Frequently Asked Questions

• What about my Bishop?
• Why are the Rates so different?
• What does the Date have to do with it?
• What About a Rehearsal?
• How Long should the ceremony be?

What about my Bishop?

Faith-based ceremonies are among the most beautiful services you can have. I encourage couples who have a shared faith to speak with their clergy and find out the requirements to be married in their faith, if they so choose. However, clergypersons are bound by the tenants and requirements of their faith and are directed to perform only certain kinds of ceremonies. I am only bound by the creed Do that Which Is Right. For me, doing what is right is serving the couple, and the community, in the best possible way on their most memorable day. This could include a Rose ceremony, a Water ceremony, traditional Celtic Hand-fastings - even Jumping the Broom! My personal experience is that a non-Temple LDS ceremony is very short and sweet, which is great for some couples. Usually Bishops do not write custom ceremonies and do not include things such as ring ceremonies, rose ceremonies, or anything like that. Keep in mind, your clergyperson may not perform your ceremony if both of you are not members and your families are not active, in good standing and fully tithed. This is why a non-denominational Wedding Officiant is a great place to turn. We can blend faiths into a single ceremony that honors the traditions of both families and the couples themselves.

Why are the Rates so different?

Wedding Officiants will charge anywhere from $300-$700 for their services because, for most of us, we write each ceremony to custom fit each couple and work closely with the couple to make the ceremony unique and beautiful. I may meet with the couple multiple times to ensure your ceremony is perfect in every way. Many of us are professional public speakers, some with decades of experience. This experience is very important when you consider that the Officiant is the one doing most of the talking during your ceremony! In addition, I also personally provide a donation to the Charity of your choice as well as a fully colored or embossed keepsake Wedding Certificate - neither of which are provided by other Wedding officiants in the area. I am also relatively inexpensive compared to other officiants, of which I am very proud. I perform ceremonies to celebrate Love and all that it brings to the world, certainly not for the money.

What does the Date have to do with it?

Are you asking for an Officiant on a Holiday? Just like hotels and caterers, Holiday rates are increased for a lot of Wedding Officiants. Are you requesting services during the week or in the early afternoon? Some Officiants have daytime commitments and would need to make arrangements to perform your wedding, which we are happy to do, but this is also taken into consideration when your rate is quoted. Are you getting married in the middle of a forest or way out in the desert? Distance and drive-time is also a consideration when quoting a rate for services. How about Park City in the middle of Winter? Safety is always of concern to those who travel and sometimes officiants would rather stay local, while others will plan lodging to ensure they are not driving in hazardous conditions in bad weather. An overnight stay may require a higher quote. Regardless if your wedding is next door, across town, or an hour away, I strive to create intimate, memorable and unique ceremonies for each and every couple I meet. I want you to not only remember your first dance, your cake cutting and the band, but remember the moment you took your vows as one of the greatest memories of your life. All in all, a Non-Denominational Wedding Officiant is a great resource for a couple who are blending faiths, or who wish not to incorporate any faith into their service. I am only bound by my ethics - and the couple's imagination!

What About a Rehearsal?

Many couples ask about rehearsals. As an officiant, I think they are needed to gather your wedding party together, practice walking to the chosen music, and generally get everyone "on the same page." Now, the question becomes, do you need the officiant at your rehearsal? Actually, no. Surprisingly, the Officiant will probably be the one at your wedding with the most experience and does not need to attend the rehearsal. In fact, if you are having your wedding at a Reception Hall, you are already paying for a rehearsal coordinator by booking your wedding there. While it may not "line item" state this in your contract, you have already paid for the rehearsal time and someone to walk you through it - why would you pay an additional fee to have the Officiant there? I am always happy to attend rehearsals if you need a second opinion or would rather I coordinate your processional. I am also distinctly honored to be invited to any wedding events with the family and make it a priority to attend those social events if I am not previously booked (and I certainly would not charge for attending these events). If you'd like me to attend, I will make every effort to be there. It's one of the best parts of my job.

How Long should the ceremony be?

The timing and length of your ceremony is completely up to you. The short and sweet ceremonies usually last only 10 minutes, and the longest ceremony I've performed has been 25 minutes. Anything shorter or longer than that, your guests will tend to be a little uncomfortable. These are the things we can discuss when we meet!