Frequently Asked Questions
What is the procedure for obtaining a Marriage License?
The city of Concord has a very informative webpage that answers all of the pertinent questions about the Marriage License Application Process. Check it out to get the most frequently asked questions answered, and please remember that this is the Concord, NH page - you do NOT need to go to Concord to obtain your license. You can do it in any city or town in the state.
How far in advance should we book our JP or Celebrant?
I recommend booking your Justice of the Peace as soon as possible. Even up to a year in advance is not too soon. Doing it sooner rather than later gives you a chance to interview a few different JPs, and gives you the time to choose someone you feel comfortable with. Although I prefer to be contacted early, I am not opposed to working with you if you contact me on relatively short notice.
What sets you apart from other JPs and Celebrants? Why should we choose you to perform our Marriage?
There are many excellent JPs and Celebrants in New Hampshire so, although it's difficult to answer this question, I’ll try to offer some points that distinguish me from other Marriage Officiants:
•First,
my fees are very reasonable, and there are no hidden fees or extra expenses like travel fees to contend with - the fees you see on my home page are the fees you pay.
•Second, the wedding ceremony coordinator that accompanies me to rehearsals at no additional charge is a big plus. Many of our couples comment on how helpful it was to have someone coordinate their rehearsal and ceremony.
•Third, I am a very involved Celebrant. Even if it is just a simple, short Ceremony, I believe that my role involves more than just marrying you. As soon as I arrive my work starts. Before the Ceremony begins, I make sure that your DJ or Musician(s) know all of their cues, and I review the Ceremony with your Photographer so s/he can get the best shots possible. I make sure the Best Man, Maid of Honor, and anyone else who has a role to play knows what they need to do and when. I'll answer any last minute questions you have. Basically, I help in any way I can.
•Also, although it may not seem like a big point, my couples like the fact that I don't rush through the Ceremony. My style is more laid back - I take my time, and let you know what to do and say every step of the way so that you can just relax and enjoy every minute of your wedding. Many times I’ve been asked how I remain so relaxed during the ceremony!
•Finally, I believe the most important things are sometimes intangible. Knowing that you have an experienced, professional Marriage Officiant who loves what he does, who’s main goal is to make your wedding day enjoyable for you, and with whom you can feel relaxed, is worth its weight in gold!
Can we meet you before making our decision?
Absolutely! Meeting me is not a necessity, but it is certainly an option. All meetings usually take place at my office in Nottingham, NH.
How much do you charge for meetings?
There is no charge for meeting with me. Also, there is no pressure to book me. I like couples to be able to meet me in a stress-free environment where they can make a good evaluation. In fact, I recommend that you go home, think it over, talk it over with each other, and then call me if you'd like me to perform your Marriage. Also, this meeting gives me a chance to make sure that I can provide you with the services you are looking for. I want to make sure that it is a good match all around.
We are interested in one of the Pre-Written Ceremonies,
but we'd like to choose our own vows - is this possible?
Yes. One of my main philosophies is that this is YOUR Wedding, and you should have what you want included in the Ceremony. I encourage this and, if requested, will help you to write your vows. There is a $5 additional charge for customized vows.
Where do you perform your Weddings?
Most of my Weddings are in Rockingham, Strafford, Hillsborough, Merrimack, and Belknap Counties of New Hampshire.
Where can the Ceremony be held?
This is your choice. New Hampshire has a variety of great spots! For outdoor Weddings, couples will choose the beach, boats, hill tops, parks, courtyards, and even their own back yards. For indoor Weddings, banquet halls, chapels, restaurants, and their own homes are popular. And, of course, you can always use our Ceremony Room!
How many Weddings do you do a day?
It depends. I prefer to do only one, but I may do two or even three if they are close together, and the couples are having trouble finding an Officiant for the day.
On our Wedding day, what time will you arrive at the site and when do you leave?
I'll usually arrive about 20 to 30 minutes in advance of your Ceremony. I'll leave when the Ceremony is over, unless you'd like me to stay for photos!
What do you wear?
I'll usually wear a suit, but really, I'll wear whatever you would like me to wear. My goal is to blend in to the Wedding as best I can, so I'll ask you if you have a special color theme or themes, and I'll also ask you if there is anything special you'd like me to wear.
Do you perform Civil Unions?
Yes, I can perform your Civil Union. The wording used for a Civil Union is very similar to the wording for a Wedding.
Can you renew our vows?
Yes, I do Vow Renewal Ceremonies.
Do you use a contract?
Yes. As soon as you have indicated that you would like me to perform your Ceremony, I put together and mail you a contract so that you can reserve my services for the day and time. The contract also provides a "courtesy hold date." This means that I will reserve the day and time for you without contract or reservation fee thus giving you the time to receive the contract and return it to me without fear of losing the date to another couple who may express an interest in my services for the same time.
What is the cost of your services?
Please see my Home Page.
What are the provisions of the contract as far as payments are concerned?
I require a non-refundable reservation fee of $45.00 or 50% (whichever is less), with the balance due on the day of the event, prior to the beginning of the Ceremony if it is a Pre-Written Ceremony where I will not be attending the Rehearsal. If you elect to have me at the Rehearsal, I usually recommend paying the balance then. (The less you have to remember on the day of your Wedding, the better!)
We've been looking around, and most Officiants charge more than you. Why are your services so inexpensive?
Yes, I do get this question every once and a while. And, while I do believe that in most cases you "get what you pay for," that phrase really can't be applied to my services. If you look at my experience in the wedding industry, as a Celebrant, and as a Professional Trainer, College Faculty Member, and Seminar Leader, you'll see that lack of experience isn't why I charge the fees I do. And, of course, an education that includes two graduate degrees from Schools of Education doesn't hurt! Neither am I desperate for work - I do quite a few things so I can perform only so many weddings.
So what is the answer? Partly, it lies in my philosophy. My own experience with wedded life has lead me to believe that marriage is a truly worthwhile institution, and I see myself as performing a very important role both for society and for the couples I am marrying. Also, my reasons lie partly in the fact that weddings can be so expensive - I love the fact that I can delight my couples with a very reasonable fee for wedding officiant services. I don't want money to come between my couples and the ceremony they want. Finally, there is a selfish motive - I really like performing weddings, it is a deeply fulfilling experience for me. I like to think that I am doing it for more than just the money, and keeping my couple's fees at reasonable rates helps me to remember that.
What do you need to have us bring to the Ceremony?
Bring your Marriage License, some form of ID and, if you are using them, don't forget your rings and bridal bouquet! Also make sure to bring the balance of the fee.
What do we do first? How do we begin?
You can start by calling or emailing me.
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