Q&A

Q1. What is considered a “Ceremony“?

A ceremony is a semi-private, private, casual or formal event held on special occasions, aka Weddings & Vow renewals.

Q2. What does “Officiant“ mean?

Someone who is legally authorized to preside over/perform a couple's Ceremony.

Q3. What kind of Officiant am I?

Modern nondenominational minister/civil Officiant. "Officiants" are known and called by many different names: wedding Officiant, wedding minister, wedding officiator, marriage officiator, marriage minister, marriage Officiant, marriage official, wedding clergy, marriage clergy, wedding celebrant, celebrant, justice of the peace, JP, civil Officiant and reverend. I am legally ordained through the Universal Life Church.

Q4. What is the Universal Life Church?

The Universal Life Church & ULC Seminary, Inc., is a non-denominational church that believes that we are all spirits in bodies, seeking and discovering our own personal truth in our own unique way. We believe in religious freedom, as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others and is within the law.

Q5. Where can you legally perform a Ceremony?

Anywhere in the State of NY, CT and NJ. I am also registered in NYC - Officiant #3205924. See my NY Marriage License Information page for NY City and State Guidelines.

Q6. What type of ceremonies do you perform?

While the ceremonies are non-denominational, they are designed to meet the couples’ individual needs. Some of the various types of ceremonies are:

Civil/Traditional: A Civil ceremony is a marriage performed, recorded, and recognized by a government official such as an Officiant and is recognized by the state. A civil ceremony is the most common and allows a couple to include special readings, vows, symbols and wedding themes that may not be included in a religious ceremony. A civil ceremony often does not contain religious elements; however, it is completely up to the couple. A civil ceremony can take place in the venue of your choice. A traditional ceremony includes the wedding ceremony and a wedding reception that usually features speeches, dancing, a meal and time to spend with guests. They can be held in churches, at beaches, museums, gardens, resorts or any number of places.
Interfaith: Interfaith ceremony, sometimes called interreligious marriage or "mixed marriage", is marriage between spouses professing different religions. An interfaith ceremony is an ideal solution for couples that have different spiritual, religious or cultural backgrounds.
Non-traditional: A non-traditional ceremony is one where the couple doesn't follow the traditional order of things. For example, they may have their wedding party walk down the aisle in a different order than usual, have your dog or cat carry the wedding rings, or they may not exchange vows during the ceremony. You may or may not have religious overtones and you will most likely add your own flavor to this type of ceremony.
Non-denominational: A non-denominational ceremony has no association with a religious denomination. It can contain elements of traditional, non-traditional, spiritual, interfaith and/or civil ceremonies.
Same-Sex: Ceremony between partners of the same sex and/or gender identity.
Domestic Partner or Commitment Blessings: A domestic partnership is an arrangement in which two people live together and are in a committed relationship without being legally married. It shares many of the same benefits as being married. Domestic partnerships are composed of two people of any gender, which includes male, female, or nonbinary people.
Vow Renewal: A vow renewal is a celebratory ceremony during which a married couple reaffirms their commitment to one another. They are especially popular on milestone anniversaries (10, 25, or 50 years), but there's no rule that says you have to wait to have one.

Q7. Can you conduct the ceremony outside of a house of worship?

YES, because I am a non-denominational Officiant. I can perform ceremonies everywhere and there are no restrictions.

Q8. Can I write my own vows?

YES, of course you can; I feel that your ceremony should have special meaning to you.

Q9. Are there things that you will not do, mention, etc.?

I do not ask if anyone objects! This dates back to another era, and nobody really says, “Speak now or forever hold your peace” anymore. Many couples ask me about old-fashioned elements of a wedding ceremony like “honor and obey” in the vows, using the words like “man and wife” (as opposed to “husband and wife”) and asking the father’s permission for the bride’s hand. Remember, this is your ceremony, and we will only say and do what is most comfortable and meaningful to you.

Q10. Will you be doing other weddings that day?

During wedding season, it is possible that I’ll have another ceremony. In order to avoid the possibility of running late, I never have two weddings that start within several hours of each other.

Q11. What if the bride or groom are running late?

If you are running behind more than 30 minutes of the contracted start time, additional fees of $25 per half hour will apply. This fee must be paid in full prior to my mailing out your signed Marriage Certificate for processing.

Q12. What if I forget the marriage license the day of the wedding?

If possible, send someone to get it.

Q13. What if the license is too far away to go get it?

