Q - What sets you apart from other officiates?

A - WE are what makes us different. 

1 - Officiating is our BUSINESS - Weddings are our passion, and are 100% of how we make our living.  This is NOT a 'hobby' or a 'sideline' for us.  We focus all of our efforts on writing custom ceremonies, meeting with and getting to know all of our couples and performing the most important service of your wedding day.  We are a small business and NOT an officiating conglomerate built of multiple officiants.  For you, that means you are guaranteed to get us and will not be 'reassigned' to another officiant after you have finalized your services with us.

2 - Life experience!  We walk the walk, talk the talk, and as a married couple of nearly 13 years with 2 daughters we know the sweet and romantic aspects of marriage, and understand the trials and tribulations that are waiting for you.   Who better to help write vows that will become the stepping stones for your future marriage than someone experienced, and successful, in the path ahead of you!

3 - We have over 25 years experience in just about every aspect of weddings, and as a result offer our couples benefit from that invaluable experience with our services.  Not only can we assist with your ceremony, but can help answer questions along the way that brings your wedding full circle to the day you dream of.

4 - We take pride in offering unsurpassed customer service.  You are not just another face or another license to us.  Many of our couples keep in touch to share news of new homes, impending births, job changes and more.  We build long-term relationships with our brides and grooms!  We take the time to get to know WHO you are.

5 - The importance of your ceremony.  We know the details involved in putting together a wedding and reception.  We also see all too many times the aspects of a wedding ceremony put on the back burner and many times left until the last minute.  The vows you make to one another are what the day is about, and at the end of the party, after the photos are dusty on the shelf, we know the importance of the promises you will make to one another.  We will guide you to find the perfect way to express yourself, to honor family and friends, to bring your children into the ceremony to reflect the formation of a blended family.  We will customize your ceremony so that you incorporate important traditions while setting the tone for a ceremony that you can reflect back on in the years to come.

6 - Personality.  While your ceremony is certainly a formal occasion, it should also be memorable, and stress-free DESPITE the fact that you are standing in front of 100 of your closest family and friends!  We make you comfortable, confident, and you will suddenly find that our ability to make you giggle a little to relieve that tension, to bring your own sense of humor into your ceremony, not only personalizes your ceremony, or makes it memorable by engaging your guests and keeping their attention, but we melt away the stage fright you may be concerned of!

Q- Do you require pre-marital counseling?

A- No, but a pre-ceremony meeting, even if we just spend time on a conference call, is essential for putting together a customized ceremony.

 

Q-Are you a particular religion?  Will you perform inter-faith ceremonies?

A-  We can perform ceremonies that range from full Christian ceremonies to the simplest of ceremonies, our custom written ceremony most often performed is our own version of a romantic ceremony that celebrates your relationship, love and family.  Any aspect can be added in to your ceremony to personalize it to make it reflect your own beliefs.  We ourselves don't  ourselves as 'religious', we do consider ourselves 'spiritual'.  We have performed ceremonies that have cultural traditions including everything from Catholic communion to Jewish Mazel-Tov celebrations, We encourage each person to incorporate something from their individual faiths and/or beliefs.

 

Q-Do you provide services for our rehearsal?

A- Although not required, a rehears is recommended if you have a larger wedding party or if this is your first experience with a wedding.   A rehearsal is a critical element for a well run ceremony.  We can handle all details of your rehearsal - including so many things to consider such as who stands where, how parents and grandparents are escorted, when each attendant enters, how to hold your hands, when to turn... I consider it insurance for all of the work you have done to plan your wedding day.  A separate fee for the rehearsal will be charged.

 

Q-What is your attire for ceremonies?

A- Attire is a black suit with corresponding colors to match the wedding colors (If needed). I also wear a judicial robe on request and have even been asked to wear jeans and hiking boots if it's in the rugged outdoors of the mountains.   For theme weddings a cowboy hat or kilt is also an option!  My attire is based on the request of the couple.

 

Q- Can we write our own ceremony?

A- After meeting with you, either via phone or face-to-face, I will put together a proposed ceremony based on what I observe and hear. I love for you to add your own vows, special readings or take a moment to recite your feelings for each other. My goal is to make each ceremony as unique as each couple.

 

Q- What are your fees?

A- My fees start at $300.00 for the ceremony, which includes writing and performing your custom ceremony. Depending on how far the venue is, there may be a minimal travel fee. The rehearsal is based on individual needs and the size of your wedding party and family involvement.  Rehearsal fees start at $200.00, but can go as high as $300.00.   Visit our FEES page for pricing and package options.

 

Q- How do we secure you for our wedding?

A- I require a 50% non-refundable deposit that is agreed on with an Agreement Of Services. After signing and returning, you can call our office and pay by credit card, or mail a check. The balance is due 72 hours before the ceremony. Many couples seem to prefer paying the entire balance up front so they have one less worry the week before the wedding. In either case, a receipt will then be sent via email and a copy kept in your file.  For more details on the process of securing us for your date, visit our FEES page.

 

Q-How can we include our children in our wedding ceremony?

A- They can be be involved in the sand and/or family unity candle ceremony. I have even been asked to include them in the vows asking them if they promise to love, honor and respect the marriage. It's VERY important for the younger ones to feel that they have not been forgotten in the midst of the chaos a wedding can create. They are very much a part of the new family unit.

 

Q- How can we honor family members who we have lost?

A- A moment of silence, lighting of a memorial candle, a reserved seat of honor or a special reading within the ceremony is typical, but anything special you would like to add I can incorporate into the ceremony.

 

Q- Do you perform elopements?

A- Yes. A large percentage of the ceremonies I perform are elopements, and one of the more romantic as well, since they can be done at any location. I've done them in front of fireplaces, beside lakes and in the National Park to name a few.

 

Q- Do you have suggestions for making our ceremony more personal?

A- Maybe that special moment the spark first hit you, a special reading or prayer or hand-written vows from the heart. I love traditions, but love breaking away from the norm even more!

 

Q- How long does a typical ceremony last?

A- Approximately 20 minutes, depending on how many individual ceremonies you would like to incorporate.  If you add in additional readings, music, etc. you can plan on closer to 30-40 minutes.

 

Q-Will you work with an interpreter?

A- Yes, I have worked with sign language interpreters as well as translators for Spanish ceremonies.

 

Q- How far do you travel to perform weddings?

A- As of yet I have not found one too far to go. But on average, 1-2 hour drives and under are the norm. 

 

Q- Will you work with our location or coordinator?

A- I love to work with all different types of venues and coordinators, and may even be inclined to recommend some good ones if asked.

 

Q- How do we get our marriage license, and what are the requirements?

A- Most any County Courthouse will have a Marriage License department. I provide you with local offices, service hours and all necessary requirements for obtaining a Colorado Marriage License.  You must be over 18 years old or under with parental consent, and do not have to be residents of the state of Colorado.  Colorado licenses are valid anywhere in the state, and are good for 30 days from the date of issue.  There is no waiting period once a license is issued, and proper identification is required and you must both be present to receive your license.

 

Q- What type of ceremonies do you specialize in?

A- Semi-religious, romantic and civil ceremonies. I am not a fire and brimstone, sermon within a ceremony officiate. I really like the romanticism of the moment and believe that all who are gathered are there in honor and respect of the wedding ceremony.