frequently asked questions

All of them. Religious, non-religious, civil, interfaith, spiritual, non-traditional, themed, comical, destination, vow renewals, and elopements. I also officiate baby baptisms. If you have something specific in mind that is not on that list, reach out and ask. I have been doing this long enough that very little surprises me. 

Click the Book Online link in the menu and complete the short booking form. A $150 deposit reserves your date and time on my calendar. If your ceremony is fewer than 30 days away, the full fee is due at the time of booking. 

Yes, completely. If you book a Luxury or Signature ceremony, we build your ceremony script together from scratch. I learn your story, your values, what makes you laugh, what makes you cry, and what you want your guests to feel when they walk away. Every word of your ceremony will be written around that. 

Absolutely, and I encourage it. There is nothing more powerful than hearing someone speak in their own voice about why they chose the person standing across from them. I will help you get there. I offer vow writing guidance for all couples who want it. 

Yes. This is one of my favorite parts of the process. Whether you need help finding the right words, structuring what you already have, or just someone to tell you honestly that what you wrote is good, I am here for all of it. 

 As involved as you want to be. Couples who book the Luxury or Signature package collaborate with me on every element, from the opening words to the closing blessing. If you prefer to hand it over and trust me completely, I can do that too. Most couples land somewhere in the middle, and that is exactly where I do my best work. 

 I officiate in English. If you would like to incorporate another language into your ceremony, we can absolutely arrange for an interpreter to be present so your guests and loved ones can follow along fully. 

Yes, and I love doing it. From Jewish and Hindu traditions to Filipino, Latin American, Celtic, and African American customs, I have extensive experience weaving cultural elements into ceremonies in a way that feels meaningful and authentic. Bring me your traditions. I will honor them. 

No. Sound equipment is provided by your venue or DJ. I work comfortably with any setup and will coordinate with your sound team in advance. 

Yes, if you book a Luxury or Signature package with rehearsal included, I lead your entire rehearsal. For other packages, I make myself available as needed. Visit the Rehearsal page to learn more about what that looks like. 

Love is love. I officiate same-sex weddings without hesitation and with the same care and joy I bring to every ceremony. Every couple who chooses each other deserves a ceremony that honors that fully. 

Travel within 50 miles of my office location is included in your ceremony fee. For weddings beyond 50 miles, throughout Florida, across the US, or internationally, contact me to discuss travel arrangements. I go wherever couples need me. 

With 25 years and more than 5,000 ceremonies behind me, I have seen just about everything. A rain shower that arrived uninvited. A ring bearer who sat down in the middle of the aisle. A microphone that went quiet mid-vow. I handle whatever comes with calm, good humor, and the kind of experience that means nothing derails your day. 

As soon as you know your date. Popular dates fill quickly, especially in Southwest Florida during the season. That said, I can often accommodate bookings with as little as 24 hours notice, subject to availability. Florida residents should note that there is a 48-hour waiting period between obtaining their marriage license and your ceremony. There is no waiting period for out-of-state couples. 

 An elopement or on-demand ceremony runs about 10 to 15 minutes. A full personalized ceremony with readings, rituals, and personal vows typically runs 20 to 35 minutes. Ceremonies with multiple cultural traditions or a larger wedding party may run a bit longer. 

Ceremony fees start at $275 and vary based on the package, location, and any travel involved. Visit the Officiant Packages page for a full description of each option, then contact me to discuss pricing for your specific date and vision. 

 A $150 booking fee is required to reserve your date and time on my calendar. This fee is non-refundable, as it covers the reservation and the preparation work I begin immediately upon booking. If full payment has been made and you need to cancel, you will receive a refund minus the booking fee. In cases of severe weather, all fees are non-refundable. I strongly recommend having a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies and will work with you to make any necessary adjustments based on my availability. 

 I am not able to help you obtain your marriage license, but I am required to sign it and submit it to the county clerk's office within 48 hours of your ceremony for official recording. For everything you need to know about the marriage license process in Florida, visit the Marriage License Info page. 

 Yes. I offer full ceremony coordination services for couples who do not have a wedding planner. I will communicate with your photographer, musicians, DJ, and venue team to make sure everyone is on the same page and your ceremony runs exactly as planned. Visit the Ceremony Coordination page to learn more. 

Always. I guide you through every moment so you never have to wonder what comes next or worry about forgetting something. My job is to make you feel completely at ease from the moment you walk in until the moment you walk out as a married couple. 

Absolutely. Readings, musical moments, unity rituals involving children or family members, community affirmations — anything that feels meaningful and includes the people you love is something I will happily help you incorporate. 

 Yes, always. I move to give your photographer a clear shot of that moment. I coordinate with your photographer before the ceremony so the timing and positioning are handled smoothly and nobody has to think about it in the moment. 

 Yes, and I consider this one of the most important moments of a ceremony. A warm, thoughtful pre-ceremony announcement sets the tone for everything that follows. I will work with you in advance on exactly what you want said, including unplugged ceremony requests, phone reminders, seating notes, or any special recognitions you would like made. 

 My role is the ceremony, and once that is complete I typically do not stay for the reception. My focus is on giving you the best possible ceremony experience, and I begin preparing for that long before I arrive at your venue. If you would like me to make a closing announcement or offer a blessing before I go, I am always happy to do that. 

I would love that. It is always an honor to be part of your wedding photos. I do love sharing beautiful ceremony moments on my website and social media, always with the couple's permission, to help other couples understand what a ceremony can look and feel like. We can discuss any preferences you have about which photos are shared and when. 

Yes, and I consider it essential. Getting to know you before we build a single word of your ceremony is how I make sure every element of it actually sounds like you. Depending on your package, we will meet in person or by video call, and I am always available by phone throughout the planning process. 

I work personally with every couple I book. You will never be handed off to someone else. When you hire me, you get me, from our first conversation through the moment I pronounce you married. 

In 25 years and more than 5,000 ceremonies, I have never missed one. That said, I maintain a trusted network of experienced officiants I can call in an absolute emergency, and I will always ensure your ceremony is covered and led with care. 

Yes. I am happy to share sample ceremony language so you can get a feel for my style and approach before making a decision. 

Absolutely. Many couples choose to share a private moment before the ceremony begins, and I can help you think through how that fits into your timeline and what it means for the ceremony itself. 

Yes, and some of my most beautiful ceremonies have been outdoors. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, I strongly recommend having a backup plan for weather, and I will work with you on timing and logistics to make it seamless. 

Yes. Whether officiating is something you want to do professionally or you have been asked to lead a ceremony for someone you love, I offer one-on-one coaching and a comprehensive e-book guide. Contact me to learn more about what that looks like. 

Yes. Couples who book a Luxury or Signature ceremony package receive a complimentary copy of my e-book, The Ceremony Blueprint: A Roadmap to Creating a Personal and Meaningful Wedding Experience. It is a 27-page guide that walks you through how to define your vision, communicate with your officiant, incorporate your traditions, and prepare for every element of your ceremony. It is a practical, warm resource that makes the whole planning process feel a lot less overwhelming. All other couples are welcome to purchase it for $8.00 via the E-Books page.