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officiant for Weddings & Memorials
Ordained in 2010 as a Unitarian Universalist minister...
I have officiated countless weddings and memorials for those I know and those I've just met. I enjoy creating unique ceremonies with others to celebrate their stories and love.
Don't want religious language? No worries.
Speaking about God and Jesus is not authentic for me. I tend to attract people who do not identify as religious, but rather as spiritual, agnostic, atheist, or in awe of life without religious language. My language of reverence is Unitarian Universalist and inspired by poets, Buddhists, writers, nature, and my life experience. I speak with awe and reverence for life and our connections.
Give your people a break.
Hire a professional and let your friends and family show up without needing to research or get worried about speaking in front of a crowd. I tap into my authentic, caring presence to create and hold sacred space for meaningful and memorable celebrations of life.
weddings
Let's craft a ceremony about your love together.
Each ceremony I have created with couples has been uniquely about them.
Attendees regularly tell me that they learn new things about the couple through the ceremonies we create. From the vows to the stories shared, we make it about you.
Love is Love is Love
Before all couples could marry, I would lead wedding ceremonies, but require couples to get a notary to sign their paperwork. I refused to sign marriage certificates until I could sign and legitimate the marriage certificate of all couples. I am committed to love in all of its expressions. Let's celebrate your love!
What's the process?
We meet twice to create your heartfelt wedding ceremony.
- Initial: Get to know each other, learn more about you as a couple and your vision for your wedding day, including what must happen and what must not happen for your wedding to feel authentic. I share a very open template for the ceremony. possible elements, readings, and vows for you to make your own.
- Planning: At this meeting we finalize the ceremony, including any readings, who will participate, and rehearsal details. I also invite you to share any family dynamics you want help navigating. When we feel confident, we're done!
- Personalization: I then email both of you separately 4 questions to answer about your relationship. I weave your answers into the ceremony, where your partner hears your words for the first time. This is what most people talk about after the ceremony - your unique stories and love!
What are your fees?
The Unitarian Universalist Ministers' Association recommends a fee of $500 for weddings or 10% of the wedding budget, whichever is higher.
I offer a sliding scale for my services and request payment for mileage if the ceremony requires more than 15 miles of driving (IRS mileage standard).
$350-$700 or 10% of the wedding budget.
memorials
We need help finding our way when a loved one dies.
I have over 15 years of experience supporting loved ones in creating and holding memorial services.
I focus on person not the "after life."
I create memorial services that focus on the person - their relationships, stories, and the meaning that we will carry on within us - rather than the afterlife or other religious beliefs. I do not pretend to know what happens after death, but I do know this life and our relationships are sacred. Memorial services offer us a way to honor the beauty and meaning of our living and our relationships.
We celebrate their lives.
We will mourn your loss and celebrate the sacredness, the humor, and the particularities of your loved one's life. If you've never experienced a UU memorial service, please know they are really something special. I've had people come to church after attending a memorial I've officiated because our language and focus on life and meaning feels authentic and inspiring.
What is the process?
- Gathering the Stories: Creating a memorial service generally involves gathering family and friends to share stories, provide comfort, and consider the shape of the service. I offer possible elements within the memorial, readings, and overall structure.
- Crafting the Service: While I guide the service, I am happy for as many people as you'd like to be involved- offering a reading, story, eulogy, or song. I can weave together a eulogy crafted from your stories or a family member or friend can write and offer this part.
What are your fees?
$350 for a memorial service plus mileage over 15 miles. Accompaniment to an internment at another site is an additional $75 plus mileage if applicable.