Q: How do I get a marriage license? 
A: Getting Married in New Jersey?
Here's the information: Click on NJ MARRIAGE LICENSE
A: Getting Married in New York?
Here's the information:  Click on NY MARRIAGE LICENSE

Q: Do I need to do anything with my license?
A: Don't forget to bring it to the ceremony!  Don't write on or alter your license once the Registrar clerk has issued it!  Once the ceremony is completed, I will file the license, give you a copy (the pink copy) and keep a copy for my permanent records. 

Q: What is your fee? How much do you charge?
I don't know why so many ministers are afraid to tell you upfront:  Here are MY fees, in black and white:
If your wedding takes place in Northern New Jersey, my fee is $400. 
If your Wedding takes place in Central Jersey or at the beach my fee is $500.00. 
If your Wedding takes place in Southern New Jersey,  Westchester, New York or New York City , or Pennsylvania: my fee is $600   
Fee quotes are available for 'destination weddings' on request. 

If I hire you, do I get you?
Absolutely! I am not a group or an organization that hires people to perform wedding ceremonies and then calls them 'ministers'.  You work with me…personally!  I take pride and joy in every wedding that I perform. 

How about just a “show up wedding”?
I am registered with many town clerks throughout New Jersey. I offer a simple and easy wedding ceremony.  You will need a marriage license, 2 witnesses and an appointment. You can call me at  201-410-6834 to set an appointment with very little advance notice. These Quick & Simple weddings are performed at your chosen location and last approximately 10-15 minutes.  The flat fee for this service is $250.


How do we pay you?
I ask for a deposit of 50% of my fee when we meet to construct your personal ceremony. This will reserve me for your ceremony.  You can pay your deposit with a personal check, money order or cash. The balance is due the day of the wedding.  I ask that you pay your balance with cash, money order or certified check only.  If we are not meeting in person before the ceremony, I ask for a deposit of 50% be mailed at least 30 days prior to your event - if possible.

Why are you so cheap? or Why are you so expensive?
 I know that there are ministers who charge less - and there are ministers out there who charge upwards of $1000! I honestly believe that money is not the real issue here. I believe that the bottom line is trust and comfort.  I truly believe that I celebrate the best ceremonies. (Really.) Meet with me and I’ll show you how, together, we construct a genuinely perfect ceremony, and make you comfortable and confidant that you've hired the best.  

ASK YOURSELF:  DO YOU WANT TO HIRE THE CHEAPEST MINISTER, OR THE BEST OFFICIANT WITH THE MOST EXPERIENCE?   WHY SCRIMP WHEN IT COMES TO THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT IN YOUR LIVES!

Do we tip the minister/officiant?
Though it is not necessary to tip the minister, if you feel you have received wonderful service and an amazing ceremony and wish to express your gratitude, please feel free to do so.   I donate a portion of my income to charity so your generosity helps worthy charitable causes. It is one more way I try to inject some tender loving care into the world.  

What is Pre-Cana? Do I need to attend it?
Pre-Cana is a series of classes required by the Catholic Church which an engaged couple must attend before getting married in the Catholic Church. You only need Pre-Cana if you are getting married within the Catholic Church by a priest.

Can you perform a Civil Union for Same Sex Partners?
Yes, I do!  New Jersey has passed a Civil Union law that allows same sex partners to have the same rights and benefits as those who enter into marriage. As of February 19, 2007, you can obtain a civil union license with the registrar in either partner's hometown. I can perform a legal ceremony and file all the necessary paperwork with the state.

We want you to perform a ceremony for us. What next?
You can contact me by telephone at 1-201-410-6834 or contact me via email. I will gather information about you and the type of ceremony that you want, and answer any questions that you have about our services. If you like, we can set up a consultation where we can talk in depth about your ceremony.

Do you require premarital counseling?
No, I do not require premarital counseling. You and your partner are adults and your choices in such matters are strictly your own. However, if you'd like to talk to a professional, I work with some excellent counselors and can recommend you to them..

Is a rehearsal necessary?
Couples have different feelings on this issue. Most couples find that a rehearsal is not necessary as long as the minister/officiant is experienced, knowledgeable and prepared (which, of course, I am!). Other couples choose to rehearse, but do it without the minister/officiant since the minister/officiant knows their part and the couple just wants to familiarize the wedding party with the wedding site and their part in the ceremony. Another option that saves money for the couple if they are intent on a rehearsal is to do a short rehearsal a half-hour before the ceremony begins.

What happens if you cannot perform my ceremony due to an emergency?
Once you and I have agreed to perform your ceremony, I consider this a very sacred trust. I work closely with two other ministers, so even in the event of a dire emergency, I will be able to find someone great to perform your ceremony. In fact, in their emergency situations, other ministers often rely on me.  In my years of performing hundred of weddings, I have NEVER had an emergency situation that prevented me from officiating a wedding. The bottom line is that if you book me for your wedding, you will get me!

