Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
There is a lot of information contained on this page! You will find answers to questions you have and answers to questions you never even thought to ask!
Follow me on Social Media to learn more about my work and philosophy. Send me an email or text me if you have any questions.
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We are not members of a particular church or religion. Will you marry us? YES!
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Do you perform Baptisms or Baby Blessings? YES!
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We are a same sex couple. Will you marry us? YES!
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One of us has been married and divorced. Can you perform our ceremony? YES!
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Can we write our own vows? YES!
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We want an intimate ceremony for only the two of us. Can you do that? YES!
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We have a child together; can you marry us? YES!
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Will you perform a civil ceremony? YES!
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We are not of the same faith; will you marry us? YES!
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We want to renew our vows; will you help us? YES!
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We have a friend who we want to perform our 'public ceremony' and we wonder if you would legally marry us before this in a private ceremony. Have you done this? Will you do this? YES!
Commonly asked questions with their simple answers...
The following is organized into categories to simplify the search.
You may find some of the same information under more than one heading.
Questions & Detailed Answers
Fees, Retainer, Cancellation
Do you require a retainer?
I do require a retainer to secure my services.
Do you offer any discounts?
I offer all Active Duty Military Personnel, Veterans, and all First Responders a 10% discount on ceremony and rehearsal fees. Proof of service may be requested.
How do we pay you?
I prefer to receive payment via credit cards through online payment via Stripe. I also accept cash and PayPal. Final payment is due two weeks before your ceremony. I do not accept checks for final payment.
We would like to meet with you before paying the retainer. Is this possible?
YES! If it is possible,I would welcoe the chance to meet at a mutually convenient time and location. I meet couples in restaurants, coffee shops, in their own homes and as appropriate, at a ceremony site or venue.
What is your cancellation policy?
If a ceremony (wedding or other) is cancelled 30 days prior to the scheduled date, I will return all funds except the retainer. The retainer fee of is non-refundable. Cancel less than 30 days prior to your ceremony and full payment is expected and required.
We are interested in working with you. What happens if you are already booked on our wedding day?
If I am not available on your wedding day, I will share the names of other colleagues with you. These colleagues are recommended because I believe they offer the same high quality, personal, professional and caring service.
Do you charge extra if I want to include a Sand Ceremony or another Unity Ceremony in my wedding ceremony?
No, I do not charge extra! If I am going to be a part of your wedding ceremony. including a Unity Ceremony is simple to do. I make a commitment to you on your special day. The number of words that I offer does not increase or decrease the cost of my services.
Why are your fees so expensive?
Please refer to this WeddingWire article for more information on the topic, Why a Wedding Officiant Costs THAT Much.
What are your fees? What do you charge for your services?
I offer a quality professional service and share resources, and confidence with all of the couples that I work with. I offer the same support to couples who choose to elope and to couples who share their vows in front of 200 people. My fees are based on a number of factors relating to your request, including the size of wedding celebration, location, travel considerations, preparation time, research and resources.
I offer everyone that I work with unlimited email and phone support, as well as one face to face meeting to get to know one another. I do not charge more for a personalized ceremony. I do not charge more if you wish to include a Unity Candle ceremony or Sand ceremony, for example.
My wedding ceremony fees range from $200 to $450.
Fees for elopements and micro-weddings depend on the date of the week they are scheduled, travel requirements and my availability. An elopement can be as low as $150 if the couple is willing to use a site close to my home. I do not perform ceremonies at my home.
A simple signing ceremony is another service that I offer. I offer this for $100, and it is based solely on the couple's willingness to meet me close to my home. This would allow couples to have a friend 'officiate their ceremony' while I sign the marriage license, guaranteeing that the marriage is legally recognized.
Memorials/ Funerals begin at $175.
Wedding rehearsals are available for an additional fee of $100.
Travel fees may be assessed due to the distance from my home.
If requested, I do offer pre-marital counseling/ coaching session. I charge $75 a session and work with couples to figure out how many sessions they prefer. I offer couples who request this type of support 1, 2 or 3 sessions.
I require a $100 non-refundable retainer to secure my services. This is subtracted from the total fee. Final payment is due two weeks before the ceremony date.
All fees are reviewed and discussed with couples and families after your initial contact with me. You will never be surprised by the fee. I email a detailed proposal to all couples; this clearly outlines what my fee. Additional costs, for rehearsal and travel, are clearly stated in this document.
