FAQs

Who are you ordained by? Where is your church?
I am ordained through Universal Life Church, based in Modesto, CA, and the Church of Spiritual Humanism in Jenkintown, PA. While I am a part of a couple local Pagan groups, I am personally not affiliated with any particular church or denomination.

Can we personalize our ceremony?
Yes! In fact, I strongly encourage it! Your ceremony should be a reflection of who you are as individuals and as a couple, and I will work with you to craft a ceremony that reflects your personalities, beliefs, and relationship. For more information, visit my Ceremonies page. I wish only that your ceremony is perfect!

We’re already legally married (but no one knows). Can you still perform a ceremony for us?
Absolutely! This is common amongst military families and other couples who may have needed to be married before they can have a ceremony and reception. However, it’s illegal to perform a “fake wedding ceremony”, so I will need to see a copy of your marriage license before agreeing to perform your ceremony. Once that’s squared away, we can move forward, and trust me... your guests will be none the wiser!

Can you perform a civil ceremony at the courthouse?
Unfortunately, while Justices of the Peace are no longer employed by Maryland, civil ceremonies may only be performed by a Clerk of the Civil Court or an appointed, designated Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court. More information may be found at each county’s circuit court website. However, you’re more than welcome to have a courthouse civil ceremony, then have another with family and friends! (See: “We’re already legally married” above.)

Is a handfasting a legal marriage?
A handfasting ritual can be incorporated into any wedding ceremony, much like the ring exchange. As for legality for a handfasting itself, in general, an ordained or legalized officiant needs to preside over the ceremony and the proper paperwork (i.e., a marriage license) needs to be filled out by the count prior to the actual ceremony.

Do I have to be Wiccan/Pagan to have a handfasting?
Absolutely not! If the ritual speaks to you and you desire to have it as a part of your wedding ceremony, we can certainly add it! The ritual itself is not inclusive to only Wiccans or Pagans.

Do you provide the handfasting cords?
I can! At an additional charge, I can provide to you a 9’-long silk ribbon handfasting cord with three desired colors. The standard colors are white (for purity), blue (for fidelity), and red (for passion), but they may be any colors you wish. Please contact me if you wish for me to create a handfasting cord perfect for your ceremony.

Do you stay for the reception?
It’s certainly not required for me to attend your reception, nor will I expect to! If you’d like me there, I would be more than honored to attend if it is possible for me to stay.

I know other vendors are often tipped... what about officiants?
Gratuities are never expected, but are always appreciated. Again, it’s certainly not required, nor do I expect it!

How can we book you to perform our wedding or other life event?
That’s an easy one! Simply fill out the form on my contact page to check my availability for your date, and I will get back to you.

What if I have a question you didn’t answer here?
Feel free to email me with any other questions you might have. I look forward to hearing from you!

How do we obtain a marriage license in Maryland?
The application process, courthouse times, and fees for a marriage license are different in each county throughout Maryland. Below are links to each county’s Marriage Licenses page. I hope you find this helpful! Please note that most marriage licenses have a 48-hour waiting period before a license is valid, so be sure to obtain it at least a week before your wedding date, and are typically only valid within the county in which they are obtained.

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