Weddings may be traditional or non-traditional.

I am ready to work WITH YOU TO CREATE A WEDDING SERVICE that affirms both of your backgrounds. This is your special day to be remembered for many years. I am committed to helping you make your special day everything you’ve dreamed it would be and more!

FOLLOWING the ceremony, I HANDLE THE DETAILS OF FILING your Marriage License in the appropriate county within the required time.

If the marriage license is issued by a town or city clerk in New York State outside of New York City, it costs $40. If it is issued by the City Clerk of the City of New York, it costs $35. The fee in either case includes the issuance of Certificate of Marriage Registration. This certificate is automatically sent by the issuing clerk to the applicants within 15 days after the completed license is returned by the officiant (person who performs the marriage ceremony). It serves as notice that a record of the marriage is on file. Couples who do not receive a Certificate of Marriage Registration within four weeks of the wedding should contact the town or city clerk who issued the license.

For NYC you must wait 24 hours before getting married. The license is good for 60 days. The license can be used only in the State of New York. Usually, two witnesses sign the marriage license. The minister (officiant) is responsible for returning the license with necessary signatures to the City Clerk’s Office for necessary processing.

Celebrations / Commitments / Domestic Partnership Ceremonies - Couples may wish to state their commitment in a legally non-binding public ceremony.

Wedding Vow Renewals - After many years of marriage, couples may wish to renew the vows they made many years ago.

House Blessings – Upon acquiring a new home, individuals may wish to bless their home in a special spiritual way.

Questions and Answers Concerning Weddings & Special Services

How far in advance should a minister be booked? Book as soon as possible after you secure your wedding or special ceremony site with a firm time and date. I will perform your service at the location of your choice.

Can you meet with me before the wedding or special service? Yes, that is when we can personalize the ceremony.

Is premarital counseling required? No. I offer it as well as post-marital counseling for an honorarium per hour.

What types of weddings and special services are available? My practice is non-denominational. I personalize each ceremony to reflect your desires, values, relationships and spiritual journeys. Together, we write your vows.

How long is the ceremony? This is your wedding or special service. A ceremony averages 20 minutes. It can be shorter but usually is longer when using music, rituals, and readings.

What about a rehearsal? A good idea. It takes pressure off both of you.
The wedding or service is more pleasurable. A rehearsal adds an honorarium to your cost.

Do you attend the wedding reception? If invited, yes. Traditionally, the minister (officiant) attends the reception as a guest.

What about taking pictures? A wedding or special service must. This is your day. I encourage photography. I ask that you remind the photographer and/or videographer that your wedding is both a religious service and a celebration. Your wishes and instructions should guide how much moving around and flash are done during the ceremony. Always book a photographer and/or videographer well in advance.

What are the honorariums? A minister's (officiant's) honorarim is applicable for Weddings, Celebrations/Commitments/Domestic Parterships, Vow Renewals, and House Blessings. In each case, a deposit of one half is due upon booking and paid by money order. The balance is due prior to the service. My honorarium covers the services of the minister (officiant) only.

How are you definitely booked? Once I receive your deposit, I will book your date. I will also acknowledge it in writing.

The ceremony may be held in the place and at the time of your choosing. A church, chapel, patio garden, park, reception hall, etc. can be used. Keep in mind that some of these venues have their own fees. Also, musicians charge for their services.