FAQS
Is premarital counseling required?
No premarital counseling is required.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes! This is your special day.
How many readings are customary? Are there any restrictions on the choice of readings?
Typically there are between 1-2 readings and family members or guests are welcome to read them. There are absolutely no restrictions on readings or how many you can have.
Are there any restrictions on what you will and will not allow in a ceremony?
No restrictions!
What will you wear?
I typically wear a black or dark gray muted long dress. My intent is to not distract others from your special day. If you have special requests we can discuss my wardrobe for your day (i.e. superhero costume for a superhero theme wedding, dress color to complement your wedding party, etc)
Are there any restrictions as to our attire, or our bridal party's attire?
There are no restrictions.
Will you conduct the ceremony outside of a house of worship? If so, does that change any of the restrictions?
Because I am a non-denominational officiant, I perform ceremonies everywhere! There are no restrictions.
How long does a typical ceremony?
The length of the ceremony is up to you, but they typically they last about 15 – 20 minutes.
Is there a fee, honorarium, or requested donation? Is a deposit required?
There is a fee for officiating a wedding ceremony. You can learn more about my services and fees by clicking here. A $100 retainer is requested to reserve the date and time. The balance is due anytime prior to the start of the ceremony.
What does the fee include? All Masterpiece Ceremonies include:
Will you be doing other weddings that day? What happens if you’re running late or can’t make it?
During wedding season, it is possible that I’ll have another ceremony. In order to avoid the possibility of running late, I never have two weddings that start within several hours of each other.
Will you lead a rehearsal?
In most cases, your wedding or site coordinator will lead the rehearsal. For couples that want me to attend, please contact me for pricing.
What authority do you have to perform legal ceremonies?
I am an ordained wedding minister and have full legal authority to perform your wedding ceremony.
Will you be able to legally officiate at our wedding location?
I am legally authorized to officiate wedding ceremonies in Illinois . If you live in another state I may have to register as an officiant. There is no additional fee for the extra paperwork.
When do you sign the marriage license? At the ceremony or beforehand?
I arrive early to your ceremony to go over last-minute details and also complete and sign the marriage license. This allows you to celebrate at the conclusion of your ceremony with no interruption for signing documents.
We are an interfaith couple. Does this pose any problems? Will you be willing to co-officiate.
I perform ceremonies for all couples. Whether you are religious, spiritual, interfaith, or no faith, I officiate ceremonies for everyone.
One of us is divorced. Does this pose any problems?
No problem at all! I am happy to officiate your ceremony.
Is it acceptable to include a pet in the ceremony.
As long as you don’t want to marry a pet, I am happy to include them.
We have children. How will you make them feel part of the ceremony.
There are many ways to include children in your ceremony besides being a ring bearer or flower girl. We can add family vows or include them in the blending of sand.
I’m pregnant. Are you still willing to marry us?
Yes and congratulations!
Would you like to come to the wedding reception with your spouse?
Thank you, but as much as I would love to attend your reception, I typically have other events to attend to.
Is flash photography allowed during the ceremony?
I absolutely want your photographer to capture your special day, and will do what's necessary to ensure they get the perfect shot!
Will you wear a mic if the videographer requires one to capture the ceremony?
I want your wedding video to be absolutely perfect, I have no issue wearing a microphone.
No premarital counseling is required.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes! This is your special day.
How many readings are customary? Are there any restrictions on the choice of readings?
Typically there are between 1-2 readings and family members or guests are welcome to read them. There are absolutely no restrictions on readings or how many you can have.
Are there any restrictions on what you will and will not allow in a ceremony?
No restrictions!
What will you wear?
I typically wear a black or dark gray muted long dress. My intent is to not distract others from your special day. If you have special requests we can discuss my wardrobe for your day (i.e. superhero costume for a superhero theme wedding, dress color to complement your wedding party, etc)
Are there any restrictions as to our attire, or our bridal party's attire?
There are no restrictions.
Will you conduct the ceremony outside of a house of worship? If so, does that change any of the restrictions?
Because I am a non-denominational officiant, I perform ceremonies everywhere! There are no restrictions.
How long does a typical ceremony?
The length of the ceremony is up to you, but they typically they last about 15 – 20 minutes.
Is there a fee, honorarium, or requested donation? Is a deposit required?
There is a fee for officiating a wedding ceremony. You can learn more about my services and fees by clicking here. A $100 retainer is requested to reserve the date and time. The balance is due anytime prior to the start of the ceremony.
What does the fee include? All Masterpiece Ceremonies include:
- Complimentary consultation
- Personal and fully customized ceremony
- Unlimited phone and email support
- Travel to the ceremony venue
- Arriving 30+ minutes prior to ceremony start time
- Notary services
- Completing and mailing marriage license
Will you be doing other weddings that day? What happens if you’re running late or can’t make it?
During wedding season, it is possible that I’ll have another ceremony. In order to avoid the possibility of running late, I never have two weddings that start within several hours of each other.
Will you lead a rehearsal?
In most cases, your wedding or site coordinator will lead the rehearsal. For couples that want me to attend, please contact me for pricing.
What authority do you have to perform legal ceremonies?
I am an ordained wedding minister and have full legal authority to perform your wedding ceremony.
Will you be able to legally officiate at our wedding location?
I am legally authorized to officiate wedding ceremonies in Illinois . If you live in another state I may have to register as an officiant. There is no additional fee for the extra paperwork.
When do you sign the marriage license? At the ceremony or beforehand?
I arrive early to your ceremony to go over last-minute details and also complete and sign the marriage license. This allows you to celebrate at the conclusion of your ceremony with no interruption for signing documents.
We are an interfaith couple. Does this pose any problems? Will you be willing to co-officiate.
I perform ceremonies for all couples. Whether you are religious, spiritual, interfaith, or no faith, I officiate ceremonies for everyone.
One of us is divorced. Does this pose any problems?
No problem at all! I am happy to officiate your ceremony.
Is it acceptable to include a pet in the ceremony.
As long as you don’t want to marry a pet, I am happy to include them.
We have children. How will you make them feel part of the ceremony.
There are many ways to include children in your ceremony besides being a ring bearer or flower girl. We can add family vows or include them in the blending of sand.
I’m pregnant. Are you still willing to marry us?
Yes and congratulations!
Would you like to come to the wedding reception with your spouse?
Thank you, but as much as I would love to attend your reception, I typically have other events to attend to.
Is flash photography allowed during the ceremony?
I absolutely want your photographer to capture your special day, and will do what's necessary to ensure they get the perfect shot!
Will you wear a mic if the videographer requires one to capture the ceremony?
I want your wedding video to be absolutely perfect, I have no issue wearing a microphone.