Question 1

Is your officiating legal?

Accepted Answer

Jillian is ordained and can legally solemnize marriages in New York and Puerto Rico. Her wedding officiating through Embodied Union Ceremonies is ceremonial — it does not include legal solemnization. A civil ceremony or legal officiant can be arranged separately, and Jillian is happy to help coordinate that if needed.

Question 2

What exactly is a somatic ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Somatic means body-based. A somatic ceremony is designed so you actually feel it while it's happening — not just witness it. Rather than managing nerves and hitting cues, you arrive grounded and regulated before a single word is spoken. The breath work, the pacing, the partner practices, and the ritual elements are all intentionally structured to bring your nervous system into presence so the moment can fully land.

Question 3

Do I need to know anything about somatic work to book with you?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. You don't need any background in somatic practice, meditation, or body-based work. Jillian guides everything — all you need to bring is yourselves.

Question 4

What's the difference between a wedding ceremony and a vow renewal with you?

Accepted Answer

The structure is similar, but the intention and preparation are tailored differently. Vow renewals tend to carry more history — years of life, growth, and change that deserve to be honored. The ceremony is crafted to hold all of that, not just the celebration. Many couples say their vow renewal felt like the ceremony they wished they'd had the first time.

Question 5

Do you travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jillian serves couples throughout New York and Puerto Rico. Travel beyond the local area radius will incur a travel fee. Overnight travel requires lodging, which is always discussed transparently before you book.

Question 6

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

Jillian works with a small number of couples each season, so early booking is encouraged. Reaching out a few months in advance is ideal, though shorter timelines and last-minute bookings can sometimes be accommodated — don't hesitate to inquire.

Question 7

What is the pre-ceremony somatic session?

Accepted Answer

It's a dedicated body-based session held in the hours or days before your ceremony. You'll work with breath, co-regulation, and somatic awareness to release nerves, anticipation, or whatever else is present — so you arrive at your ceremony already open and regulated. Couples who do this session consistently say it made their ceremony feel fuller and more real. It's included in The Full Unfurling and available as an add-on to any package.

Question 8

How does the planning process work?

Accepted Answer

It begins with an application — Jillian works with couples by selection to ensure the fit is right for both sides. From there, the number of planning calls depends on your package. Throughout the process, your story, your relationship, and what matters most to you is woven into every element of the ceremony.

Question 9

What if we're not sure which package is right for us?

Accepted Answer

Start with the application and share a little about what you're envisioning. Jillian will help you find the right fit during your initial conversation — there's no pressure to decide before you've had a chance to connect.

Question 10

Do you do elopements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Elopement Ceremony add-on is available for couples who want something intimate, unhurried, and entirely their own — just the two of you, fully held. Location dependent; reach out to discuss.

Embodied Union Ceremonies

Pricing

Packages

About Embodied Union Ceremonies