Question 1

How long have you been officiating weddings?

Accepted Answer

I’ve been officiating weddings since May, 2021.

Question 2

How many ceremonies have you performed?

Accepted Answer

I’ve had the privilege of officiating somewhere between 850-900 wedding ceremonies throughout Eastern and Western Washington.

Question 3

What types of weddings do you specialize in?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is everything! There’s not much of anything I won’t do (or try)…I specialize in traditional weddings, elopements, microweddings, vow renewals, blended family ceremonies, and customized ceremonies for couples from all backgrounds.

Question 4

Do you perform religious, non-religious, spiritual, or secular ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer religious, spiritual, secular, and completely non-religious ceremonies depending on the couple’s preferences.

Question 5

Are you comfortable performing LGBTQ+ weddings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I proudly celebrate and support all couples. Feel free to ask me anything if you have any questions.

Question 6

Do you travel for weddings?

Accepted Answer

There’s not much of anywhere I haven’t gone at this point and I’m always looking for new experiences. I travel throughout Eastern and Western Washington and can discuss travel for destinations beyond my standard service area.

Question 7

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Primarily King and Snohomish Counties, including Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Lynnwood, Bothell, Redmond, and surrounding communities. I have known to travel outside of these areas to eastern Washington as well, as north through Skagit and Whatcom Counties. I have also done ceremonies to the east in the Yakima and Wenatchee areas.

Question 8

Do you offer elopements and small intimate ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Some of my favorite ceremonies are intimate gatherings focused entirely on the couple.

Question 9

Do you perform same-day or last-minute weddings?

Accepted Answer

When my schedule allows, yes. I do my best to accommodate couples who need an officiant on short notice.

Question 10

Have you officiated weddings at unusual venues before?

Accepted Answer

I don’t feel like there’s any venue that is unusual at this point…. If you feel like it’s unusual, I’m all for it!

Question 11

What is your ceremony style?

Accepted Answer

I personally don’t feel like I have a specific style…. What I have heard from previous couples/clients is that I am warm, personal, engaging, and authentic. I focus on telling your story rather than reading a generic script. This also depends on how much information you care to share with me during our consultations. The more information you give me, the more I have to work with so I can craft a script that gives an authentic picture, not just a story

Question 12

How customizable is the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

It is highly encouraged to customize it however you feel.Every couple has different values, personalities, and priorities.

Question 13

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Personal vows often become the most memorable part of the ceremony

Question 14

Do you help couples write vows if needed?

Accepted Answer

I highly suggest that you write your own vows. It will not come from your heart the proper way if you don’t do it yourself. With that said, I provide guidance, examples, and structure to help couples feel confident…. I do have many tips that I can provide to get you in the right direction.

Question 15

Can we include family traditions or cultural elements?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I highly encourage couples to incorporate traditions that are meaningful to them.

Question 16

Can we include children or blended family moments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I frequently create special moments that acknowledge children and blended families.

Question 17

Are unity ceremonies available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sand ceremonies, unity candles, handfasting, wine blending, and many other options are available.

Question 18

Can we include religious readings or prayers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We can include as much or as little religious content as you’d like.

Question 19

Can we keep the ceremony very short?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some couples prefer a simple 5-minute ceremony while others prefer 20-30 minutes.

Question 20

Can you make the ceremony more humorous, emotional, formal, or relaxed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The tone is tailored to your personalities and vision.

Question 21

How long is a typical ceremony?

Accepted Answer

I feel like the sweet spot for a ceremony is about 15 to 20 minutes. If you go past that, your crowd might start to get a little bit uninterested in what’s going on. Just my thoughts based on previous experience….

Question 22

How early do you arrive on wedding day?

Accepted Answer

Generally, 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. This all depends on how large the venue is and whether we have had a rehearsal or not. If there has been no rehearsal prior to your ceremony, I typically try to arrive much earlier to get a feel for the layout of the venue, especially if I have not been there before. I also would like to meet with my couples individually before the start of the ceremony

Question 23

Do you attend the rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

Whether you hire me or not, I highly encourage that the officiant is present at any rehearsal. In my case, I need to see everyone that is involved, get a layout of the venue, the bridesmaids and groomsmen as well as many other things involved.