What do we receive for the fee we pay you?
You receive my support from the start of the planning process to the day of your event. I offer unlimited support via phone and email.
Our ceremony is going to 'short and sweet.' We have already written it. We will need you for only 10 minutes. How much will we have to pay you for this short amount of time?
Asking for a ‘short and sweet’ ceremony does not decrease my fee. I do not offer a standard ceremony for one price and a personalized ceremony for a higher price.
Some Officiants do charge less than $200 for their service. It is good that the wedding market has a variety of options for couples. I offer the same attention, care, concern and respect to all of the couples I work with, whether you are having a ceremony in your living room or at a venue surrounded by 200 guests.
Do you provide any prayers or meal blessings at the reception?
This is an 'extra' that I offer couples, if I am able to and I do not charge for this.
Do you perform other ceremonies, besides wedding ceremonies?
Yes, I do! I perform Vow Renewals, Baby Blessings/ Baptism ceremonies, and Funerals or Memorial Services. I also perform ceremonies for couples who are eloping or having an intimate ceremony. I am also comfortable with providing a Blessing for a new home. Email me for sample ceremonies, and to discuss ideas, arrangements and fees.
How soon before our special day should we book an Officiant?
Every couple approaches the planning process differently. Some couples plan their wedding over a year or two years. Some plan their celebration in just a few weeks or months.
My wedding is coming up soon. Can I book you last minute?
Yes! It's worth checking with me. I've worked with couples who have only weeks before the wedding and are still looking for an officiant. We'll work on all of the details and plan a meaningful ceremony. Your guests won't know whether you planned your ceremony a year in advance or just days before.
Why should we use a professional Officiant?
You don't have to take my word for it, check out the links before for great answers to this question.
From The Knot, Why You Should Hire A Professional Ceremony Officiant:
Do you require any pre-marital or religious classes for couples being married?
Wedding Ceremony
Is a wedding rehearsal necessary?
Can you marry us in a church?
What is a civil ceremony? Do you perform civil ceremonies?
I do perform civil ceremonies. A civil ceremony does not have to incorporate or include any reference to God. A Judge, Justice of the Peace or a Mayor can perform civil ceremonies. I am legally able to 'officiate' or preside at any ceremony. I choose to perform ceremonies that reflect the values of a couple. Thus, I will perform a civil ceremony because I believe that couples should have a ceremony that reflects who they are and what they believe. I incorporate the wishes and hopes of the couple.
Do we need programs for our wedding ceremony? Do you provide programs?
We want to have a Sand Ceremony. Do we get the necessary items or do you provide them?
I do not provide any accessories for wedding ceremonies. If you want to include a Sand Ceremony or any other Unity Ceremony or Ritual, you are responsible for securing the needed items. I do not provide programs. I do not provide a microphone and/ or sound amplification equipment. I do not provide music. I do not provide table linens or a table.
Where do you perform wedding ceremonies?
Can you say a prayer at the reception? Do we need to have a prayer or blessing?
I can certainly do this. This is an 'extra' that I offer couples, if I am able to and I do not charge for this. I need to know this at least 8 - 12 weeks in advance for my planning purposes related to childcare arrangements, travel, etc. (My availability to do this is not guaranteed at time couple books me, unless this is explicitly requested at time of the booking.)
How do we personalize our wedding ceremony with you?
I share planning resources with couples and I listen to couples. I ask questions that allow me to learn more about couples. In listening to couples, I learn more about them. I use questionnaires to collect some information and also gather more about a couple when we meet. I find ways to put 'their hopes, their beliefs and their love' into a ceremony. Personalized a wedding ceremony is an important part of the work I do with couples.
Are there opportunities for friends or family members to participate in the ceremony?
I welcome the participation of family members and friends. A ceremony will be meaningful if loved ones are included. Music, prayers and readings are a great way to expand the participation in a ceremony.
How do you handle a complicated family situation?
I have seen and worked with many different types of families. Early in our work together I ask couples questions that give me a greater understanding of a family situation. I can offer suggestions and give insights as to what to do and how to work around chaotic and complex family dynamics. I am comfortable being the person who 'sets the standards' for a rehearsal or a wedding and how things are done.
