Photo by Ben Elsass

Photo by Ben Elsass

A Note About Being Your Officiant

Thanks again for your consideration for Officiant services!

What goes into a ceremony that I create and how do we work together on your wedding?

First, your wedding ceremony is something that should be unique to you, memorable for both you and your guests, and personal. I have over 100, 5-star reviews because I have chosen this as my vocation, and spending the time to get to know the couples that I work with makes this a fantastic experience for both you and me. I know my couples personally, and that relationship shows in your ceremony. I often run into DJ's or musicians who ask, "What will you say at the end of the ceremony so I can cue music?" While the presentation of the couple by name seems obvious, I hear story after story of officiants who (a) had no idea what the couple's names were, or (b) got it wrong.

When you are standing together exchanging vows and rings, the world closes in and it's the two of you together and me. Feelings range from excitement, joy, laughter, tears, nervousness...and it's comforting for to have your officiant feel like a friend rather than a stranger who showed up to read a fill-in-the-blank ceremony. The greatest compliment I get is when guests ask me, "How do you know the couple?" when a ceremony is finished.

Second, this is your wedding! You spend so much time and money on plans and experiences for your guests. This experience is yours and the process should be enriching for you as a couple. I include discovery sessions because I want you to participate. Couples are often surprised at how this time spent in a relaxing and fun setting is something they didn't know they needed. Sometimes my sessions last an extra hour or more as we just talk and laugh and relax. Wedding planning can be stressful and this time together is important for you as a couple.

Third, your guests should love your ceremony as much as your flowers, band, food, etc. The time spent making that happen is why I choose to do this as a profession. This is not a part-time job for me and I have moved from full-time ministry to a new kind of "ministry" as an officiant. I love what I do, and that passion and excitement are things I know my clients feel. Again, this is the main event, the reason for the day, and I want to make sure it's something you remember as amazing.

Lastly, your ceremony is yours and can be as serious, traditional, contemporary, religious, spiritual or secular as you wish. It can have moments of levity, personality, include God, not include God, or be somewhere in between. Your ceremony will reflect you exactly the way you want. I am here to make your ceremony mean something to you and not impose any pre-conceived notions about what a ceremony should look or feel like.

I am always excited to begin ceremony planning with a couple and hope you will choose me to be your wedding officiant!

Warm regards,

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WHAT? WHY YOU?

Apples to Oranges...

When comparing Wedding Officiants and pricing, consider the following:

  • Not all wedding officiants are full-time, professional wedding officiants.

  • Not all wedding officiants know that your ceremony is the reason for the day and that many couples regret choosing the wrong officiant the minute they walk down the aisle.

  • Not all wedding officiants take the time to meet with you to create a personal, customized ceremony. There are a lot of multiple choice "wedding books" out there!

  • Not all wedding officiants went to ministerial school. There are a lot of "universal" ministers with a speedy ordination.

  • Not all wedding officiants plan all of the details for your ceremony, including Processional Order, standing diagrams, and more.

  • Not all officiants take the time to know you--really know you--and ask about spiritual/religious backgrounds, family, family dynamics, your wedding party and...well you get the picture.

  • Not all officiants have a comfortable and friendly office space for personal face-to-face meetings.

  • Not all officiants plan with detail, checking and double-checking the details of your wedding, and pleasantly surprise planners, venue reps, and other wedding professionals with a comprehensive and thorough understanding of who you are and how your ceremony will (beautifully) unfold.

  • Not all wedding officiants are great public speakers, well-versed in many spiritual and secular traditions, and are aware of the latest ceremony trends and "outside the box" components.

  • Not all officiants include a full rehearsal, ceremony revisions, personal vow guidance, fun pre-marital discovery sessions, or fast and easy accessibility.

  • Not all officiants will bring the right mix of tradition, contemporary elements, and levity to your ceremony.

  • Not all officiants book at the same price point and not all officiants offer the same quality and professionalism.

I am not like most officiants, but I am all of these and more! Only ONE officiant has won Best of the Knot every year he has been a professional wedding officiant in Greater Cincinnati.


      Here are some of the venues where I've done weddings...

  • Newport Syndicate
  • Niederman's Farm
  • Norman Chapel
  • Oasis Conference Center
  • Oscar Event Center
  • Patton's Lodge
  • Paul Brown Stadium
  • Phoenix
  • Pinecroft at Crosley Estate
  • Polen Farm
  • Prickel Barn
  • Receptions Erlanger
  • Renaissance Downtown Cincinnati Hotel
  • Renaissance Hotel
  • Rhinegeist Brewery
  • Richwood on River
  • Rolling Meadows Ranch
  • Rosewood Manor
  • RSVP
  • Ryland Lakes Country Club
  • Sanctuary Event Center
  • Shawnee Lookout Park
  • St Aloysius Chapel
  • St. Clare Chapel
  • Stonelick Hills Golf Club
  • Taft Museum
  • The Center
  • Timeless Charm
  • Top of the Park
  • Transept
  • Walden Ponds Golf Course
  • Westin Cincinnati
  • Wiedemann Hill Mansion
  • Willow Tree
  • 1913 Heartland Barn
  • 20th Century Theater
  • 21c Museum Hotel
  • Alms Park Pergola
  • Anderson Center
  • Anderson Pavilion
  • Anderson Township Heritage Center
  • Ault Park Pavilion
  • Ault Park Rose Garden
  • Backstage Event Center
  • Bel-Wood Country Club
  • Bell Event Centre
  • Canopy Creek Farm
  • Canyon Run Ranch
  • Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum
  • Carnegie Hall
  • Cedar Springs Pavilion
  • Centre Park of West Chester
  • Cincinnati Art Museum
  • Cincinnati Hilton Netherland Plaza - Continental Room
  • Cincinnati Hilton Netherland Plaza - Hall of Mirrors
  • Clifton Cultural Arts Center
  • Clovernook Country Club
  • Columbia Ballroom
  • Contemporary Arts Center
  • Cooper Creek Event Center
  • Cox Arboretum
  • Dayton Art Institute
  • Dearborn County Country Club
  • Drees Pavilion
  • Elements Conference and Event Centre
  • Embassy Suites RiverCenter
  • Estate at Sunset Farm
  • French House at French Park
  • Glendale Lyceum
  • Great American Ballpark
  • Hilton Nerland plaza
  • Hotel Covington
  • Inn at Oneonta
  • Ivy Hills Country Club
  • Kenwood Country Club
  • Krippendorf Lodge
  • Krohn Conservatory
  • Kumler Chapel, Miami University
  • Lake Lyndsay
  • Leapin Lizard
  • Longworth Hall
  • Madison Event Center
  • Manor House (Carriage House)
  • Marmalade Lily
  • Marriott RiverCenter
  • Monastery Event Center
  • Moonlite Gardens - Coney Island
  • National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
  • NCR Country Club
  • Neltner's Farm
  • New Riff Distillery
  • Newport Aquarium