Services

As the wedding minister or wedding “officiant,” I act as a director or choreographer of a wonderful, happy celebration of love and commitment. Since it is YOUR wedding, it should include all the aspects of ceremony and celebration that are meaningful to you. It can be as traditional or as personal and customized as you wish.

Wedding Minister and Officiant Chicago

I consult with each couple ahead of time and go over a 5-6 page wedding ceremony checklist. This consultation is usually in person, but can be done by telephone and/or video if preferred or necessary. Each couple chooses the order of service and the various personal aspects of the ceremony they want included. We cover all the questions about who, what, where, when, and how. Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girl(s), Ring Bearer(s), ushers, parents, relatives, honored guests, music (live, recorded, solos, etc.), flowers, rings, candles, readings, sermon, vows, prayers, etc.

Most people who contact me today are interested in having their wedding ceremony in a location other than a church and are in need of my wedding officiant services. I have performed weddings in gardens, hotels, golf courses, private estates, beaches, and other places. I like to point out that Adam and Eve got “married” in a garden (the Garden of Eden).

I am normally available for a rehearsal a day or more before the wedding. If the ceremony is relatively simple with a small wedding party, the rehearsal can be the same day just shortly before the wedding. However, it is best to have a separate rehearsal if there are a number of people involved.

I write up a completely customized and personalized “script” for each couple’s wedding. In my message, with the couple’s permission, I will usually include some interesting facts about how they met, and what their dreams and goals are as they now move through life together. I have a very strong personal faith in God. However, it is not my place to use the marriage ceremony as a platform for my views. Instead, I concentrate my remarks on the wedding couple, and ask everyone to focus on the things that bring us together and help love to grow.

At least a week or two before the wedding I will send a copy of the entire wedding “script” to the couple for them to review. I will send it by mail, fax, or e-mail. This gives them a chance to make sure the ceremony will include precisely all the things that are important to them. If there are any changes needed, we have plenty of time to make them.

When the time comes for the rehearsal (or if there is none, then the wedding), everything should go like “clockwork” because of the “script.” This extra effort of mine to send each couple a “script” ahead of time is intended to give them peace of mind. The result is usually complete confidence that everything will go smoothly and according to their plan during their ceremony. After all the time and money spent planning your wedding, I want to do everything I can to make it organized to perfection.

For more information about my wedding officiant services and prices, please visit the webpage “My Fee.”