Question 1

How long have you been officiating weddings?

Accepted Answer

I have been working with couples to prepare for marriage and celebrating their weddings since I was first ordained in 2001.

Question 2

How many weddings have you done?

Accepted Answer

While I don't know the exact number, I have worked with well over a hundred couples throughout the years from all different backgrounds - younger, older; spiritual, religious, secular; everything from formal ceremonies in a church to casual weddings in Central Park.

Question 3

Can we personalize our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I provide a template to couples to give you an idea of the typical flow of a ceremony - along with several possibilities of language for readings, vows, ring exchanges, and more; however, these are just suggestions of what it *might* look like. I've worked with couples who have involved all of their guests in their ceremony and couples who just wanted the basics offered in a joy-filled, serious yet light-hearted manner. Literally... it's your day, your way. And I am here to support you.

Question 4

Do you include rehearsals?

Accepted Answer

I find that most couples do not want me to be involved in their rehearsal. This is mostly because the rehearsal's biggest function is practicing getting in and out of place for the ceremony. That said, I am happy to be involved in the rehearsal, though an additional travel fee may apply (usually between $150-200).

Question 5

Do you require premarital counseling?

Accepted Answer

While I do not require premarital work, I do strongly recommend it for several reasons. First, premarital work is an opportunity to build relationship skills. And let's face it, most of us can use working on the way that we are in relationship with ourselves, not to mentions others. And... the time to build these skills is when they are not acutely needed. Also, through the process of premarital work, I get to know a couple really well, which results in a more personalized ceremony - beyond the words that are used.

Question 6

We are already legally married. Can you still do our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many couples choose to share their vows in an intimate setting for one reason or another and then want to have a ceremony with a larger gathering. I am happy to support you in this - carefully using language that is both authentic to you and the specific circumstances and still celebratory.

Question 7

Why should I hire a professional officiant? Can't my friend or family member do the same thing?

Accepted Answer

In short... yes. Your friend or family member can totally read the same words on a script. However, something unexpected often comes up in the middle of a ceremony. This is where experience really comes in handy - to be able to roll with the moment and keep the ceremony flowing. Also, while your friend or family member could officiate your ceremony, that also means that they are in a role of holding the ceremony and not witnessing it. I'm happy to involve others in the ceremony, and... I invite you to relax and allow yourselves to be held in rich experience on your special day.

Question 8

Why are you an officiant anyway?

Accepted Answer

I believe that we all have the power to change the world. And nothing changes the world like building up a rich community of love.

Rev. Henry Schoenfield Weddings

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