Where are you willing to perform my ceremony?
Wherever you wish. I've celebrated weddings and other ceremonies in many varied locations. I find that celebrating your marriage ceremony in the location you choose makes it all the more personal!  The most important aspect of your location is that you are comfortable.

How long will the ceremony last?
Most ceremonies last approximately 20-30 minutes but the length depends on what you want in your ceremony. Of course, if you have multiple readings or poems, a Unity Candle, etc. your ceremony will be longer. Your ceremony can be as long or short as you want it to be.

What do you wear during the ceremony?
I generally wear a minister’s robe over a suit but I can change our attire to suit your preferences. (For example, at different times,  I’ve been asked to wear a monk’s robe for a medieval themed wedding and a Hawaiian shirt and lei for a bar-b-q wedding.). Regarding appearances and every aspect of your ceremony: I strive to make the wedding a joyous occasion and not cause any offense to any guest or to even the bridal couple themselves. Just tell me what is important to you and you will get exactly what you want.

How do I schedule you to perform our wedding ceremony?
Call or email me for availability and booking. Use the Contact Me page on this site to contact me directly.

Do we need to meet with you before the ceremony?
Whether or not you wish to meet with me prior to your ceremony is up to you. I find that constructing the ceremony together is a joyful and wonderful meeting.  We laugh, we cry, and you'll know EXACTLY what will be said at your wedding ceremony.  If you wish to meet, we can schedule a meeting whenever you are available. If you do not wish to meet, I will arrive early to meet with you directly before the ceremony to talk about any last minute details.

When will you arrive for the ceremony?
Approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. At that time your witnesses will need to sign the license.

Can I write my own vows?
Yes, of course!  You can customize your ceremony as you would like. I am also always available to help you with any details.   I've had many couples share their personal vows during the ceremony.  I'll give you the secrets about these when we meet.

What is a Unity Candle?
A Unity Candle consists of one large pedestal candle that sits in between two smaller taper candles. During the ceremony the mother's of the Bride and Groom, or any other loved ones will light the two taper candles signifying your current family. You and your fiancé will take the taper candles and light the pedestal candle together, signifying your new family. You can either blow out the tapers or leave them lighted. The ceremony can have a religious or non-religious meaning. There are different meanings for the Unity Candles.   (Note:  Candles, for any reason, just don't work when the ceremony is held outside!)

What is a Rose Ceremony?
A Rose Ceremony is an older tradition where the bride and groom, after taking their vows, exchange a single red rose to each other. It symbolizes their first gift to each other as husband and wife as well as an expression of their love for one another. A section can be added to include the mothers receiving a rose as well.

What is a Sand Ceremony?
A Sand Ceremony is a Hawaiian Tradition that can be used in place of a Unity Candle, especially in beach weddings or outdoor weddings where candles are often impractable. It holds a similar meaning as the Unity Candle. Two small containers of sand are combined into one large container by the Bride and Groom, unifying the two.

Can I add a favorite poem or reading to my ceremony?
Yes, of course you may. You can add as many poems, readings, etc. as you wish. You can also have a family member read a poem or a bible passage. I'm very flexible when it comes to creating your ceremony - after all, it's your day! I can help you at any time to create your ceremony or your vows. 

It’s the day of my ceremony, now what? What do you do before the ceremony starts?
I'll arrive about 30 minutes before the ceremony to take care of the paperwork and to assure you that I've arrived.  Often I get a chance to speak to your guests before the ceremony. I explain to them that today is not just a ceremony but a celebration.  (And I take the opportunity to tell your guests to turn off their cell phones and beepers during the ceremony.)
 
What do I need to give you?
You will need to provide the valid New Jersey marriage license. If the license is not present, not valid, or altered in any way, I will not be able to perform your ceremony. You must have at least two witnesses, over the age of 18, present at your ceremony. They will need to sign your marriage license in my presence.

What will you give me?
The New Jersey Marriage license comes with 4 copies - one for the county, one for the state, one for the married couple, and one for me, the officiant. You will receive your carbon copy of the license to keep for your records (the pink copy). I will keep my copy on file - permanently.

What do I need to do after the ceremony?
Relax and enjoy your honeymoon!

What will you do after the ceremony?
Within 5 days of your ceremony (usually the next day) I will file the appropriate copies of the marriage license in the town in which your ceremony was performed

After the ceremony, how do I get an official copy of my marriage certificate?
You will need to contact the Registrar of Vital Statistics in the town in which you were married for a copy. They will let you know what information they need to send you a copy of your certificate and what the fee is for the copy.

What other services do you provide?
As a fully ordained minister I can offer the full spectrum of ministerial services such as: Vow Renewals, Commitment Ceremonies, Baby Namings and Blessings, Baby Christenings, Pet Funerals etc. etc.