You and I will figure this out. We can do this after the ceremony one way or another. It may mean that your best friend Jill and your Uncle Peter will not be your witnesses, someone else will. The upside is that you will have two anniversaries.

Q14. When do you sign the marriage license-at the end of the ceremony or beforehand?

Always after the ceremony, it takes no more than 5 minutes.

Q15. Do you allow pictures during the Ceremony?

YES, of course! I have heard that some ministers can be touchy about when and how pictures are taken during the Ceremony. Your photographer and videographer can shoot whenever and however they would like. I do ask that you provide me with one copy of a photo for my memory book.

Q16. I know we tip other vendors, but what about the Officiant?

Gratuities are never expected but are always appreciated.

Q17. How soon can I get married after we receive the marriage license?

You must wait a full 24 hours before your Ceremony can be performed unless you obtain a Judicial Waiver. Note: Please review the NYS Supreme Court information regarding availability of judicial waiver.

Q18. How long is the license valid?

A marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, beginning the day after it is issued. If a party to the marriage is active U.S. military, the solemnization period may be extended to 180 calendar days. The applicant must provide proof to the issuing clerk at the time of application.

Q19. What is the difference between Vows and Ring Exchange?

Vows are your promises to one another, while the ring exchange is when you give each other your wedding bands and say your chosen wording. Some couples choose to combine their ring exchange in their vows, while others opt to do these separately. It’s the biggest part of the day and both are optional.

Q20. What if I have to change my start time or ceremony date?

While I try to be as flexible as possible in accommodating changes, I cannot guarantee my availability for a date or time change. Please let me know as soon as possible if you plan to change your wedding date or time so I can try to find a solution for you.

Q21. What if I Cancel my wedding, is the deposit refundable?

Unfortunately, no, the deposit is nonrefundable because I was holding a secured date for you and there is no guarantee that I will rebook the date.

Q22. Will you come to our wedding rehearsal?

Yes, for an additional fee. I contract ceremony rehearsals separately from weddings because most couples don’t want (or need) an Officiant at the rehearsal. If you have a wedding coordinator at the wedding rehearsal you are simply practicing walking in and walking out, but not the ceremony itself. If you book the “Our Love Story” Package, I will attend the rehearsal for no additional rehearsal fee but travel fees may apply.

Q23. If I still want you to do my rehearsal can I book it now?

Yes, you should book the rehearsal at the same time as you book the wedding date. There is no guarantee that I may be available on your rehearsal date if it is not booked at the same time.

Q24. Do I need any Witnesses at my ceremony?

Yes, for a Legal Marriage, you and your prospective spouse must have at least one witness, who must be 18 years of age or over. The witness or witnesses must bring proper identification. Witnesses must be provided by the Client.

Q25. Is a premarital physical exam required?

No premarital examination or blood test is required to obtain a marriage license in New York State.

Q26. How do I get a Judicial waiver for a marriage in NYC?

Both petitioners (Husband and Wife - to be) have to be present and produce the marriage license. The petition is filled out explaining the need for obtaining the waiver. It is then signed by both petitioners in the presence of the clerk. You can request a Judicial Waiver from the County Clerk in the borough where you obtained your Marriage License. There is no fee. You must give the Judicial Waiver to your Marriage Officiant to enable them to perform the ceremony within the 24-hour waiting period.

Q27. Are you getting married in another country - you may need a Certificate of Non-Impediment?

If you intend to marry in another country, you may be required to obtain a Certificate of Non-Impediment and submit it with the foreign Civil Registry Office along with other documents (U.S. passport, birth certificate, application for marriage etc.). A Certificate of Non-Impediment is an official Certification issued in confirmation that the City Clerk’s Office has no information that it would be an “impediment” to your getting a Marriage License in the City of New York or any other city if the U.S. If a Certificate of Non–impediment to marriage is available, it is produced in the City Clerk’s office and you can obtain it in person. Usually, a fee is applied. To qualify for a Certificate of Non-Impediment, you must provide proof that you reside within a city (including the City of New York) and must not presently be married. Visit the Certificate of Non-Impediment section of the Office of the City Clerk Web site.

Q28. How to Obtain Your Extended and/or Apostilled Marriage Certificate

If you're an international couple deciding to get married in the states and want to make sure your marriage paperwork is legally binding in your country. Depending on where you are geographically, you might hear that you need either an extended marriage certificate or an ‘apostilled’ marriage certificate to get everything in order.

IMPORTANT WEBSITES FOR OBTAINING YOUR NYC OR NY STATE MARRIAGE LISCENCE:

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