I perform non-denominational, mixed-faith, spiritual, or secular weddings and domestic partnership or commitment ceremonies, in traditional or modern styles. I will fit your needs.
Prior to your wedding, I would like to meet with you both in order to get to know you and plan the language and structure for your ceremony. For example, we will discuss what kind of wedding celebration you would like to have, what wording fits your needs during the ceremony, and whether you will include readings, music, etc., in your ceremony. Based on this discussion, I will draft a wedding ceremony that is customized and personalized for you, reflecting the language and ideas that you want included. I also have basic structures and wordings I can use, if you prefer. I am also happy to coordinate details via phone and email — whatever works best for you.
The important thing is that you, the couple, get exactly what you want on your wedding day.
I offer two kinds of ceremonies: a simple, romantic ceremony and a more personalized ceremony. For either kind of ceremony, I will work with you to craft the perfect wedding for you. I will share drafts with you to get your feedback and tailor ceremonies to your desires; you will see the final draft before your wedding day.
Simple/Romantic Ceremony: This ceremony, centered on love, includes the standard elements of a classic wedding. You can choose to write you own vows, add readings, include rituals, or otherwise shape the ceremony as you like. I have nonreligious, nondenominational, and Christian versions of this ceremony available, plus a variety of possible vows.
Personalized Ceremony: This ceremony is highly personalized, including a couple’s “love story” of how you met, fell in love, and decided to marry. It may also include expanded interfaith or multicultural traditions, more complex rituals, bilingual text, or additional elements. Please contact me to learn more.
We can rehearse your wedding with your wedding party (if any) either the day before your wedding or on the day of your wedding, an hour or two prior to the ceremony. The rehearsal includes placing where the couple and members of the wedding party will be during the ceremony, running through the order of the ceremony, and explaining what will be said, read, or played during the ceremony from beginning to end. I charge $200 for a rehearsal. I am also happy to perform weddings with no rehearsal, depending on your preference.
Before the date of your wedding, you will need to pick up a marriage license and pay the license fee to the county clerk. You will both need to appear at the county clerk’s office in order to obtain a marriage license. After the ceremony, I will have witnesses sign the license, if applicable, and then I will mail it to the county clerk or deliver it in person to the clerk’s office.
I perform weddings in all locations, indoors and outdoors. For weddings outside the City of Chicago, I charge a travel fee starting at $100, depending on time and distance.
Base Price for Simple, Romantic Ceremony: $400
Base Price for Personalized Wedding Ceremony: $600
