FAQ

The following Frequently Asked Questions about my services should clear up most questions. If your
question is not answered here, feel free to call or email me with your specific concern.

LEGAL questions

How can you perform the ceremony?
As an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church, I am recognized by the state of New Jersey as legally able to perform marriage ceremonies. You can verify my status through the National Association of Wedding Officiants, of which I am a member.

Do you perform same-sex ceremonies or civil unions?
New Jersey has legalized civil unions, effective February 19, 2006. All New Jersey wedding officiants or New Jersey wedding ministers allowed to officiate opposite-sex marriage may perform civil unions. Follow the same procedures for applying for a marriage license.

Can you perform a civil ceremony?
New Jersey no longer has justices of the peace, or JP weddings, as they are sometimes called. Aside from mayors, judges, county clerks and such, there are not civil ceremonies. However, I can perform a non-religious ceremony that has civil vows. My specialty is customized weddings, so the ceremony is as you want it.

Do you do vow renewals?
I would love to help you renew your vows by using your original words, crafting something new for you, or creating a meaningful ceremony that combines your first ceremony with your journey to the present. You can apply for a new marriage license showing proof of your existing marriage to have the renewal on record, if you wish. The 72-hour waiting period is waived for vow renewals.

How do we get a marriage license?
Follow this link for applying for a marriage license.

Do we have to have witnesses?
New Jersey requires two witnesses to sign the marriage license. If you do not have witnesses, we may be able to provide them for a small fee.

CEREMONY questions
Can we write our own vows?
Certainly! You can either write your own or I will help you write them using your words and polishing the presentation for you. You can also write your statements of appreciation, ring exchange, and other parts of the ceremony, with or without my assistance.

Will you perform our ceremony outside, at the beach, in a park, in our home?
Absolutely! You choose the location. Make sure it is in New Jersey and that you have appropriate permits, if required.

Can we have a spiritual ceremony or combine religious traditions?
Yes. As a non-denominational minister, I can perform spiritual ceremonies that honor your love and your beliefs. You are welcome to combine traditions for an interfaith service.

Will we know what you are going to say before the ceremony?
Yes, you will have the complete script. I will not add in commentary we did not discuss beforehand. Because I am non-denominational, you do not need to be part of any faith for me to perform your ceremony. I believe in freedom of belief and will perform a service that honors the beliefs of the couple. I do not incorporate my beliefs into your ceremony.

Do you have restrictions on ceremony music or readings?
No, I only ask that you use good judgement here.

Can my children be part of the ceremony?
Of course! I have many ideas for ways to incorporate children of different ages and adult family members as part of your special day.

RESERVATION questions

How far in advance should we book your services?
In general, when you book your ceremony site, you should book your officiant next. Popular dates are reserved a year or more ahead of time, and without an officiant, you won’t have a wedding. Six to nine months in advance is common, keeping in mind that other couples are also booking ahead. If I can accommodate you on short notice, I will.

What if something happens and you can’t attend the ceremony?
While I don’t foresee this happening, I can make arrangements for someone else to perform the ceremony. Your ceremony script is finished two weeks in advance, so it will still be the ceremony you and I designed.

Do we need to meet with you before the wedding?
This is entirely up to you. I have performed many lovely ceremonies where, for various reasons, the couple did not meet with me ahead of time. In those cases, we rely on telephone contact and email. Less often, couples choose to set up a personal meeting. You choose.

What are your terms?
I require at least 50% of the total as a reservation fee, and the balance is due at rehearsal or before the ceremony. The deposit may be paid in cash, by check, or through PayPal (see link to the left). Any payment made within two weeks of the ceremony must be in cash.

Do you have a contract?
Yes, I have a contract to protect my clients. It specifies when and where my services will be performed, at what fee, and when the fee is due. The deposit is due at the time of the contract signing.

What will you wear to perform the ceremony?
I will wear a dark suit. Other arrangements can be made for certain circumstances, such as beach weddings. I also have a long, ministerial robe in cream with maroon trim which photographs well.

RELIGION questions

What if I am not Christian or do not practice a religion?
Because I am non-denominational, you do not need to be part of any faith for me to perform your ceremony. I believe in freedom of belief and will perform a service that honors the beliefs of the couple. I do not incorporate my beliefs into your ceremony.

Do you require premarital counseling or pre-cana?
Pre-cana is part of the Catholic Church’s tradition. I believe that consenting adults who choose to marry can do so without requesting my permission. I would recommend discussing finances, household responsibilities, children, relocation, sex, friends, spirituality, and careers before saying “I do,” and there are many books to help guide you in those questions.