Do I need to follow wedding rules?  There are no set rules.  It is your wedding, so you do as you choose.

Do I have control over what is said in my ceremony?  Absolutely.  You have full control over what is said in your ceremony.  You may be as involved as you want in the creation of the ceremony, or you may merely approve suggestions developed by me.

Are we required to meet with you?  No.  I do not require a meeting.  I would be glad to meet with you and your fiancé to begin planning your big day, if this will make you feel more comfortable about your officiant choice or wedding planning. Often, though, planning in-person meetings is not always easy – especially in the months leading up to the Big Day, with so many other details to finalize.  As a result, I’m also willing to “meet” by email and phone.

Is premarital counseling required? No. I do not offer counseling, but you may wish to arrange counseling with a qualified professional.

Do you pass judgments on if people should get married?  No.  When couples are in love and truly believe they are meant for each other, then it is their choice to get married. I do not impose arbitrary requirements or pass judgments.

What areas of Indiana do you primarily serve?  I primarily serve Central and South-Central Indiana from Indianapolis and surrounding areas and south, but I am willing to travel anywhere.

Are you available on short notice?  Yes.  Most weddings are well planned in advance, but I can be available on short notice, if necessary, providing I am available.  Please reserve your wedding date and time soon.

What do your prices include?  Prices include customization of the wedding ceremony, guidance and assistance with planning the wedding ceremony, and in most cases (unless prohibited by distance) at least one in-person meeting and as many telephone or email discussions as you need to be comfortable with the wedding ceremony plans.

How early do you arrive for a ceremony? I arrive roughly 30 minutes early for wedding ceremonies.  If I am providing sound for the ceremony, I will arrive 60 minutes prior to ceremony.

How long are your ceremonies? They typically last up to 20 minutes, depending on the degree to which you customize your ceremony. My ceremonies include all the essential elements of a beautiful wedding ceremony.  In my experience, ceremonies that last much more than 20 minutes tend to lose focus.  You want your guests to remember your ceremony for how beautiful and personalized it was, not for how long-winded it was.

What do you wear? I generally wear a conservative black suit, with a similarly subdued tie. I dress to blend into the background of the wedding, so that the bride and groom are clearly the focal point of the event.

What about rehearsals? I will attend your rehearsal whenever possible.  Schedule your rehearsal early so I can be prepared.

Do you attend the rehearsal dinner or reception? No.  While I am deeply honored to officiate your wedding ceremony, I believe that the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception is celebration of family and friends. I therefore do not attend either event.

Will you incorporate elements from another culture or religion? Yes.  I find the wedding customs and traditions of other cultures and religions fascinating, and would be happy to learn about, and incorporate, appropriate elements into your wedding ceremony. Please feel free to discuss this with me.

What are travel and time fees, really?  There are no additional time or travel fees.  My cost is my cost and I guarantee that to you in a signed contract.

If you are not available, do you have other Officiants you recommend? Yes, there are other Officiants whom I can recommend, should I be unavailable.

What happens if you cannot make it to the ceremony? I do my best to arrive early to every wedding ceremony.  However, I realize that bad weather, injuries, car problems or other unavoidable occurrences might conceivably delay or prevent my arrival at the wedding ceremony. I will do whatever I can reasonably do to persevere in my efforts to get to the wedding ceremony. If it appears that I will be unable to get to the wedding ceremony, I will do my best to find a replacement officiant who can perform the ceremony at the same time and for the same fee as I was contracted with.

What about unity ceremony supplies, do you provide them?  No.  There are supplies in numerous specialty stores and on the internet.  Colored sand for unity sand ceremonies can also be purchased at craft stores.

Why would anyone do a vow renewal? Vow renewals are wonderful events that not only honor the commitment between two people but also the lives they have made together and the community of friends and family that has grown up around those lives. Vow renewal can include stories about memorable moments in the couple’s lives, or about their children or their parents. I spend a considerable amount of time obtaining the necessary research for the event.