Question 24

What happens during the rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

If a coordinator is handling the rehearsal, I let that person handle their responsibilities accordingly. In most cases, the coordinators that I worked with in the past, have no problems with me, stepping in and passing along suggestions and tips where I see fit so that everyone is on the same page before the ceremony. In addition to that, we walk through the ceremony processional, positioning, timing, vows, rings, and recessional.

Question 25

What do you wear to ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

The short answer….Professional wedding attire appropriate for the formality of the event. This is my favorite question to ask during any consultation with my couples. I want to make absolutely certain that I match any color scheme or aesthetic there might be during your ceremony.

Question 26

What happens if you are sick or have an emergency?

Accepted Answer

I maintain relationships with trusted officiants who can step in if an emergency occurs. With that said, I have never missed a ceremony in almost 900 that I performed.

Question 27

Do you coordinate with photographers and DJs?

Accepted Answer

It is vital that I coordinate with any photographers or DJs before a ceremony begins. We need to perform a sound check to make sure that everything is properly heard. I also need the photographer to be fully confident in my capabilities as an officiant. Everyone needs to be on the same page so that your ceremony is flawless.

Question 28

Can you help guide nervous couples during the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Most couples are nervous, and part of my job is helping them feel comfortable. That is a major reason why I try to arrive early before any ceremony to make sure that I calm your nerves. Ask me about my 20% rule during our consultation if you really want to test me!

Question 29

How do you handle unexpected issues during ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Babies crying, guests walking in late, drones flying over me…the show must go on with a professional stance. Years of experience have taught me how to adapt quickly.

Question 30

What about the marriage license?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need a valid Washington marriage license obtained before the ceremony. It doesn’t matter what county in the state, just as long as it’s within the state of Washington. If you were asking me to go to any other state to perform a marriage license, it would be best if the marriage license is from that state that I’m performing the ceremony within. No matter what, I complete my portion and ensure it is returned according to county requirements.

Question 31

Are there state-specific marriage laws we should know about?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Washington has a mandatory waiting period before a marriage license can be used. Ask me any questions you might have regarding that, and I will fully explain the laws within the state of Washington.

Question 32

Do you offer signing-only ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer simple legal signing ceremonies for couples who prefer a minimal approach. It is a lesser cost.

Question 33

Can you legally officiate in our wedding location?

Accepted Answer

Yes, throughout Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho as well. Feel free to ask regarding any other states if there are additional inquiries.

Question 34

Do you provide a ceremony script beforehand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Couples have the opportunity to review and approve the ceremony. I can provide as many revisions as necessary to ensure you’re completely happy with it.

Question 35

What are your pricing packages?

Accepted Answer

My packages vary based on ceremony type, location, and rehearsal needs. My base rate for any ceremony is $300.00. There are additional charges for mileage ($0.75 per mile if outside of my service area of greater Seattle), as well as ferry charges if is necessary to get on one to get to your venue of choice. I also charge a base rate of $100.00 for any rehearsal. Feel free to ask any questions whatsoever during our initial consultation and I will gladly explain the total cost.

Question 36

Can we see reviews or testimonials from past couples?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I encourage couples to read reviews from previous clients. I have many 5 star reviews on Google Business Profile as well as Thumbtack from previous years.

Question 37

Is there a deposit required?

Accepted Answer

I typically prefer full payment before any service services are rendered. I may be able to work with you, depending on your personal situation if it is discussed during our initial consultation. Full payment secures your wedding date. I do not start any work until the contract has been signed and payment has been made.

Question 38

What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Accepted Answer

Every client that has a booking with me will get a contract/service agreement. Policies are outlined in the service agreement and discussed before booking.

Question 39

What makes you different from other officiants?

Accepted Answer

I do my best to focus on creating genuinely personal ceremonies that reflect the couple’s story, values, and relationship rather than relying on generic templates. During our initial consultation, I will be trying to pull information from you about your personal stories so I can craft a script that is your own. I do not perform cookie cutter ceremonies or recycled material. I would be doing you a complete disservice if I did that. We will definitely talk about that during our initial consultation.

Question 40

What advice would you give couples for having an amazing ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Focus on each other and be fully present in the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in timelines, decorations, and all the little details, but those things fade into the background once the ceremony begins. What you’ll remember most is how you felt standing together, making promises in front of the people who matter most. Take a breath, slow down, and enjoy it. The most meaningful ceremonies aren’t the perfect ones—they’re the ones that feel genuine, personal, and true to who you are as a couple.

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