Do you charge extra if I want to include a Sand Ceremony or another Unity Ceremony in my wedding ceremony?
No, I do not charge extra! I have already committed to being a part of your wedding ceremony. Including a Unity Ceremony does not change my time commitment to you. I make a commitment to you on your special day. The number of words that I offer does not increase or decrease the cost of my services.
How long is a wedding ceremony? How long are the ceremonies that you perform?
Most wedding venues plan for a wedding ceremony to be completed within a thirty minute window of time. I have found that this is a very reasonable amount of time to work with.
Do have any restrictions on photographers or videographers can do during a ceremony?
Never! You have made the decision as to who you want to capture the memories of your special day. I will work with the professionals you have chosen or the loved ones who are assisting you.
We want to add something extra or different to our ceremony. We just don't know what. Do you have any ideas? Do you charge extra for this?
I have had the privilege of working with many couples who included something special or extra in their wedding ceremony. Whether it is the presentation of Roses to Mothers, the lighting of a Unity Candle or including a Wine Ceremony, there are simple ways and creative ways to add personality and meaning to your ceremony.
Do we need wedding programs?
Officiant Stuff
Can you legally perform ceremonies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?
Yes, I can! I am an ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ. This Protestant denomination is recognized legally within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a 'regularly established church.’ I am also able to perform weddings in New Jersey.
Within Pennsylvania, I am authorized to "solemnize marriages between persons that produce a marriage license issued under this part: a minister, priest or rabbi of any regularly established church or congregation.” (Paraphrase of PA Marriage Law 1503 (A) (6).
Those ordained online are NOT CLEARLY recognized within Pennsylvania to legally officiate weddings as they were not ordained by a 'regularly established church of congregation."
Please read this document provided by the Register of Wills of Mercer County, Pennsylvania on this matter. This document is given to couples who apply for a license in that county as recently as January of 2020.
Our ceremony is going to 'short and sweet.' We have already written it. We will need you for only 10 minutes. How much will we have to pay you for this short amount of time?
Asking for a ‘short and sweet’ ceremony does not decrease my fee. A wedding ceremony is not just 15 minutes; there is much more involved in the actual ceremony and planning process.
What is a Wedding Officiant?
I think Wikipedia has the best definition of what an Officiant actually is. Wikipedia states, "An Officiant is someone who officiates at (i.e. leads) a service or ceremony, such as marriage, burial, or name giving/baptism. Officiants may be ordained by any denomination as members of their clergy, or by secular/Humanist or Interfaith/Inter-spiritual religious bodies. Officiants differ from Chaplains in that Officiants serve the unaffiliated public at large, while Chaplains are usually employed by an institution such as the military, a hospital or other health care facility, etc. The term “Officiant” also includes Minister, Priest, Justices of the Peace, Celebrants, Notaries, and other people empowered by law to perform legally-binding private ceremonies."
Where do you perform wedding ceremonies?
What areas of Pennsylvania and New Jersey do you work in?
I perform personalized ceremonies in Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery and Northampton Counties of Pennsylvania. In New Jersey, I will perform weddings in Hunterdon, Mercer, Sussex and Warren and Counties.
Can we talk to couples that you have married?
How do you work with our other wedding vendors, such as our photographer, event staff, etc.?
I am committed to working cooperatively and in a positive manner with all of the professionals a couple has involved in their wedding day. I make sure to introduce myself to all other professionals on the day of a event. I will contact other professionals before the special day, as necessary and with the permission of the couple. It is always my intention to honor the plans and hopes of the family or couple I am working with.
Do you have any restrictions as to our attire, or our Wedding party's attire?
I do not have any restrictions. (I guess my only request is for clothing, if I am being completely honest.)
Do we invite you to the reception or rehearsal dinner?
No, you certainly do not have to invite me to your reception. I am honored when couples invite me to their wedding celebration. My typical practice is to decline. I often tell couples that the people I know the best at your wedding are you, the couple being married, and you are too busy to hang out with me at your reception.
Can you say a prayer at the reception? Do we need to have a prayer or blessing?
I can certainly do this. This is an 'extra' that I offer couples, if I am able to and I do not charge for this. I need to know this at least 8 - 12 weeks in advance for my planning purposes related to childcare arrangements, travel, etc. (My availability to do this is not guaranteed at time couple books me, unless this is explicitly requested at time of the booking.)
