PROFESSIONAL, EXPERIENCED, PERSONAL, DEPENDABLE & FUN!
What is the first step and what does it mean?
You call me and we determine if I’m available on your wedding day. If I’m available and you want to move forward, we set up a free consultation. This meeting is typically 45-60 minutes and usually at a convenient coffee shop. At this meeting we get to know each other and talk about your vision for your wedding day and ceremony. At or shortly after this meeting we decide if we want to work together to create a wonderful wedding for you and your guests.
If we decide to work together, what happens next?
We begin planning a great wedding! The pace of this process will depend on your wedding date, schedule and desires. During this time you can have as much communication with me by phone and e-mail as needed.
Do we meet again before the wedding?
Often another meeting closer to the wedding date is helpful to be 100% sure everyone is on the same page. Sometimes we can plan everything over the phone and by e-mail but if we feel another meeting would be helpful I’m glad to do that. My priority is to serve you. I want you to feel completely confident in me and comfortable with the ceremony as your wedding day approaches.
Do we meet together after the wedding?
This question reflects a unique benefit that comes with having me serve as your wedding officiant. I have a desire to not only help couples have a wonderful wedding, but a healthy marriage. So, as part of my service as your wedding officiant, I am available to you for a free "Marriage Tune-Up" meeting anytime during your first year of marriage. This is simply a time to meet again and talk about any aspect of marriage, life and relationships that you would like to discuss. In my experience as a pastor I have often enjoyed serving couples in this way. My vision is to be an encouragement to you during this exciting and important first year of your marriage. This is optional and up to you, but it is a unique resource that is available to you if I serve as your wedding officiant.
Do you come to the rehearsal?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. For couples who have an experienced wedding planner or venue host sometimes my presence is not needed. But, if you need me to attend or lead the rehearsal, I certainly can do that.
What does the actual ceremony look like?
I will work with you to carefully craft and lead a ceremony that is personal and meaningful to you. Your ceremony will reflect your life, love and values. We can discuss some of these details at the initial meeting. Most weddings are 15-25 minutes.
Do you do weddings outside the
Yes. I typically charge an additional fee for travel time and expenses for weddings beyond the central Seattle area.
How about premarital counseling?
This is optional and up to you. I can help you find potential resources in this area if you wish.
Do you personally do any premarital counseling?
I am not a trained therapist but as a pastor for 25+ years I have often guided couples through conversations prior to their wedding to discuss many of the basics of relational and married life (communication, conflict resolution, money, in-laws, roles etc.) I have developed a 2-session marriage preparation process that I offer to couples. Each of these sessions is about 60-75 minutes. The cost for these 2 sessions is $200. Again, this is completely optional.
What do I need to know about the wedding license? You will need to get your wedding license and bring it to the rehearsal or to the wedding. A few quick thoughts on this: You can follow the links below for wedding license information in these 4 counties:
You’re a pastor, how does your faith influence the way you serve as a wedding officiant?
I am a Christian pastor and believe a life and marriage that includes God will be stronger than one that does not. I respect people with beliefs different from mine and I do not view your wedding as an opportunity to convert you or your guests. I have enjoyed serving people as their wedding officiant who have come from many different places in their spiritual life. If you have any questions or anxiety in this area please let me know and we can discuss this.
What are some of the words you like people to say when they leave a wedding you have helped plan and lead?
Joyful, Genuine, Personal, Authentic, Celebration, Love, Dignity, Spiritual, Awesome, Classy, Powerful, Fun.
Why should we hire you as our officiant?
Professional: I am an experienced professional who has seen it all when it comes to weddings. I’m easy and fun to work with. I’m organized and dependable. I know how to work well with wedding planners. On the wedding day itself you will find I am very capable in the "Up-Front" public speaking role. I am very comfortable navigating the logistical and relational dynamics that are part of unique family gatherings, sophisticated events and intense experiences. Sound like a wedding?
Personal: I care about serving and encouraging couples in a personal way. I do a limited number of weddings each year in order to give strong focused attention to each one. If I am your officiant you can count on excellent communication and availability in planning the ceremony together. My goal will be to earn your trust so you will know that your ceremony and officiant will be good to go on the big day. You will have plenty of other things on your mind leading up to the wedding. It’s my job to make your life easier and your ceremony great.
If I am your officiant, it will be my goal on the wedding day itself to exceed your expectations. I will want you to say to your spouse, "Wow, I am so glad it was John who led us through our ceremony and encouraged us as we begin our marriage. He did a fantastic job and was just the right person for us!"