Congratulations on your engagement!  Are you ready to start the planning? 

A unique and memorable wedding ceremony is within your budget.

• A basic ceremony starts at $250, and includes a planning & consultation meeting.
• A rehearsal event can be added for an additional $50.
• A non-refundable $75 deposit is requested to hold your date. 
• The balance is due on (or before) the wedding date.
• Travel expenses outside the greater Seattle/Everett area are additional.
• I will arrive early to assure that everything is ready to proceed and to complete all the required legal documents, including obtaining the necessary signatures.
• Please note: Wedding ceremonies aboard yachts or trains may incur additional costs depending on the amount of time required. If travel is required, the couple is expected to pay all expenses. These fees will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
• Ready to start planning?  Contact me!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide a marriage license?
No.  You will have to go to your county clerk's office to obtain a marriage license.  You must aquire the license ahead of time.  In Washington State a license is only valid for 60 days.  At the ceremony, we all sign the license and I will mail it to the county auditors office to be filed in public records.  Remember.... the license must be brought to the ceremony for us to sign.

Additional information here: http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/departments/auditor/divisions/recording/marriage/

Can we write our own vows?
Yes!  It is a wonderful touch to individualize your ceremony. I will be happy to work with you if you are composing your own vows.
 
Can we include other people in the ceremony, in terms of readings, singing, etc.?
You may include other people to make this a unique and memorable day.

If there are children from previous relationships involved, how can we include them?
Yes.  If you would like to include the children, we can discuss different ways and ideas to integrate them into the ceremony.

Do you have pre-written wedding vows?
Yes, I have some options which may assist you in making your choice.

What do you wear?
Generally, I wear a suit but can dress in a clergy robe if you prefer.

Who is able to officiate at wedding ceremonies?
When it comes to officiants, different states have slightly different requirements.  When in doubt, it is always best to check with the county clerk's office.  There are two types of ceremonies that are legal -- religious ceremonies and civil ceremonies.  Some clergy may offer to perform "civil" wedding ceremonies, when in fact, they are not authorized to do so.  This is because they have no civil authority -- only religious authority. Likewise, judges are elected and appointed by a government body to their office and are thereby authorized to perform civil ceremonies. Judges cannot perform religious wedding ceremonies unless they also are ordained clergy. The main difference in the two ceremonies is that Judges do not include acts of faith, such as prayer or scripture readings at weddings -- and clergy do.

What if we don't want a religious ceremony?
As an ordained Christian minister, I only have authority to officiate at religious wedding ceremonies.  If you do not desire to include God in your wedding day, it would be best to pursue a civil ceremony with an elected official.

Must we participate in pre-marriage counseling?
No. I enthusiastically urge couples interested in better preparing themselves for the special responsibilities of a marriage relationship to invest the time in a pre-marriage workshop or seminar, but it is not a prerequisite. Pre-marriage sessions are often offered by Christian counselors and are available in most communities.  If you have an interest, I can assist you in finding an appropriate counselor.  I also strongly advocate joining a local church which will be able to provide scriptural teaching and godly wisdom throughout your entire marriage.
 
Will you travel to perform ceremonies?
Of course! If you are willing to cover the expense of travel and accommodations, I am willing to travel anywhere. The couple should, however, investigate local laws regarding marriage ceremonies and licenses before making final plans to travel outside of the region.  I have done out-of-state weddings in Georgia and as far away as New Jersey.
 
We're planning a "theme" wedding. Will you join in the fun?
Sure! I'm flexible and open to non-traditional ceremonies… let's talk about your ideas for a fun and memorable wedding day!

Do you have a church building in which to conduct our wedding service?
While I have been in the ministry for many years, most of my work has been in international short-term missions. So, I am not a traditional pastor operating out of a church building.  When asked to conduct a wedding ceremony, I make myself available to come to your location -- wherever that may be -- indoors or out.  When you think about it, the possibilities are endless, exciting and generally much more interesting than the inside of most church buildings!.

We have the church but we need a minister.  Can you do a wedding in our church?
Maybe… when using the church facility of another minister, we prefer that you first obtain the host clergy's permission and/or invitation. Ordinarily, when you ask a church to open their doors to accommodate your wedding ceremony, they generally presume that will also includes the services of their pastor. Some churches are more open to the notion of a guest officiant than others.  If you are able to obtain the blessing and permission of the host pastor, then I would be happy to officiate! 

Do you have any restrictions for our photographer?
No… Couples are encouraged to have their ceremony videotaped and photographed. Every special event deserves to be documented!

Are you willing to work with our wedding coordinator?
Absolutely!

Ready to get started?