What do you wear for the ceremony?
What do we call you?
I prefer to be called Stephanie;. Some Event Planners, Wedding Professionals and venue staffcall me “Reverend Stephanie.” You can choose which one of these is more comfortable for you.
We are interested in working with you. What happens if you are already booked on our wedding day?
If I am not available on your wedding day, I will share the names of other colleagues with you. These colleagues are recommended because I believe they offer the same high quality, personal, professional and caring service.
Do you require any pre-marital or religious classes for couples being married?
Can you marry us in a church?
How early do you arrive one the day of the wedding?
I arrive 45 minutes to 30 minutes before a wedding ceremony.
Why are your fees so expensive?
Please refer to this WeddingWire article for more information on the topic, Why a Wedding Officiant Costs THAT Much.
How soon before our special day should we book an Officiant?
Every couple approaches the wedding celebration planning process differently. Many couples plan their wedding ceremony once they are engaged. Some couples plan their wedding ceremony once they book their venue. Some couples plan their celebration over a year or two years. Some plan their celebration in just a few weeks or months.
How long have you been a Wedding Officiant? How long have you been performing wedding ceremonies?
I was ordained in 1997. I have been performing wedding ceremonies since then.
What kind of ceremonies do you perform?
I perform meaningful ceremonies! I am comfortable performing a ceremony that is focused on what a couple wants. I assist couples with traditional ceremonies, civil ceremonies and spiritual ceremonies. A ceremony can be as sentimental and emotional as a couple wants. Laughter and joy are appropriate to include as well.
Do you perform more than one ceremony a day?
I do not like to perform more than one ceremony on any given day. I am more comfortable with this. I have on occassion performed two ceremonies at the same venue on one day, but this is a rare event.
Do have any restrictions on photographers or videographers can do during a ceremony?
Never! You have made the decision as to who you want to capture the memories of your special day. I will work with the professionals you have chosen or the loved ones who are assisting you.
My friend was ordained online to perform our ceremony. Is this legal?
Are friends and family members with online ordinations legally able to perform marriage ceremonies in Pennsylvania?
Why should we use a professional Officiant?
As a professional Wedding Officiant, I am proud of the work that I have. I feel that the best answers to this questions can be found in the following articles, linked below.
From The Knot, Why You Should Hire A Professional Ceremony Officiant:
Why should we use a professional Officiant?
You don't have to take my word for it, check out the links before for great answers to this question.
From The Knot, Why You Should Hire A Professional Ceremony Officiant:
What are your strengths?
Do you perform non-religious ceremonies?
Yes! I have the personal flexibility and professional ability to work ceremonies that reflect the needs of the couples and families I work with. I focus on offering couples wedding ceremonies that present their love and their philosophy. My motto, for wedding ceremonies, is and will continue to be, "The Heart Of The Couple Is the Heart Of The Ceremony."
Do you perform same sex wedding ceremonies?
Yes! I am honored to unite those who love one another in marriage. Love between two people deserves to be legally recognized and honored.
Do I need a licensed priest or minister to perform my marriage ceremony?
You do need a legally recognized person to perform your wedding in the Commonwealth and Pennsylvania. PA law clearly states those who are recognized to officiate at marriage ceremonies. I am legally recognized in Pennsylvania to perform weddings. I was ordained in a 'regularly established church' and have performed over 1300 wedding ceremonies. If individuals choose to be married by someone other than those listed as an ordained minister of a regularly established congregation OR a civil official authorized by PA law, the burden of proof regarding legality (or lack thereof) is on the individuals involved should future issues arise that require a determination of the marriage's validity. In Two Pennsylvania Counties there are Two Contrasting Rulings about Marriages Performed by Person Ordain over the Internet.
Can you explain why your ordination is legal?
My ordination is legally recognized in Pennsylvania without any doubt of its legality. I am 'the real deal.' I am an ordained Protestant Minister and I choose to perform ceremonies for all who want to be married. I respect the beliefs and traditions of the couples I work with. I perform weddings because I love supporting couples in the creation and sharing of a personalized ceremony. I do not impress or stress my own faith beliefs or traditions on the couples that I work with. I focus on the couple and what their hopes and intentions are. I am able to do this because couples are not asking me to marry them in a church. I assist couples with their wedding ceremonies because I believe that EVERYONE deserves to have a professional help them create and perform a meaningful ceremony.
