Frequently Asked Questions
How do you help us create a personalized wedding?
Thanks for asking! First, we get together or chat over the phone so you can meet me and ask me any questions you might have. There is no charge for this initial conversation to see if you are interested in working with me. In that meeting, I will learn more about you and your vision for your wedding.
If you choose to have me officiate your wedding, I will help you select all the elements of your ceremony – vows, readings, remarks over exchange of rings, roles of the wedding party, blessings, etc. This includes providing you ideas and samples from other weddings that you might like, suggested readings, music and song ideas, web resources to consider, as well as crafting unique remarks tailored just for your ceremony.
As part of the process, I will work with you to gain an understanding of what made you fall in love with each other, what makes your relationship strong, what your vision for the future is, and so on. If you are comfortable, we will incorporate your answers into the ceremony.
I will write out a script for your review so that you will always know exactly what to expect and we can edit it back and forth. Your wedding ceremony will be personalized and customized to be meaningful and special to reflect your beliefs, your values, and your wishes.
I am simply your guide in the process, and I am open to all of your ideas!
What if we are not seeking a personalized ceremony but want a very simple, standard ceremomy with minimal preparation and an officiant to sign our marriage license?
No problem. I am glad to tailor my services to each unique situation. Contact me so I can hear more about what you are looking for.
Are you a wedding planner?
I do not plan wedding receptions and other logistics of a wedding; I simply help couples plan their wedding ceremonies and officiate at their ceremonies.
What types of weddings do you perform?
I cater to couples who:
- May not belong to a church, synagogue or other place of worship
- Have family clergy who are not available for their wedding date, unable to travel to their wedding location, or uncomfortable officiating at same-sex unions
- Want a customized personal wedding ceremony that fits their beliefs
- Are of different faiths and want to blend the wedding customs of their faiths or prefer a neutral but spiritual wedding ceremony
- Want a secular wedding ceremony with no reference to religion
- Want to include their children and/or their parents in their wedding ceremony
- Have a non-traditional wedding location
- Seek a Jewish wedding but want it to take place on Shabbat
- Would like to incorporate their personal stories into their wedding ceremony
- May want to have a variety of customs in their wedding ceremony such as the sand ceremony, glass breaking, sheva brachot, cup of wine ceremony, Jumping the Broom, unity candle, blessing of the rings, Native American readings and traditions, or many more options that are available.
What do you charge?
For full-service officiating, a personalized ceremony will range from $850-$1350 depending on day of the week and location of the wedding. This includes our meetings together and follow-up notes, planning with you and offering suggestions for each component of your wedding ceremony, personalizing key components of the ceremony, writing and re-writing the script, attending the rehearsal, and officiating at the ceremony. A non-refundable deposit of $300 reserves your date and time. The deposit applies towards the fee. Once my services are reserved, I will get right to work on your wedding. The remainder of the fee is due at the wedding rehearsal.
If you live near Boston are are not seeking a personalized wedding ceremony, and are only looking for an officiant to witness your vows and sign your marriage license, I will be happy to officiate your wedding for a lower price. Please contact me to let me know exactly what you are looking for, and I will be able to quote you a flat price after our initial conversation.
Can you legally marry couples in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, I am approved by the D.C. Superior Court to legally marry couples and have performed many wonderful weddings in our nation's capitol, from the George Mason Memorial to Rock Creek Park. I reside full-time in Boston, but do travel to the District on a semi-regular basis.
How long does the process take?
Each wedding is unique, and I tailor my services to every ceremony I perform. For full-service officiating, I generally meet in person with a couple twice before the rehearsal, unless geography prevents an in-person get together. In addition, we can communicate via email, on the phone, and through Skype about the ceremony. I also ask a couple to set aside dedicated time (an hour or two) for directed reflection on their relationship.
The process itself can be completed in the matter of a just a few weeks if necessary, but I recommend a leisurely approach to truly savor the build-up of your special day.
Are you a member of the clergy?
In deference to my friends who have years of theological training as rabbis and reverends, I am careful with that reference. However, I do consider marrying couples a ministry, and the Universal Life Church provides a very simple “ordination” process for the sole purpose of allowing individuals to have a ministry of performing legal marriages. You can learn more about the Universal Life Church by visiting: www.ulchq.com/
Do you marry heterosexual couples?
Of course! If you are a straight couple that lives in one of the jurisdictions that allows couples to legally marry regardless of gender, I would be glad to both officiate your wedding and sign your marriage license. If you do not live in one of these jurisdictions, I would be delighted to perform your wedding; however, I ask that you go to the courthouse to take care of the legal paperwork and have your license signed by a clerk of the court or judge, before taking part in the personalized, meaningful ceremony we will create for you, your friends and family. I have chosen not to act as an agent of any state that discriminates against gay couples.
Do you perform re-commitment ceremonies?
Yes. I enjoy these life cycle ceremonies, often performed to commemorate special anniversaries or the reuniting of a couple after a separation.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes, and I encourage it. Of course, as with all aspects of your wedding ceremony, I will be glad to help with suggestions.
Do you require premarital counseling?
No, I do not require premarital counseling, though I do ask a couple to answer basic but thoughtful questions as part of the creation of the ceremony. I believe the process lends itself to a couple truly thinking about their relationship’s foundation and future.
Do you supply a sound system?
No. But for very small weddings, I am glad to bring a docking station with speakers for an iPod upon request, as well as take group photographs with your camera.
Do you require to be included in the reception?
There is no obligation to invite me to your reception.
How far in advance should we book your services?
The earlier, the better. Some people reserve my time up to a year in advance. In general, I prefer to have a minimum of ten weeks to three months to coordinate with a couple. If you have a wedding approaching in a shorter period of time, please feel free to contact me about my availability. If I am able to accommodate you with my schedule, there will be an extra charge to devote the necessary attention in this shortened period of time to assure you have the ceremony of your dreams.