Illuminating Ceremonies

Pricing

Prices start at $700

About Illuminating Ceremonies

Chris Shelley

Chief Mood Booster

I am your guests' favorite thing about your wedding. Since 2011, I've been writing and performing personal, meaningful and refreshingly engaging ceremonies for couples just like you and couples who are nothing like you. Couples work with me with an easy, collaborative process during which I become your favorite part of wedding planning. I take guest experience and your wishes very seriously. Your families will thank you for getting somebody who makes the ceremony light while still making clear how beautiful it is that you found each other. I officiate all over the US.

I am the funniest wedding officiant in the country. I know! Such chutzpah! But my goal is to be the best, to find that perfect balance of humor and dignity that makes a wedding ceremony a wedding ceremony. My experience as an actor, a writer, a workaholic and a spouse to a very smart wife have led me to be someone whom couples can trust with their ceremony. I've lived a lot, I've actually been married since 2002, so I know a thing or two about having a happy marriage. I'm a professional who can get along with your parents and grandparents as well as your friends. I've done ceremonies all over the country and on TV. I love my work!

In three words: Collaborative, Confident, Fun

Best of Zola 2026

Services

Ceremony types

  • Civil Union
  • Commitment Ceremony
  • Elopement
  • Interfaith Ceremony
  • Legal License Signing
  • Multicultural Weddings
  • Non-religious Ceremony
  • Other
  • Vow Renewal Ceremony

Religious affiliations

  • Catholic
  • Christian
  • Interfaith
  • Jewish
  • Other
  • Secular
  • Spiritual

Reviews

Write a review

5.0 out of 5

43 reviews

  • SH

    Sara H.

    •Mar 9, 2026

    Incredible work

    Working with him was such a pleasure. He was kind, supportive, and truly cared about making our ceremony perfect. Looking back at our wedding day, they stand out as someone who absolutely delivered their role flawlessly. We are so grateful and cannot thank him enough for helping create such a meaningful and unforgettable moment for us. We would recommend him to any couple without hesitation!

    Chris Shelley•Mar 10, 2026

    Thank you Sara! It was an honor.

  • AO

    Ana O.

    •Feb 28, 2026

    Simply the best!

    If 10 stars were a thing here, I'd give Chris all the stars. I read his book Best Ceremony Ever and felt that he was the perfect fit to be our wedding celebrant. I emailed him, and our relationship began. He is smart, charming, funny, and really puts his heart into his work. He worked with us to make sure all our special requests came to life. He lead the way during our rehearsal the day before the wedding. He came to the welcome party and got to mingle with our family and friends. On wedding day, he was a rock star! Our guests raved about him and still mention how amazing he was. I can't recommend him enough! He is the very best!

  • PR

    Partho R.

    •Feb 3, 2026

    Chris was a Perfect Celebrant

    I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Chris as the Celebrant for your ceremony. Chris was our chosen Celebrant for a funeral service and a Memorial of Life event. Our family felt an instant connection to Chris after our first Zoom call and he was the perfect Celebrant for this occasion. From the moment we met him, Chris brought kindness, understanding and warmth to our family when we were going through a difficult grieving process. He wrote and delivered wonderful speeches at the Funeral and also the Celebration of Life event. His speeches and delivery captured so much that we loved about our family member who passed away. I will be forever grateful for Chris’ support and guidance throughout this period. Together with Chris, we were able to deliver the perfect event to remember our loved one.

    Chris Shelley•Feb 3, 2026

    Partho, I can never share enough condolences with you. It was an honor to be there for you and your family. Let's hope we meet again on a happier occasion.

  • JM

    Jim M.

    •Dec 8, 2025

    Amazing

    Chris officiated a wedding that I was lucky enough to be part of (as the DJ). Chris was not only highly professional and easy to work with, but also extremely charming, heartfelt and funny. He absolutely knocked it out of the park for this ceremony. Would highly recommend to anyone!

  • SN

    Sara N.

    •Nov 11, 2025

    Sara N

    We had an NYC garden ceremony in Greenwich Village, and Chris was absolutely incredible! From the very beginning, he was so seamless to work with and responded so quickly. He brought such fun, energy, and warmth to the day. His personality lit up the space and made the ceremony feel so personal and joyful — exactly what we envisioned for a relaxed, intimate city celebration. He struck the perfect balance between heartfelt and lighthearted, keeping everyone smiling (and even tearing up a little!). Beyond being an amazing officiant, he’s just a genuinely wonderful person who clearly loves what he does! We can’t imagine our day without him and would recommend him a thousand times over.

    Chris Shelley•Nov 12, 2025

    Thank you Sara! Good luck with your Italian wedding next year!

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