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I was not ordained online. -
I was not ordained just for the fun of it. -
I was not ordained just to make some quick money. -
I was not ordained because my cousin asked me to perform her wedding. -
I am not ordained by the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries.
Do you perform other ceremonies, besides wedding ceremonies?
Yes, I do! I perform Weddings, Baby Blessings/ Baptism ceremonies, Funerals or Memorial Services. I am also comfortable with providing a Blessing for a new home. Contact me for more information, to discuss ideas, arrangements and fees. Email me at info@heartceremonies.com for samples and information.
How long have you been performing weddings?
I was ordained in 1997 and have performed wedding ceremonies since that time.
How many wedding ceremonies have you performed?
I have performed over twelve hundred wedding ceremonies in the past twenty two years.
My wedding is coming up soon. Can I book you last minute?
Yes! It's worth checking with me.I've worked with couples who have only weeks before the wedding and are still looking for an officiant. We'll work on all of the details and plan a meaningful ceremony. Your guests won't know whether you planned your ceremony a year in advance or just days before.
We are an Interfaith couple. How do you feel about working with us?
Wedding License Info
Who applies for the wedding license?
In all states, the couple being married apply for the wedding license. A couple must apply for a wedding license in person and the two applicants must be together when the application is made.
What are the Pennsylvania requirements for securing a wedding license?
What are the New Jersey requirements for securing a wedding license?
Is there a central registry of marriage in PA?
There is not a central registry of marriages in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, records of marriage licenses are maintained only in the county where you applied for the license. If you applied in Monroe County but were married in another county within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, your records would only be in Monroe County. You can be married in another county though!
We are getting married on a cruise, island, or in another state/country. Where do we get our marriage license?
You must get your license in the State or country where the marriage will take place. Check with your travel agent for requirements.
Why do I need to provide my SSN (social security number) to apply for a marriage license?
The 1996 Federal Welfare Reform Act requires the verified Social Security number of an individual (who has one) in order to apply for a marriage license. It's a federal law that you must provide your Social Security number in exchange for a marriage license, so every state must comply whether it agrees with the edict or not
What happens if I do not have a SSN?
A Social Security number is absolutely required to obtain a marriage license if you are a U.S. Citizen. If you are not a citizen, you can still obtain a marriage license with comparable documents.
Does Pennsylvania recognize common-law marriages?
NO. PA courts have ruled common-law marriages after September 17, 2003 are invalid for the state of Pennsylvania.
Can you explain your ordination status?
My ordination is legally recognized in Pennsylvania without any doubt of its legality. I am 'the real deal.' I am an ordained Protestant Minister and I choose to perform ceremonies for all who want to be married. I respect the beliefs and traditions of the couples I work with. I perform weddings because I love supporting couples in the creation and sharing of a personalized ceremony. I do not impress or stress my own faith beliefs or traditions on the couples that I work with. I focus on the couple and what their hopes and intentions are. I am able to do this because couples are not asking me to marry them in a church.
-
I was not ordained online. -
I was not ordained just for the fun of it. -
I was not ordained just to make some quick money. -
I was not ordained because my cousin asked me to perform her wedding. -
I am not ordained by the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries.
I am an ordained Protestant Minister in the United Church of Christ. This Protestant denomination is recognized legally within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a 'regularly established church.’ II am able to perform weddings in New Jersey. I have also performed weddings in New Hampshire, Maryland, Massachusetts and Connecticut; my credentials are valid in all fifty states.
Do I need a licensed priest or minister to perform my marriage ceremony?
You do need a legally recognized person to perform your wedding in the Commonwealth and Pennsylvania. PA law clearly states those who are recognized to officiate at marriage ceremonies. I am legally recognized in Pennsylvania to perform weddings. I was ordained in a 'regularly established church' and have performed over 1300 wedding ceremonies. If individuals choose to be married by someone other than those listed as an ordained minister of a regularly established congregation OR a civil official authorized by PA law, the burden of proof regarding legality (or lack thereof) is on the individuals involved should future issues arise that require a determination of the marriage's validity. In Two Pennsylvania Counties there are Two Contrasting Rulings about Marriages Performed by Person Ordain over the Internet.