ceremonies

I officiate vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, and gay and lesbian weddings as well as “traditional” wedding ceremonies.  I delight in celebrating love wherever it blooms.

The planning of your wedding ceremony typically begins with a face-to-face meeting during which we’ll discuss what type of ceremony you are envisioning.  Together, we’ll go through “The Book,” my 50+ page laminated volume of wedding ceremony pieces.  You and your sweetie get to sit down with grease pencils and highlight everything you like–like kids in a candy store–words, sentences, paragraphs, or whole sections.  Later, I’ll bring The Book home and weave your selections together into a custom ceremony.  My couples love this method.  You’ll get a totally customized ceremony based on your desires and choices…no two are ever alike.

Your  ceremony might include the following elements:

  • Welcome to Guests/Opening Words
  • Address to the Couple
  • Intentions (a declaration of your free will)
  • Vows
  • Ring Exchange
  • Closing Words/Pronouncement
You might also elect to include:
  • Poetry or readings from literature
  • A musical selection
  • Sharing of wine
  • Handfasting ceremony
  • Sand  or sugar-and-salt blending ceremony
  • Pledge of community support
  • Family vows/inclusion of your children
Some couples wish to further personalize their wedding by creating their own ritual within the ceremony. Examples include:
  • Planting a tree
  • Inviting guests to speak
  • Hand washing ceremony
What will your ceremony not include?
  • I can “bless” your union as The Official Representative of The Universe, but sorry, I don’t say “god.”  This is Agnostic Weddings, right?
  • I will not lead you and your guests in prayer.
  • I also won’t slip anything into your ceremony that you didn’t ask for.  That would be awkward.

…but that’s about it.  I’ve been asked to tell jokes, recite from The Princess Bride, come in costume.  I’ve officiated ceremonies in the middle of the desert, homespun backyard weddings, and weddings for 300 at hotels and country clubs.  If you can dream it, it’s my honor to help you create it!