FAQ
Where Do You Perform Wedding Ceremonies?
I typically perform ceremonies around the West Houston Area (Katy, Cypress, Richmond, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, and surrounding areas). You can always contact me to see if your location is within my area.
What Makes You Different From Other Wedding Ministers? Aren’t You All Just Basically the Same?
No two ministers are the same. Some have no public speaking experience. Being a pastor, I am used to speaking in front of large crowds in an engaging and comfortable way. You’d be surprised how many “online-ordained” ministers are just trying to make a quick buck doing weddings and have no public speaking skills.
I work my best to make sure the presentation of the ceremony is just as good as the words written down. Knowing how to engage the audience is key to performing a great ceremony.
Why Hire a Professional Minister?
You get what you pay for. Whether it’s your photographer, videographer, florist, baker, caterer, etc. – you can hire an amateur or a professional. The same is true for wedding officiants. While anyone can get ordained online and sign a marriage license, a professional wedding minister is someone who has the knowledge, training, and experience needed to perform your ceremony with excellence.
Your wedding ceremony is the main event of your wedding day and should be handled by a professional, not put in the hands of someone with little to no experience.
How Much Do You Charge?
My ceremony fees are very modest compared to what you pay for other wedding services. Again, you get what you pay for. You can see the different fees for the different services I offer on the Packages Page. There is a package fit for every budget. *There are extra fees for ceremonies scheduled on holidays and last-minute ceremonies.
What Goes Into Preparing a Typical Ceremony?
Many hours go into the preparation of a ceremony. From the consultations to the writing of the custom ceremony, to travel to and from the venue, countless hours are required. I spend careful time crafting your ceremony to your liking, with unlimited correspondence and updates. I want to make sure your ceremony is something you will be 100% satisfied with!
What Can I Expect In Your Process?
After our initial no-obligation consultation, if you choose to move forward, we will set up a formal meeting (up to 60 minutes long) either in person or via phone, FaceTime, or Skype. During this meeting, I will get to know you and your fiancee and go through a thorough process and checklist I’ve developed to make sure we cover everything in your ceremony. Some couples have every detail of their ceremony planned out and others need more guidance – you can have as much or as little input in the during this planning meeting as you like.
After our meeting, I will have everything I need to start preparing and crafting the ceremony. I will continue to follow up with you regarding any pending decisions about the ceremony that haven’t been made, and get you an Order of Service for programs when you need it. You can have unlimited correspondence via phone, email, or text with me to answer any questions you may have. As soon as I have all the information I need, I will finalize your ceremony.
The week of your ceremony, I will send you a word-for-word transcript of exactly what I’m going to say, along with cues for everyone involved. This is so you know exactly what to expect, for you to give to any wedding coordinators, and for you to use at the rehearsal if I will not be present.
The day of your wedding, I will arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins (60 minutes if a walkthrough is requested) to touch base with any coordinators, others involved in the ceremony, and the bride and groom. After the ceremony, I will obtain the marriage license to mail in and take any photos you desire.
What if You Have an Emergency the Day of My Wedding?
This has never happened to me, but it’s not impossible. If for some reason an emergency situation prevents me from attending your wedding, I will make sure to have another trusted pastor and minister to take my place and perform your wedding as well as I would have. Your ceremony will still be perfect!
What Do You Wear?
I typically wear a dark suit and tie, so as not to stand out and clash with any colors of your wedding. If you want me to wear something different or unique, or want me to wear a certain color suit or tie, I’m open to all ideas and wishes! Just let me know during our planning meeting.
Do You Speak Spanish?
Unfortunately, I do not speak Spanish. No hablo español. I am happy to learn a phrase or two (eg. if you want me to ask “Who gives this woman to be wed?” in Spanish) but am not fluent. Some couples have chosen to have a translator translate during the ceremony and I am comfortable with that. If you need a bilingual wedding minister, I do have referrals for other trusted ministers.
How Do I Hire You?
Go to the Packages page, choose a package, and tell me more about your big day. From there, I will respond to you within 24 hours with additional steps you will need to take to reserve the date of your wedding!