Will I do your wedding? I might. But the better question is: Do you want me to do your wedding? I may or may not be a good choice for you as a couple. Here are some things you'll want to take into consideration:
My license to preform marriages comes through the bishop of the diocese, who has ordained me to function within the standards of the Episcopal Church. Therefore, every wedding I do more or less follows the Book of Common Prayer's order for marriage. (Click here for a PDF of this rite.) I will work with you to personalize your ceremony so that it is tailored to and reflects the personality of the couple I am marrying, but I do not deviate far from the liturgy as outlined. I am also happy to use the inclusive language "I will bless you and you will be a blessing" rite. (Originally written for same-sex ceremonies, this rite is now authorized for use by any couple. Click here for full PDF.)
I expect to meet with a couple 3-4 times before the wedding. This is not premarital counseling; I am not licensed as a therapist. I am happy to refer you to local resources for more in-depth counseling should either you or I deem that helpful. My goal is to get to know you as a couple so I can perform a marriage in good faith and preach a better homily. It is also my hope that you will come to know and trust me. In rare occasions where a pastoral necessity calls for speed, the number of planning sessions may be reduced.
I usually charge a flat fee plus travel expenses, which covers pre-planning, bulletin preparation, priceless advice about how to handle your mother-in-law the day of your wedding, a rehearsal and the ceremony. Marriages may be preformed at my church or another suitable place. (Yes, this includes your cousin's backyard and the occasional hotel conference room.) Contact me for pricing.
Legal marriage is a right, but I am a priest first and a legal signatory second. Marriage is, in my tradition, a sacrament - an outward and visible way that God's love is made evident in our broken world. The idea that God would restrict such love to heterosexual or cis-gender couples is simply bad theology, which I neither preach nor believe. I have happily performed same-sex marriages before, and have some limited experience in interfaith ceremonies. I am registered with the Officiants for All network.
Ready to talk more? Click here to contact me.
My license to preform marriages comes through the bishop of the diocese, who has ordained me to function within the standards of the Episcopal Church. Therefore, every wedding I do more or less follows the Book of Common Prayer's order for marriage. (Click here for a PDF of this rite.) I will work with you to personalize your ceremony so that it is tailored to and reflects the personality of the couple I am marrying, but I do not deviate far from the liturgy as outlined. I am also happy to use the inclusive language "I will bless you and you will be a blessing" rite. (Originally written for same-sex ceremonies, this rite is now authorized for use by any couple. Click here for full PDF.)
I expect to meet with a couple 3-4 times before the wedding. This is not premarital counseling; I am not licensed as a therapist. I am happy to refer you to local resources for more in-depth counseling should either you or I deem that helpful. My goal is to get to know you as a couple so I can perform a marriage in good faith and preach a better homily. It is also my hope that you will come to know and trust me. In rare occasions where a pastoral necessity calls for speed, the number of planning sessions may be reduced.
I usually charge a flat fee plus travel expenses, which covers pre-planning, bulletin preparation, priceless advice about how to handle your mother-in-law the day of your wedding, a rehearsal and the ceremony. Marriages may be preformed at my church or another suitable place. (Yes, this includes your cousin's backyard and the occasional hotel conference room.) Contact me for pricing.
Legal marriage is a right, but I am a priest first and a legal signatory second. Marriage is, in my tradition, a sacrament - an outward and visible way that God's love is made evident in our broken world. The idea that God would restrict such love to heterosexual or cis-gender couples is simply bad theology, which I neither preach nor believe. I have happily performed same-sex marriages before, and have some limited experience in interfaith ceremonies. I am registered with the Officiants for All network.
Ready to talk more? Click here to contact me.