Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a real minister?
Do you work with LBGTQ+ couples?
Do you work with LBGTQ+ couples?
Yes. I am an ordained minister with the Universal Brotherhood Movement, qualified to officiate marriages in Massachusetts and most of New England. I do not practice or preach a specific religion – my ordination is simply what allows me to legally solemnize weddings.
Do you work with LBGTQ+ couples?
Do you work with LBGTQ+ couples?
Do you work with LBGTQ+ couples?
Absolutely! I love that Massachusetts was one of the first states to honor same-sex unions. Officiating weddings for gay, lesbian and non-binary couples is an important part of my work.
Where can we read your reviews?
Do you work with LBGTQ+ couples?
How far in advance do you get booked?
I feel fortunate to have received hundreds of excellent reviews! Check them out on The Knot and Wedding Wire
How far in advance do you get booked?
How far in advance do you get booked?
How far in advance do you get booked?
Anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 years! I recommend booking your officiant 6-12 months in advance. My schedule fills up quickly, but I often have openings, so please inquire, regardless of your timeline.
How long do your ceremonies last?
How far in advance do you get booked?
How long do your ceremonies last?
It depends on what you choose to include! Generally, I recommend that ceremonies last 20-30 minutes. But I also see the value in quick, no-frills ceremonies, and I am available for those as well.
Do you work in my area?
How far in advance do you get booked?
How long do your ceremonies last?
My primary areas of service are Greater Boston, the South Shore and South Coast, Central Massachusetts, and Cape Cod. Elsewhere in New England, I may ask for a $300 travel stipend in addition to my fee. I offer discounts for ceremonies in the South Shore region. Please contact me for a quote, and to check availability.
What do you wear?
How do you write a personalized ceremony if you don’t know us?
How do you write a personalized ceremony if you don’t know us?
I base my outfit on the formality of your event. Usually, it’s a simple black dress and a shawl that coordinates with your wedding colors. I don’t wear a judge’s robe or traditional minister vestments.
How do you write a personalized ceremony if you don’t know us?
How do you write a personalized ceremony if you don’t know us?
How do you write a personalized ceremony if you don’t know us?
This begins with an informal interview, but it’s the questionnaire that you both fill out that really helps me to get to know you, as individuals, and as a couple. We work together to fine-tune the ceremony script until it’s just right.
Can you help me write my vows?
How do you write a personalized ceremony if you don’t know us?
What kind of rituals can we include?
Yes! Marriage Vows are an especially meaningful part of the wedding ceremony. Some couples write their own vows from scratch. Others prefer to use traditional vows, or to create a hybrid, starting with the samples I provide. No matter what, I’m here to help!
What kind of rituals can we include?
Do you stay for the reception or rehearsal dinner?
What kind of rituals can we include?
There are so many to choose from! We can also invent our own. Popular options include the Ring Warming, Breaking the Glass, a Wine Box or Time Capsule, the Unity Candle and Handfasting. All rituals are personalized to your own tastes and traditions.
Should we have a rehearsal?
Do you stay for the reception or rehearsal dinner?
Do you stay for the reception or rehearsal dinner?
In most cases, yes. A rehearsal brings peace of mind, and helps to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the Big Day. I’ll provide cue sheets, reader/vow cards, and other information (as needed) for everyone involved.
Do you stay for the reception or rehearsal dinner?
Do you stay for the reception or rehearsal dinner?
Do you stay for the reception or rehearsal dinner?
It’s an honor to be asked, but my policy is not to attend the rehearsal dinner or the reception.
Is it appropriate to tip a wedding officiant?
Is it appropriate to tip a wedding officiant?
Is it appropriate to tip a wedding officiant?
Yes, gratuities are graciously accepted (but never expected)!
How do we get our Marriage License?
Is it appropriate to tip a wedding officiant?
Is it appropriate to tip a wedding officiant?
We will review this process in detail during our meeting. Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy! When you marry in Massachusetts, you must have a marriage license issued in Massachusetts… but it can be issued in any town -- whatever is convenient for you. You do have to apply in person, together.
How do I change my name?
Is it appropriate to tip a wedding officiant?
How do I change my name?
During the marriage license application process, you will indicate your “surname after marriage.” After the wedding, you can order a certified copy of your marriage license, and then use this official document to change your name with Social Security, the RMV, your bank account, etc..
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