much do you charge?
My fee schedule is on the website and most costs are clearly indicated. There may be some things a couple wants that go outside of my listed prices and we can discuss that before we sign the contract.
What is included in your fee?
A lot of things. My fees include unlimited emails, texts, phone calls and virtual meetings to create the perfect ceremony. Based on the type of ceremony selected, the fee includes traditional or customized vows, ring exchange and special features (unity candle, breaking of the glass, etc.). Travel beyond 50 miles and attendance at the rehearsal are extra but agreed upon prior to the signing of a contract.
Do you require a contract?
To protect the couple and myself a signed contract is essential. It defines what is expected and holds all parties accountable.
Do you require a deposit?
A non-refundable booking fee of $50 is required at the time of the contract with the remainder of the fee expected on or before the wedding date.
Do you help the couple obtain the marriage license?
The couple can obtain the license from the town or city in which they are getting married and pay any license fee directly to the municipality. I usually do not participate in this.
Will you file the completed marriage license after the wedding?
I always file the signed marriage license. It is included in the fee.
Do you usually attend the wedding rehearsal?
That is up to the couple. It is nice if I can be there to run through the ceremony and meet some of the family and wedding party, but it is not essential and costs an additional fee. Attendance is also reliant upon my availability.
Do you expect to be invited to the wedding reception?
Not at all and I prefer not to unless I am officiating for friends or family. As much as I enjoy a good celebration, this is a time for family and friends to celebrate with the couple.
Are there any more questions you can answer?
Of course. I can’t cover everything here and you can ask me any wedding-related questions you want during our consultation or the crafting of your perfect ceremony.
How often do you meet with couples?
After the initial consultation and contract, we will meet as often as needed. However, there will be one -to-face or video meeting that will last 30 to 60 minutes so I can get to know the couple and they can learn more about me. I want to have a sense of the couples‘ personalities so I can be mindful when working with them to create the ceremony. Plus it’s more fun when we know each other better.